How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some instances you might be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure to shop around. Be sure to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
registrierten führerschein online kaufen driving licence is a document which allows you to operate a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression, blood group, and driver photo. The driving license also comes with magnet strips, even though it isn't currently in use.
When you take an exam for driving in Germany you'll have to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test usually lasts 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules, as well as some general questions. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or not following the exam. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate that permits you to drive for a couple of weeks until you pick up your license.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail their driving test is because they are scared and don't know the rules of the road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as possible prior to the actual test, especially if you are from a nation where the driving laws differ.
If you're only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need an additional license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present a certificate that prove your eyesight and health. You also must take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule and take both the theory and practical tests before you can receive your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive the vehicle in Germany. You can locate English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're a resident of a state or country which has a relationship with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's licence in exchange for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs from one country to the next and you should check with the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general, you will have to declare your residency and provide documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear and sharp vision. In some cases you'll also be required to submit certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however you'll need to pass an exam in theory and practice to obtain a full license.
For those who are coming from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. In most instances, you'll need take a course at an driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and complete an initial-aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick-up your German driving license. It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving permit and a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. A small fee of EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your identity and/or unauthorized activities. You will need to submit an email stating that you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you have a license issued by an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can usually exchange your driving license from another country for one that is a German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is usually only possible if you've been driving for a long period of time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
In this situation you'll still require proof of your identity and a current passport photo. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. You can find out more about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You must renew your license at least four weeks before the date of expiration. This will give you time to complete all necessary documents. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a recent passport photograph with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may differ based on the federal state in which you reside. If you aren't sure then we suggest you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) as well as the passport photo. Then, you'll have to pass either a practical or written driving test, as passing a medical exam.
During the test, you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the chance to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. If you're successful, you'll be issued a new German driving licence just a few weeks later.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have an US license?
The rules are different depending on the state where you obtained your license. In the US each state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. For instance in Massachusetts drivers with a valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses changed.
It is recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA for a longer duration or who plan on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while they are there. If you don't, you'll have to change your American driving license to one German one when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle in Germany.
You can find information about the process and the documentation required in Anlage 11 of the German Federal Road Traffic Act (Standard-Fahrzeugsteuergesetz, SFTG). The Anlage contains the list of states and countries where a driver's license issued by the country can be transferred without having to retake the driving test. The list includes Alabama, Arkansas Colorado, Florida Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky Louisiana, Mississippi Missouri, Montana Minnesota, North Carolina Nebraska Nevada Ohio, Oklahoma South Dakota Tennessee Texas Virginia and West Virginia.
If you're not from a state or country that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain a different type of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes taking an instructor-led driving course as well as taking theory classes and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test to show that you know the rules of driving and are able to manage a vehicle. The driving exam is conducted by an expert examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will differ, but it can be anywhere between a few hundred and a couple thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will vary from company to company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.