How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In motorradführerschein kaufen might be required to pass an exam in theory and practice.
Prices can vary, so look around! Pick a driving school which is reliable.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate the 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 magnet strips, even though it isn't currently in use.
When you take a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically lasts 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 information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or not after the exam. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate that permits you to drive for a couple of weeks until you get your license.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. Most people fail their driving tests because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It's important to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to your driving exam, especially if the driving rules in your country differ.
If you're in Germany for a brief time and you're driving a car, your license from your home country may suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license in exchange for Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. You must also take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule, and pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. This can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. This search engine will help you find driving instructors in English on the Internet.
How do I obtain an German driver's license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for an Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or practical test if you are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure differs from one country to another and you should check with the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general, you'll need to verify your residence and provide proof to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances, you might also be required to submit documents attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however it is necessary to pass a theory and practice test is required to get an all-inclusive driving license.
For those who come from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll need take a course at a driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can receive a Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and attend a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment that will let you know when you can 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. You can renew your license if it's about to expire by bringing a passport photo and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraud and unlawful actions. You will need to submit an email stating that you will return the license if found.
Can I get a German license if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can often simply exchange your driving license from another country for one that is a German one, without having to pass any formal or theoretical exams. This is only feasible in the event that the driver has been driving for a long period of time, or has established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still need to show proof of your identity and a passport picture. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. More information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driver's license for only 15 years. It is recommended to renew your licence at least four weeks before the date of expiration. This is to give you time to complete all the necessary documents. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a current passport photograph with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license can vary depending 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 details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and the passport photo. Then you'll need to take either a practical or written driving exam, as well being able to pass a medical test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public road. You'll be issued a new German licence a few days later if you are successful.
Can I get a German license if I already have an US driving license?
Rules differ based on where the license was issued. In the US each state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have an active German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or have them amended.
If you intend to remain in the USA for a longer time frame, or return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to obtain an international driver's license while in the USA. In the event that you need to visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to surrender 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 countries and states where a driver's licence from that country can be transferred 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 don't come from a country or state included in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for another license class, you must complete the instruction course and pass the tests. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking theory lessons and completing an exam 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 conducted by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons could range from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices will differ from company to company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.