How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a crucial and valuable asset, not just due to its strict standards but additionally because it is recognized throughout Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to want to exchange their current licence for one from a German one once their EU or EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements?
You must meet several requirements before you can buy a German license. These include the type of vehicle you want to drive and your age. You must be 18 years old to get an official driver's license of class B that is required for all passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also get an E or class C license if you want to drive heavy vehicles, such as buses and trucks, or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractors. In some instances you might need to pass an oral or written test before being able to take a practical exam.
Certain countries allow their citizens to swap their licenses for a German one without the requirement of passing an examination. This applies to citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.
If you're not from one of these countries, then you'll need to pass a written and a practical test before 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 procedure for applying for a driving license is different however, generally, you'll need an official letter from your employer or the city in which you've moved to Germany and a proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may also need to submit a picture.
The cost of the driving exam will vary based on the location you reside in Germany. However, it is usually less than EUR100. Once you have completed both the written and practical test the German driving licence should be available for collection within a few days.
It's important to understand the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats will require one to legally drive in Germany. Public transportation can be a hassle and unreliable for those who live in rural areas, particularly in bad weather, which is why having a car is often a necessity.
How do I get a German driving license?
You can convert a driving license from another EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to the German license without having to take 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'll need to bring the original license as well as a form of identification and a passport photograph. In the majority of cases, you can get your German driving licence within 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 an German license. To get this license, you must register your address and pass a German language exam, which can be done at a local language centre or a private language school.
It can take a while to obtain an German license however, it's essential to be safe to drive on the roads. It can also make renting a vehicle easier, because some rental companies require that you have an German driving license. It is essential to keep in mind that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is recommended to enroll in a driving school and do some practice driving, as it will help you feel more comfortable during your exam. You can locate a driving school through the website Farschule-123 that lets you filter by area and the type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewal of your German driving licence is a straightforward process. You should make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You'll need to bring your licence, a recent passport photograph and pay a small amount of about 24 euros. The new driver's license will be issued in four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to get an German driver's license without having to take the practical or theory test through the reciprocity arrangement. However, the majority of expats would be better off starting at the beginning. This involves taking a driving course and paying a substantial amount of money.
There are driving schools across the country. They offer a broad selection of classes starting from a basic driving instruction in cars to a bus or truck license. They are also able to give you theory classes in your language. Some schools are cheaper than others. Checking online and asking around reviews is the best way to find the right driving school.
The process of converting an American driving license to one that is a German one could take between two and six months, depending on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement of reciprocity. If you don't have one, you must translate your driver's licence into German to be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognized automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit a registry extract from the KBA in your country of origin as proof of residence.
You will need to take an exam in the form of a practical test after you have all the required documents. During the exam the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat while you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. You will get your driving license within a few days after passing.
If you fail the exam, you will have to repeat the whole process with a different instructor and pay the appropriate fee. In addition, you will need to prove that you have passed a medical exam and, if necessary, show a certificate of good eye sight.
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'll need an official driver's licence that has been translated and medical certificate. You will also need to provide a certified translation of your passport as well as an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my driving license from another country to get an German license?
If you're moving to an area or country that has a reciprocity deal with Germany It is simple to exchange your license to one from Germany. This agreement is in force with 27 states which include New York, California and other states. If you have an driving license from one of these states, you won't need to take an examination in the form of a written or driving test in Germany. You will be able to get your complete German license. You will be required to present your current driver's licence, proof of identity (usually an identity card or passport) ID card) as well as a recent photo. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) vary therefore it is advisable to check your local authority for your driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license for a German one within the first six months of your residency. If you do not do so, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit and the authorities may be able to take action against you. If you are planning on using car-sharing services, most of which require an European or German license, this is even more reason to get this process started and work towards getting your German license.
People who are moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA can continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to one year after registering their address. They must, however, get it translated by a certified translation, a globally recognized automotive organisation or a licensed interpreter. This is an important step as most insurance companies won't offer insurance to drivers outside of the EU/EEA region without the 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)". This can be done online, by phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, a certified translation of the license into German as well as your driver's license from your home country and documents of identification. führerschein kaufen 400 euro will also have to pay a fee, which is approximately EUR35. This can be paid in cash or by bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation by mail once you have submitted all the required documents.