How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some instances, however, you may be required to pass an exam in theory and practice.
Prices vary and you should shop around! Also, make sure to select an accredited driving school.
What is a driving permit?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information about your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the authorized vehicle types you are allowed to drive as well as an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a driver's photo. The driving license also has a magnet strip, though it isn't currently in use.
To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and ask about German road signs, rules and other information. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or not after the exam. If you pass, you will be given a slip that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
If you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. The most common reason people fail their driving test is because they are scared and don't know the rules of the road. It is important to take as many driving lessons as possible before your driving exam, especially if the driving rules in your country differ.
If you're staying in Germany for only a short period, then your driving license from your home country will probably suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need an additional license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate attesting your vision and health. It is also required to take driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical examinations before you are able to get your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. You can locate driving schools in English on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I get a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or a practical test if you reside in an agreed-upon nation with Germany. The exact procedure differs from one country to the next and you should check with your local driving office for current information. In general, you'll be required to verify your residency and submit documents that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some cases you'll also have to provide certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical exam is required to obtain a full driving license.
The process of getting the German driver's license can be more complicated for drivers who are from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany or the United States. In most instances, you'll have to complete a course at driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can obtain an Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your car and take the first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. After your appointment, you'll receive an email stating when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by bringing a passport picture along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of identity and/or unauthorised activities. You will need to submit an official letter that states you will return the license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you hold a driving license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany You can usually exchange your foreign driving license for one German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is typically only possible if you have been driving for a long time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You'll still have to provide proof of identity and a passport picture. You will also need to register your car with authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany, you must also be insured for your car. More information can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
As a general rule you can only keep your driver's license for 15 years. When you're close to the end of its validity it is recommended to make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you time to complete the necessary paperwork. You will need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photograph along with you.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license may vary depending on where you live. If you're not sure then we suggest you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and a passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one during the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public roadway. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving license within a few weeks.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have an US license?
Rules vary based on the state the state where your license was issued. The US is a nation where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, which means that each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with an active German license can drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
It is recommended that those planning to remain in the USA for a longer period or who will be returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while they are there. If you don't have one, you'll need to exchange your American driving license for one 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 contains a list of countries and states where a driver's license issued by that country is transferable without having to retake 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 are not from a country or state that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different type of license, you'll need to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking the theory classes, passing the written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will differ, but it can run anywhere between a few hundred and several thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices will vary from company to company. www.fuehrerscheinn.com can compare quotes on internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.