How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some cases you may need to pass a theory and practical test.
Prices can vary, so make sure to shop around. Pick a driving school which is reputable.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate a motor 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 magnet strips, even though it is not 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 takes 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules and other details. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or failed the test. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most common reason that people fail their driving test is because they are scared and don't know the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as you can prior to the actual test, especially if you are from a country where the driving regulations differ.
If you're only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your health and vision. You must also complete driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can be granted a license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a vehicle in Germany. You can locate driving schools in English online using this search aggregater.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you're from a state or country that has an agreement with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass 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'll have to register your residence and provide proof showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you'll also be required to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for one of a German one without needing 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 get a full license.
If you're from a country that doesn't 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 exam, as well as taking a course at a driving school in Germany, before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete the first aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you can get your German driver's license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's about to expire by bringing a passport photo and your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll have to pay an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact the licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or illegal actions. You'll need to provide an email stating that you will return the license if it is found.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you have a license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can usually swap your driving license from a foreign country to one that is a German one, without having to pass any theoretical and practical exams. This is usually only possible if you have been driving for a long 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 photograph. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You should also get insurance for your vehicle, since it is required in Germany. More information can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
In general, you are able to keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. When you're close to the expiration date, you should make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This gives you enough time to complete all necessary documentation. You will need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license may vary based the location you reside in. If you're unsure about the requirements, you can call your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to provide more detailed information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) as well as a passport photo. Then you'll need to take an oral or practical driving test, as passing a medical exam.
During the practical driving test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving abilities on a public highway. If you pass, you'll be issued a new German driving licence a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an US license?
The rules differ based 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 example drivers with a valid German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without having to change their US driving licenses or have them amended.
It is suggested that those who plan to remain in the USA for a longer period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while they are in the United States. Otherwise, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to give them your American license to obtain the 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 a list of states and countries in which the driver's license of 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 state or country that is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes enrolling in a driving course, taking the theory course, passing a multiple-choice test, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and can handle a vehicle. The driving exam is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory can range from a few hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. Web Site will vary from company to company. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.