How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US that has reciprocity. In some instances you might be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary, so make sure you compare prices. Also, make certain to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the vehicle types that you can drive and an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a driver's photo. The driving licence also has a magnetic strip though this is not yet used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. published here driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified 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 after the test. If you pass, you will receive a certificate that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail the driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to taking your driving test, especially when the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're in Germany for a short period the driving license from your home country will probably suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently you'll need a new license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
However, you have to first submit certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. It is also required to undergo driving lessons at an approved German Fahrschule and take both the theory and practical tests before you can obtain your license. This can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. There are driving schools in English online using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
You might be able exchange your driving license for an Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if reside in an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure differs between countries, and you should consult your local driving office for the most current information. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and provide documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear vision. In some instances you'll also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license isn't suspended or revoked.
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 get a full license.
If you're from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of cases, you'll need to complete a course at a driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can receive an Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your car and complete a first-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email that informs you when you can get your German driver's license. It could take between four and six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15-years. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by bringing a passport photo and your driving license to the local licensing authority. There's a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, you should contact the licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your identity or illegal actions. You will need to submit a letter stating you will return the license if it is found.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you are a holder of a driving license from a country within the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement on reciprocity that allows you to exchange it for a German license without taking any tests in theory or on the road. This is typically only possible if you've been driving for a long period of time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You will still be required to provide proof of identity and a passport photograph. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your vehicle, since it is required in Germany. You can find out more about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driver's license for just 15 years. It is recommended to renew your driving licence at least four weeks before the expiration date. This will give you enough time to complete all necessary documents. Bring your current driving license, the renewal form and a recent passport photo.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may differ depending on the federal state in which you reside. If you are unsure it is recommended that you contact your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) and the passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public roadway. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving license just a few weeks later.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary depending on where the license was issued. The US is a country in which the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, so each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example, drivers with an active German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
It is highly recommended that those planning to remain in the USA for longer than the duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while there. If you don't, you'll have to exchange your American driving license for a 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 includes a list of states and countries where a driver’s license from the country can be transferred without retaking a driving exam. It 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 are not from a state or country that is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get an alternative class of license, you'll be required to complete the full course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes signing up for an instructor-led driving course, taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to manage a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory could range from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also need to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices differ from one company to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.