How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US that has reciprocity. In some cases, however, you may be required to pass the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary, so make sure you compare prices. Pick a driving school which is reputable.
What is a driver's licence?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to operate a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
If you decide to take an exam for driving in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and practical test. The driving exam usually lasts for approximately 45 minutes, and will be conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations, as well as some general knowledge. After the exam the examiner will inform you straight away if you passed or failed. If you pass the test you will be given the certificate that permits you to drive until you get your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving exam is to remain calm and calm. The most common reason that people fail their driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is important to practice as much driving as you can prior to your driving test, especially when the driving regulations in your country are different.
If you're staying in Germany for a short time the driving license from your home country will probably suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany, you will need a new license to drive. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein when you've registered your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your vision and health. You must also complete driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can receive your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine can help you find driving instructors who speak English on the internet.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you're from one of the states or countries that has a partnership with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without taking the test in either theory or practice. The exact procedure differs from one country to the next and you should check with the local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and provide proof that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some cases, you'll also need to submit certificates 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 pass 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 of getting a German driver's license can be more complicated for those coming from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany or the United States. You'll typically need to pass a practical and theoretical exam, as well as taking a course at a driving school in Germany before you can be granted the Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your car and attend a first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. You'll be sent a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application process 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 is about to expire by presenting a passport photograph along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority right away to prevent fraudulent use of your name and/or illegal activities. You'll need to submit an email stating that you will return the license if found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you have a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has a reciprocity agreement you can exchange it for the German license without having to take any tests in theory or on the road. This is only a possibility when the driver has been driving for a long period of time, or has established a permanent residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this situation you'll require proof of your identity and a current passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety inspection (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your vehicle, since it is obligatory in Germany. More information about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driver's license for only 15 years. When you're getting close to the end of its validity, you should arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This gives you enough time to complete all required documentation. You will need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining a foreign driving licence can vary depending on the state in which you live. If you are unsure then we suggest you contact the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized details.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) and a passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical examination and a written or a practical driving test.
During the practical test you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public road. You'll receive your new German licence within a few days if you are successful.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a US license?
Rules vary depending on where your license was issued. In führerschein ohne prüfung legal has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with an active German license are able to drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
It is suggested that those who are planning to remain in the USA for a longer period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while in the United States. In the event that you need to visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to hand over your American license in exchange for an German license.
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 drivers' licenses from that country may be transferred without having to retake a 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 are not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get a different class of license, you'll have to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test to demonstrate that you understand the rules of the road and are able to handle a car. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will vary, but can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will differ from one company to another. Compare prices online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.