How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases you might be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices vary, so be sure you compare prices. Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driving license?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to drive a vehicle. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the types of vehicles you can drive as well as an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
If you decide to take driving tests in Germany you'll need to pass a theoretical and practical test. The driving test usually takes about 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules, as well as some general knowledge. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not following the exam. If you succeed, you will receive the certificate that permits you to drive until you are able to take your license for a few weeks later.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. Most people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as possible before taking the test, especially if you are from a country where the driving laws differ.
If you're staying in Germany for a brief duration, then your driving license from your home country should suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate attesting your health and vision. It is also essential to undergo driving lessons at an approved German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical exams before you can get your license. This can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate a car in Germany. You can find English-speaking driving schools on the internet by using this search aggregator.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you're from one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's licence for an Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure varies from one country to another and you should check with the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to register your residence and provide proof proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances you'll also have to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
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 a theory and practical test to get a full license.
For those who are coming from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining a German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll need complete a course in an driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documents. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you can get 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's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is about to expire by bringing a passport photo along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, you should contact the licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or unauthorized actions. You'll need to submit an email stating that you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I obtain a German license if I already have a driving license?
If you have a license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country which has a reciprocity agreement with Germany You are able to exchange your driving license from another country to one that is a German one, without having to pass any practical or theoretical tests. This is only feasible in the event that the driver has been driving for a long period of time, or has established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still have to show proof of identity and a passport photograph. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities and undergo a safety check (TUV). In Germany you also need to have car insurance. More information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driving license for only 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity you must schedule 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 application. You'll need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The requirements for transferring your driving license from an other country can vary depending on where you live. If you're not sure it is recommended that you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) and a passport photo. Then you'll need to take a written and/or practical driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the chance to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving licence a few weeks later.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have an US driving license?
Rules vary based on the state the state where the license was issued. The US is a country where states have authority over driver licenses, and each state is able to establish its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts, people who have a valid German driving license can drive in the USA for up to a year without having to exchange or have their US licenses modified.
It is suggested that those who plan to remain in the USA for longer than the period or who are planning on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License during their stay in the USA. If you do not, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to hand over your American license to obtain the German license.
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 states and countries in which the driver's license of the country is transferable without retaking a 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 do not come from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for an alternative license class, you must complete the required course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking theory lessons and passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and are able to handle a car. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will differ, but it can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices will vary from company to company. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.