How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an asset that is valuable not only because it has high standards however, its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to to exchange their current licence to a German one when their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
You must meet a number of conditions before you can purchase a German license. This includes the type of vehicle that you intend to drive and your age. You must be 18 years old in order to obtain a class B driver's license which is required for all passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain an E or class C license if you want to drive heavy vehicles like buses and trucks, or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractor. You may need to pass an oral or written test in certain cases before you can sit for the practical exam.
Certain countries allow their citizens to swap their licenses with licenses that are a German one without the requirement of passing an exam. This includes those from countries belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area, as well as those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France, the U.S.A (certain states) and Singapore.
You'll need to pass an exam written and a practical test if you are not from one of these countries. In some cases, you may also need to pass a medical exam and an eye test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for applying varies, but generally, you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or the city stating that you've relocated to Germany along with proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also be required to submit a picture.
The cost of the test depending on where you live in Germany however, it's usually less than EUR100. Once you've passed both the practical and written tests and passed the written test, your German driving license will be available for pick-up within several weeks.
It is important to know the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats will need to have one to legally drive in Germany. It can be difficult to use public transportation in rural areas and in bad weather. Having a car will help.
How do I obtain an German driver's license?
If you hold a driver's license from another country in the European Union (EU) or from a country that is recognized by Germany as having reciprocity either in full or in part and you wish to convert your licence to one that is a German one without having to take any exams. You can complete this process by making an appointment with the local driver's licensing authority or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need the original license as well as a form of identification, and a passport photo. In the majority of 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 are able to use it for a maximum of six months before obtaining a German license. To get this license you must first register your address and be able to pass an German language test, which can be done in a local language center or a private language school.
The process of obtaining a German driving license can take a bit of time but it's a necessary step to being safe to drive on the road. It also makes renting a car easier, because some rental companies require a German driving license. It is important to remember that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is recommended to sign up for a driving class and practice driving. führerschein kaufen legal will make you more comfortable when you take your test. You can find driving schools through the website Farschule-123 which lets you search by area and the type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer classes in various languages.
Renewal of your German driving license is simple. Schedule an appointment with the office of your local driving license at least four weeks prior to your license expiring. You will need to bring your licence, a recent passport photo and pay a small fee of approximately 24 euros. Then your new driving licence will be ready for you to collect in about four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to get a German driver's licence without taking the theory or practical test through an arrangement of reciprocity. However, the majority of expats should consider starting from the beginning. This means going through the Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a substantial amount.
Driving schools are available across the country and offer a range of courses, ranging from an entry-level car course to a truck, bus or passenger transport licence. They are also able to give you theory classes in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best way to locate the most suitable driving school.
The process of changing an American driving licence to a German driving licence can take between two and six months, based on whether you have a reciprocity arrangement or not. If you do not have a reciprocity arrangement, you will need an interpreter to translate your license into German. This can be done by a sworn translation or an automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in the country of origin as proof of residency.
Once you have the necessary documents, you'll have to sit for a test. During the exam, the driving instructor will be in the front seat and you will drive the vehicle while being asked questions. You will get your driving license within a few days after you pass.
If you fail the practical test, you'll need to repeat the process with an additional instructor and pay the fee. Additionally, you will need to prove that you have completed a medical exam and, if required present a certificate of 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 case you will require a translated drivers' licence and medical certificates. Additionally, you will need to present a certified translation of your passport and photo identification.
Can I exchange my driving license from another country to get an German license?
If you're moving to a country or state that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany the process of exchanging your license for a German one is relatively easy. 27 states, including New York and California, have this agreement, meaning that if you can show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to take the road or written test here in Germany, which will allow you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You'll need to present your current driver's licence, proof of identity (usually an identity card or passport) ID card) and a recent photograph. The exact requirements vary between the states that are federal (Lander) and therefore it is best to consult your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
You only have to exchange your license to a German one within the first six months of residency. If you do not do this, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit and authorities may decide to take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services most of which require an European or German license and this is an additional reason to get the process underway and begin working towards getting your German license.
People who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue to use their driver's license for up to 12 months after they register their address. However, they must get it translated by a certified translation, a recognized internationally automotive organisation or a certified interpreter. This is an important step because most insurance companies won't cover drivers from outside 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)". This can be completed online, over the phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need to provide your current license, a translation of the license into German and your driver's record from your home country, and proof of identity. You will also have to pay a fee that is about EUR35. This can be paid in cash or through a bank transfer. When you have all the required documents You will be informed via email that your application has been submitted (Bescheinigung). (Bescheinigung).