How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some cases, however, you may be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary and you should take your time and shop around! Choose a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate in a vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photo. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, though this is not yet in use.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test usually takes about 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations and also some general knowledge. After the test the examiner will inform you straight away if you passed or failed. If you succeed, you will receive the certificate that permits you to drive until you can get your license after a few weeks.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving tests because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It's also important to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam, especially if you are from a country where the driving rules differ.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period the driving license from your home country will probably suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new license to drive. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence in exchange for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you have 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 take both the theory and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It's costly, but it is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. There are driving schools in English online using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you're from one of the states or countries that has an agreement with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's license for a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure varies from one country to another and you should check with the local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, you will need to register your residency and provide proof that prove you are healthy and have a clear vision. In certain instances, you could also be required to present certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll have to pass the theory and the practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
The process for getting the German driver's license can be more complicated for those coming from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany, or from the United States. In most instances, you'll have to take a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your car and attend the first aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email that informs you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. Your application can take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15-years. You can renew your license if it's close to expiring by bringing a passport photo and your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraud and illegal actions. You'll need to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will replace your license if it's found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you are a holder of an driving license issued by one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has an agreement of reciprocity, you can exchange it to obtain the German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is generally only possible if 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'll need to provide proof of your identity and a recent passport photo. You will also need to register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your vehicle, since it is required in Germany. You can find more information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. When you're getting close to the end of its validity, you should schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. deutsche führerschein kaufen will give you enough time to complete all required documents. You'll need the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a recent passport photo along with you.
The requirements for transferring your driving license from another country can vary based the location you reside in. If you're not sure then you should contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more specific information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) and the passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical exam and a written or a practical driving test.
During the practical test you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be required to demonstrate your driving skills on a highway that is public. You'll be issued a new German license within a few days if you are successful.
Can I obtain 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 every state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts for instance, drivers with valid German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is suggested that those who are planning to remain in the USA longer than this time period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while in the USA. If you do not, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to hand over your American license to obtain a German licence.
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 the list of states and countries where a driver's licence from this country is transferable without retaking 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 country or state that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different class of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and complete all tests. This means signing up with an instructor at a driving school, learning classes in theory and completing the written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and are able to drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will vary, but can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.