How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some cases however, you could be required to take a practical and theory exam.
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What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive a motor vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test usually takes approximately 45 minutes, and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and inquire about German road signs, regulations, and other information. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not following the exam. If you pass the test, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you pick up your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. Most people fail their driving tests because they are scared or forget the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as possible before taking the test particularly if you come from a country where the driving laws differ.
If you are only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will suffice. If you're moving permanently to Germany, you will need an updated driving license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence in exchange for Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate attesting your vision and health. It is also essential to attend driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical examinations before you are able to get your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. You can locate English-speaking driving schools on the internet by using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain an German driver's license?
If you're from a state or country which has a relationship with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license for a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs from one country to another and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office to get current information. In general, though, you'll need to register your home and submit documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to present certificates attesting your license is not suspended or revoked.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for one that's a German one without having to pass any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical test is required to get a full driving license.
The process of getting a German driver's license can be more difficult for those who come from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. In most instances, you'll have to take a course at driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can get an Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your car and complete the first-aid training.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you can pick up your German driver's license. Your application can take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving permit along with a passport photograph to an authority for licensing in your area. There's an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your identity and/or unauthorized actions. You'll need to submit an official letter that states you will return the license if it is found.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have a driver's license?
If you have a license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can often simply exchange your foreign driving license to a German one, without having to pass any formal or theoretical exams. This is usually only possible if you've been driving for a long time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
In this case, you will still be required to prove your identity and a current passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also have insurance for your car. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you are able to keep your driving license for just 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will allow you time to complete the application. You'll need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a recent passport photo along with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license may differ depending on where you live. If you are unsure then we suggest you get in touch with the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) as well as the passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical examination and a written or a practical driving test.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public roadway. You will receive your new German license in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an US license?
Rules vary based on the state where your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance in Massachusetts drivers with a valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without exchange or having their US licenses changed.
For those who plan to remain in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it's advisable to pick up an international driver's license when you are in the USA. If you don't have one, you'll need to exchange your American driving license to a German one at the time 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 that country is transferable without retaking the driving test. 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 don't come from a state or country that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain another license, you must complete the course of instruction and pass the tests. This includes taking an instructor-led driving course as well as taking the theory course, 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 operate a car. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons can range from just a few hundred euros up to a few thousand euros.
You'll also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices vary from one company to another. Compare quotes online. i loved this of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.