How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some instances, however, you may be required to pass an exam in theory and practice.
Prices vary and you should look around! Be certain to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive in a vehicle. It includes information such as your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also includes the vehicle types that you are allowed to drive, an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, even though it is not yet in use.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts about 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations, as well as some general information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or failed the test. If you succeed, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you can pick up your license after a few weeks.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving test because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It's also important to practice driving as much as you can before taking the test especially if you're from a nation where the driving regulations differ.
If you're staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany, you will need an updated driving license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license for Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein when you've registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your health and vision. It is also required to take driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can obtain your license. This can be expensive, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. You can find English-speaking driving schools online using this search aggregator.
How do I get a German driver's license?
If you're a resident of one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's licence to the Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without having to take the test in either theory or practice. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office to get the most current information. In general, you will need to register your residency and submit documents that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances you'll also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license isn't suspended or revoked.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for a German one without needing to pass any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however it is necessary to pass a theory and practice exam is required to obtain a full driving license.
For those who come from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll need take a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your car and complete the first-aid training.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the required documentation. After your appointment, you'll get a letter that tells you when you can get your German driver's license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
Once you have an German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by presenting a passport photograph along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, it's best to contact the licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your name and/or unauthorized activities. You'll need to provide an official letter stating that you will return your license in the event that it's found.
Can I obtain a German license in the event that I already have a foreign driving license?
If you have an driving license issued by one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity, you can exchange it to obtain a German license without having to pass any tests in theory or on the road. This is only a possibility in the event that the driver has been driving for some time, if they have established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still need to provide proof of identity and a passport photo. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain car insurance, as this is obligatory in Germany. More information can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
In Fuehrerscheinn are able to keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. It is recommended to renew your driving licence at least four weeks in advance of the expiration date. This will allow you enough time to complete the application. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a recent passport photo.
The exact requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence can differ depending on the federal state where you live. If you're not sure it is recommended that you contact the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign license for a German one, you will need to provide an unwritten statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. Then, you'll have to pass a written and/or practical driving test, as passing a medical exam.
During the test for practical driving 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 licence within a few days if you are successful.
Can I apply for a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary depending on where your license was issued. In the US, each state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance in Massachusetts drivers with a valid German driving license can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without exchange or having their US licenses amended.
If you intend to remain in the USA for longer than this time frame, or return to Germany as a resident, it is advisable to pick up an international driver's license while there. If you don't, you'll have to change 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 contains the states and countries where the driver's license of that country may be transferred without retaking a driving exam. 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 do not come from a country or state listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take an alternative license class, you must complete the instruction course and pass the tests. This includes signing up for a driving school and taking the theory course, passing a multiple-choice test and a practical test to prove that you understand the rules of driving and are able to operate a car. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost for theory and driving lessons can range from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.