How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not just because of its strict standards but it also because it is recognised throughout Europe. Expats often want to change their driving licence from the EU/EEA for one with a German license when it expires.
What are the requirements?
There are a variety of requirements for purchasing the German driving license, which includes the kind of vehicle you wish to drive and the age. To obtain a class-B driver's license, you must be 18 years old. This is the minimum age required for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for a class C or E license if you want to drive heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks, or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some cases you might need to pass an oral or written test before being allowed to take a practical test.
Certain countries allow their citizens to swap their licenses for licenses that are a German one without having to pass an exam. This applies to citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.
If you're not from one of these countries, you'll be required to take a written and practical test prior to getting the German driver's license. In some instances you may also be required to pass a medical examination and vision test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for applying varies, but generally, you'll need to bring an official letter from your employer or the city stating that you have moved to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also need to bring a photograph.
The cost of the driving test is different dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's generally less than EUR100. After you've passed the written and practical tests and passed the written test, your German driving license should be available for pick-up within some weeks.
It is important to know the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats will require one to legally drive in Germany. It can be difficult to take public transport in rural areas and in bad weather. A car will help.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you have a driving license from another country in the European Union (EU) or from a country recognized by Germany as having full or partial reciprocity the possibility of converting your licence to one of a German one without having to take any exams. This process can be accomplished by making an appointment with your local driver's licensing authority known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need your original licence along with a proof of identity as well as a passport photo. In the majority of cases your German licence will be ready for you to pick up in around four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra You can use it for up to six months prior you can apply for the German license. To do this you must sign up for your address and pass the German language exam which can be completed at a local language center or a private language school.
Obtaining the German driving license can take some time however, it is essential to be competent to drive safely on the roads. It can also make renting a car much easier, since some rental agencies may require you to hold a German license. It is essential to remember that driving in Germany is an important business and should be treated as such.
It is suggested that you enroll in a driving school and do some practice driving, as it will aid you in feeling more at ease during your test. Farschule123 is a website that allows you to search for driving schools by location and type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. Make an appointment at the office of your local driving license at minimum four weeks before the expiration date of your license. You'll be required to bring your driver's license along with a passport photo that you took recently, and pay a modest amount of 24 euros. Your new driving license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to obtain a German driver's licence without having to take the theory or practical test through a reciprocity arrangement. However, the majority of expats should consider starting at the beginning. This involves going through a Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a significant amount of money.
Driving registrierten führerschein online kaufen are located all over the world and offer a variety of classes, from the basic car class to a truck, bus or passenger transport license. They will also be able to offer you a theory course in your native language. Some schools charge less than others. The best way to find the best driving school is to ask around and read online reviews.
The process of changing an American driving license to a German one can take anywhere from two to six months, based on the availability of the driving school and if you have an agreement of reciprocity. If not have one, you must translate your driver's licence into German and this can be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognised automobile organization. As an alternative, you can present the KBA registry extract from your country of birth as proof of residency.
You'll have to take an exam in the form of a practical test after you have all of the required documents. During the test the instructor is in the passenger's seat as you drive the vehicle and answer questions. You will be issued your driving license in a few days after you pass.
If you fail the test, you will have to go through the entire process again with another instructor and pay the fee. In addition, you'll be required to prove that you have passed a medical examination and, if necessary, show a certificate of good eye sight.
You can also obtain a German driving license after a period of six months by submitting an application to your local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehorde). In this instance you will require an original drivers' license and medical certificate. You will also need to present a certified translation of your passport along with an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to one in Germany? German one?
If you're moving to a country or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany, the process of swapping your license to one that is a German one is relatively simple. Twenty-seven states, including New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to pass the written or road test here in Germany, which will allow you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You must present your current driver's license, evidence of identity (usually a passport or national ID card) and a recent photograph. The exact requirements differ among the federal states (Lander) and it is best to consult the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before scheduling an appointment.
You only have to exchange your license for one of a German one within the first six months of residence. If you don't, you could be deemed to be in violation to your residency permit. Authorities could decide to take action against you. If you intend to use car-sharing services that require an European license or a German license it is more important to start the process of getting your German licence.
Those who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can keep their driver's license for a maximum of 12 months after they register their address. However, they must be able to have it translated by a certified translation, a recognized internationally automotive organization or a licensed interpreter. This is a crucial step, as many insurance companies will not insure drivers who are not from the EU/EEA region without a translation.
You will need to visit the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) in your city and make an appointment for a "Umstellung eines Fuhrersscheines (Non-EU/Drittstaaten)". This can be done online, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will require your current license, the German translation of your license, your driving history from the country of origin, and identification proof. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can pay in cash or by the transfer of funds from a bank. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have submitted all the required documents.