Watch Out: What Buy A German Driving License Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US that has reciprocity. In certain situations, you might require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices vary, so be sure to shop around. Choose a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driving license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name, date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving license also includes magnet strips, even though it isn't currently in use.
If you are taking a driving exam in Germany you'll need to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and inquire about German road signs, regulations and other details. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or not following the test. If you pass, you'll be given a slip that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you pick up your license.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing is to remain 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 possible before taking the test particularly if you come from a nation where the driving laws differ.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get a new license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein when you've registered your address in Germany.
But, you must first present certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. It's also necessary to undergo driving lessons at an approved German Fahrschule and pass both the theory and practical tests before you can obtain your license. This can be expensive however it's the only way to legally operate a car in Germany. This search engine can assist you in finding driving instructors who speak English on the Internet.
How do I get a German driving license?
You might be able exchange your driving license for a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if you are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure is different from country to country and you should consult your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general,, you'll need to register your residence and provide documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances you'll also have to provide proof that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for a German one without having 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 obtain a full license.
The process for 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. deutscher führerschein zu verkaufen 'll usually need to pass a theoretical and practical test, and taking a course at a German driving school before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your vehicle and complete an initial aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment that will tell you when you can pick-up your German driving license. It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
Once you've obtained an German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is about to expire by presenting a passport photograph and your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll have to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of your identity and/or illegal activities. You'll need to submit a letter stating you will return the license if found.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to exchange your foreign driving license for one German one without taking any formal or theoretical exams. This is only feasible when the driver has been driving for some time, if they have established a normal residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this case you'll still require proof of your identity and a recent passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and undergo a safety check (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your car, as it is obligatory in Germany. More information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. You should renew your licence at least four weeks in advance of the expiration date. This will give you time to complete the necessary paperwork. You will need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a recent passport photograph along with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may differ based on the federal state where you reside. 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'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) and the passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical test and a written or a practical driving test.
During the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to demonstrate your driving skills on a public highway. You'll be issued a new German license within a few days when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have an US license?

Rules vary depending on the country from which the license was issued. In the US each state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. For instance, in Massachusetts, people who have valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for up to one year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses changed.
It is highly recommended that those planning to stay in the USA longer than this time period or who will be returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while they are there. If you don't, 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 includes a list of countries and states where a driver's license issued by this country is transferable 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 an alternative license class, you must complete the course of instruction and successfully pass the test. This includes enrolling in a driving course, taking the theory course, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to prove that you understand the guidelines of driving and that you are able to operate a car. The driving exam is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but could range from a few hundred dollars to two thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will differ from company to company. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.