How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US with reciprocity. In some instances, you may require passing a theory and practical exam.
Prices can vary and you should shop around! Choose a driving school that is well-known.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive a motor vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, blood group, fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving license also comes with a magnetic strip though this is not yet being used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically takes about 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, rules and other information. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or failed the test. If you pass, you will be given a slip that permits you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. The most common reason people fail the driving test is because they are scared and don't know the rules of the road. It is essential to learn as much driving as possible before the driving test, particularly if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new driving license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence for the Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first submit certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. It is also essential to attend driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. This can be expensive, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine can assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the internet.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you're a citizen of one of the states or countries that has an agreement with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's licence for the Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure is different from country to country, and you should contact the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have a clear vision. In certain instances you'll also be required to provide proof that your license is not suspended or revoked.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however it is necessary to pass a theory and practice exam is required in order to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
For those who come from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. You'll usually need to pass a practical and theoretical test, along with an instruction at a German driving school before you can be granted Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your vehicle and complete an initial aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. Your application can take up to six weeks to process.
If you've got the German driving license, it's 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. There's an amount that is usually 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 unlawful actions. You'll need to provide a letter stating you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I get a German license if I already have a driving license?
If you have driving licences from a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange it for a German license without having to pass any theory or practical tests. This is generally only possible if you've been driving for a long period of time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
You'll still have to show proof of identity and a passport photo. You will also need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. More details can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
As a general rule, you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. If you're nearing the expiration date it is recommended to arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the application. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license can differ depending on where you live. If you aren't sure, we recommend that you contact the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) and the passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical test and a written or practical driving test.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving licence within a few weeks.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary based on the state the state where the license was issued. In the US, each state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts for instance drivers with valid German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you intend to remain in the USA for a longer time, or return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license when you are in the USA. If you don't, you'll need to exchange your American driving license for 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 in which a driver’s license from that country may be transferred without having to retake a 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 are not from a state or country that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you want to get a different class of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This means signing up with an instructor at a driving school, learning the theory classes, passing 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 that you can handle a car. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen of the theory and driving classes will differ, but it can be anywhere between a few hundred and several thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices can differ from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.