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 certain situations, you might need to pass a theory and practical exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure you shop around. Pick a driving school which is reputable.
What is a driver's license?
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, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photograph. The driving license also includes a magnet strip, though it isn't currently 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 for about 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations, and other information. After the exam the examiner will inform you directly whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll be given a slip that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you pick up your license.
When you take your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail their driving test is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It's important to practice as much driving as you can prior to taking the driving test, particularly when the driving regulations in your country differ.
If you're in Germany for a short time the driving license from your home country may suffice. If you're moving 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 could exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate attesting your health and vision. It is also required to take driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It's costly, but it is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. This search engine will help you find driving instructors who speak English on the internet.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you're a resident of one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs from one country to the next, so you should contact the local driving office for current information. In general, you'll be required to verify your residency and provide documents that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to provide documents attesting that your license is not suspended or revoked.
If you are 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 need to take an exam in theory and practice to obtain a full license.
The process of getting the German driver's license can be more complicated for those coming from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. In the majority of instances, you'll need take a course at driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can receive an Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and attend a first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documents. You'll be sent a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will inform you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application process can take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15-years. If it's about to expire, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll have to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority right away to stop fraudulent use of your identity or unlawful activities. You'll need to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license in the event that it is found.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have a foreign driving license?
If you are a holder of a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has an agreement on reciprocity you can exchange it for a German license without taking any practical or theory tests. This is only a possibility in the event that the driver has been driving for a long time, and has established a normal residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this scenario you'll be required to prove your identity and a recent passport photo. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities and undergo a safety check (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. More information is available on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driver's license for a period of 15 years. It is recommended to renew your license at least four weeks prior to the date on which it expires. This will allow you time to complete the paperwork. You'll need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a recent passport photograph along with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license may vary depending on where you live. If you aren't sure then we suggest you contact the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific details.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence to one that is a German one, you will need to provide an official written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. Then, you'll have to pass a written and/or practical driving exam, as well as pass a medical examination.
During the practical driving test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving abilities on a public road. If you pass, you'll be issued a new German driving license just a few weeks later.
Can I get a German license if I already have an US driving license?
The rules are different depending on the state where you obtained your license. The US is a country where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state is able to establish its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts, people who have an active German driving license can drive in the USA for up to a year without exchange or having their US licenses amended.
If you plan to remain in the USA for longer than this time frame, or return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while in the USA. If you don't have one, you'll need to change your American driving license to one 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). führerschein kaufen deutschland contains the list of countries and states where a driver's licence from the country is transferable without having to retake 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're not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain a different class of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes enrolling in a driving course as well as taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test and a practical test to show that you know the guidelines of driving and that you are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost for driving lessons and theory can range from several hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. The cost will differ from company to company. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.