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 could exchange your license. In certain situations, you might need to pass a theory and practical exam.
Prices can vary, so look around! Be certain to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive a vehicle. It contains information about your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the authorized vehicle types you are allowed to drive and an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strip, although it isn't currently in use.
If you are taking driving tests in Germany, you will need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically takes approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules and other details. After the exam the examiner will inform you straight away if you passed or failed. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you pick up your license.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving tests because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as possible prior to the actual test, especially if you are from a country where driving rules are different.
If you're only in Germany for only a short time, then your driving license from your home country should suffice. If you're moving permanently to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new license to drive. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first present a certificate that prove your eyesight and health. You also must take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive vehicles in Germany. You can locate driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I get a German driver's license?
If you're a resident of one of the states or countries that has an agreement with Germany it could 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 another, so you should contact your local driving office for current information. In general, though you'll have to register your residence and provide documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you'll also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or removed.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for one that's a German one without needing 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 get a full license.
The process for getting a 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 cases, you'll need to complete a course in an driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and complete a first-aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. After your appointment, you'll receive an email stating when you can pick up your German driver's license. Your application can take up to six weeks to be processed.
Once you've obtained a German driving license 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 fee of around EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity or illegal actions. You'll have to provide an official letter stating that you will return your license in the event that it is discovered.
Can I obtain a German license in the event that I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold driving licences from a country within the EU, EEA, or one that has an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange it for an German license without taking any tests in theory or on the road. This is only a possibility if the driver has been driving for a long period of time, or has established a regular residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
You'll still have to provide proof of identity and a passport picture. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. More details can be found on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general you are able to keep your driving 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 time to complete all the necessary paperwork. You'll need the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a recent passport photograph with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may differ based on the state in which you reside. If you are unsure it is recommended that you contact your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) as well as the passport photo. You'll then need to pass either a practical or written driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the practical test you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving abilities on a public road. You will receive your new German licence a few days later in the event that you pass.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a US license?
Rules differ based on the country from which the license was issued. The US is a nation where each state has jurisdiction over driver licensing, which means that each state has the ability to set its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold a valid German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to a year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses modified.
It is highly recommended that those planning to remain in the USA longer than this time duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while there. If deutschen führerschein kaufen don't, you'll have to exchange your American driving license to 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 includes the list of countries and states where a driver's license issued by this 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 are not from a state or country that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain a different type of license, you will need to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes taking an instructor-led driving course, taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice exam and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory could range from several hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices differ from one firm to another. Compare prices online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.