How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not only because of its strict standards, but additionally because it is recognized across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to to exchange their current licence to one from a German one once their EU or EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
There are a variety of requirements for purchasing a German driving license, such as the type of vehicle you'd like to drive and the age. To get a class-B driver's licence, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age for the majority of passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or C class license if you plan to drive large vehicles, such as trucks and buses. Also, you can get a class T for agricultural or forest tractor. In some cases, you may require passing an oral or written test before being able to take a practical exam.
Citizens of some countries can swap their licenses for one that is a German one without taking an exam. This includes people from countries that are part of the European Union or the European Economic Area as and those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France and the U.S.A (certain states) and Singapore.
If you're not from one of these countries, you'll be required to pass a written and a practical test prior to getting an German driver's license. In some instances, you may also need to pass a medical examination and an eye test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact process varies, but generally, you'll need to bring an official letter from your employer or city stating that you've relocated to Germany, proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may be required to submit an image.
The cost of the test depending on where you live in Germany, but it is typically less than EUR100. After you've passed the practical and written tests then your German driving license will be available to pick up within a few weeks.
It's crucial to understand the requirements for a German driving license, since many expats are required to have one in order to drive legally in the country. It can be difficult to use public transportation in rural areas and in bad weather. Having a car will make it easier.
How do I get a German driver's license?
You can convert a driving licence from another EU country or one recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to an German license without taking any exams. This process can be completed by making an appointment with your local driver's license authority which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need the original license as well as a form of identification and a passport picture. In most cases, you can pick up your German driving licence in four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you can use it up to six month before getting the German license. To obtain this you must sign up for your address and take a German test, which can be done in a local language center or a private language school.
It could take a while to obtain an German license however, it's essential to be able to safely drive on the roads. It can also make renting a vehicle easier, since some rental agencies require an German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious matter and must be handled accordingly.
It is recommended to sign up for driving lessons and practice behind the wheels. This will make you more comfortable before taking your test. You can locate a driving school through Farschule-123.com that lets you search by area and type of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer theory classes in different languages.
Renewing your German driving license is simple. Make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You'll be required to bring your driving license, a passport photo taken recently and pay a small amount of 24 euros. The new driver's license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
Although it is possible to get an driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test thanks to a reciprocity agreement the majority of expats would be better off beginning from scratch. This involves attending a driving school and spending a significant amount of money.
Driving schools are available all over the country. They offer a broad selection of classes from a basic car course to a bus or truck license. They can also to give you theory classes in your language. Some schools are cheaper than others. Checking online and asking around reviews is the best method to find the right driving school.
The process of converting an American driving licence to one that is a German driving license can take between two and six months, based on whether you have a reciprocity contract or not. If you do not have a reciprocity arrangement it is necessary to hire an interpreter to translate your license into German. This can be done either by a certified translation or by an automobile association. You can also submit a registry extract from the KBA in your country of origin as proof of residency.
You'll need to pass an exam in the form of a practical test after you have all the necessary documents. During the practical exam, the driving instructor sits in the seat of the passenger as you drive the vehicle and answer questions. You will get your driving license within a few days after passing.
If you fail the test, you'll have to take the test again with another instructor and pay the fee. You must also prove that you passed the medical exam and, if necessary, show a certificate for good eyesight.
You can also obtain a German driving license after a period of six months by submitting an application to your local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehorde). In this instance, you will need a translated drivers' licence and medical certificate. You will also need to submit a certified translation your passport along with an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to one in Germany? German one?
If you are moving to an area or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany, the process of swapping your license for a German one is relatively simple. The agreement is in place with 27 states which include New York, California and others. If you hold an driving license from one of these states, then you don't have to pass an exam in the form of a road or written test in Germany. You can get your full German license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an original passport or a national ID card) and a picture that was taken in recent times. The exact requirements vary between the federal states (Lander) and it is best to consult your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license for one that is a German one within the first six months of residency. If you don't do it, this could be a violation to your residency permit. The authorities could take action against you. If you are planning to use car-sharing services most of which require the use of a European or German license and this is an additional reason to get this process underway and begin working towards getting your German license.
Those who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue using their driver's licence for up to 12 months after they have registered their address. However, they must have it translated by a sworn translation, a recognized internationally automotive organisation or a licensed interpreter. This is an essential step, as many insurance companies will not insure drivers who are not from the EU/EEA without a translation.
You will need to visit the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) in your city and make an appointment for a "Umstellung eines Fuhrersscheines (Non-EU/Drittstaaten)". echten deutschen führerschein kaufen can make this appointment online, by phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, a translation of the license into German as well as your driver's license from your home country and documents of identity. You will also need to pay a fee, which is around EUR35. This can be paid in cash or via bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation mail once you have provided all the required documents.