How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not only because of its rigorous standards, but it also because it is recognized across Europe. Expats often want to change their driving license from the EU/EEA to a German license after it expires.
What are the requirements?
There are a few conditions before you can purchase a German license. These include the type of vehicle that you intend to drive and your age. You must be 18 years old to get a class B driver's license which is required for most passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain a class C or E license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some instances you will need to pass a written or oral test before you are allowed to take a practical test.
Citizens of some countries can change their licenses to a German one without having to take a test. This includes those from countries within 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, the U.S.A (certain states) and Singapore.
You will need to pass a written test and a practical test if not from one of these countries. In some instances you may also be required to pass a medical exam and a vision 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 in each case, but you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or the city in which you've relocated to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also need to bring photos.
The cost of the driving test varies depending on where you live in Germany, but it is typically less than EUR100. Once you have completed both the written and practical test, your German driving license will be ready to collect within just a few days.
It's important to understand the requirements for a German license since many foreigners will need to have one to legally drive in the country. Taking public transportation can be a hassle and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, particularly during bad weather, so having a vehicle is often a necessity.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
You can convert a driving licence from an EU country or one recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to the German license without taking any tests. This process can be completed by making an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses, called the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need the original license, a form or identification and a passport picture. In most instances, your German licence will be ready to pick up in around 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 an German license. To obtain this you must first register your address and take a German test that can be taken in a local language center or a private language school.
Obtaining the German driving license can take some time, but it is a necessary step to being competent to drive safely on the road. It can also make renting a vehicle easier, because some rental companies require you to have at least a German driving license. It is crucial to remember that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is suggested that you enroll in driving schools and get some practice driving in order to help you feel more comfortable during your test. Farschule123 is a website that allows you to find a driving school by location and vehicle type. Many driving schools also offer classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. You should make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You'll need to bring your driver's license along with a passport photo that you took recently, and pay a modest amount of 24 euros. Then your new driving licence will be ready for you to pick up in four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to get a German driver's licence without taking the practical or theory test due to the reciprocity arrangement. However, many expats would be better off starting at the beginning. This involves taking a driving course and paying a large sum of money.
There are driving schools all over the country. They offer a broad variety of courses, starting from a basic driving car course to a bus or truck license. They will also be able to give you theory classes in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. The best way to locate the right driving school is to ask around and check online reviews.
The process of converting an American driving license to one that is a German one can take anywhere from two to six months, based on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you do not have a reciprocity agreement then you'll need an interpreter to translate your license into German. This can be done either by a sworn translation or through an automobile organization. As an alternative, you can submit the KBA registry extract in your country of birth to prove 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 instructor is in the passenger's seat as you drive your vehicle and you must answer questions. If you pass, you'll be able to get your driving license within a few weeks.
If you fail the practical test, you'll need to repeat the process with another instructor and pay an additional fee. In addition, you'll be required to prove that you passed a medical exam and, if necessary you will need to show a proof 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). You will need to provide an original driver's license translated and a medical certification in this instance. You will also have to submit a certified translation and photocard of your passport.
Can I exchange my foreign license for a German one?
If you are moving from an area or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany and Germany, the process of exchanging your license to a German one is relatively easy. Twenty-seven states, which includes New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you are able to present your driving license from these states, you won't be required to pass the written or road test in Germany, which will allow you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You'll need to show your current driver's license and evidence of identity (usually a passport or national ID card) as well as a recent photo. kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen vary between the federal states (Lander) and it is best to consult the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before scheduling 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 this, it could be deemed a violation of your residency permit, and the authorities could take action against you. If you are planning to utilize car-sharing services that require an European license or a German license it is more important to begin the process and work towards getting your German licence.
Those 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. They must, however, be able to have 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 insure non-EU/EEA drivers 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 done online, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need your current license, an official German translation of your license, a copy of your driving record from your country of origin, and evidence of identity. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can either pay cash or via a bank transfer. When you have all the documents in order you will be notified via mail that your application has been submitted (Bescheinigung). submitted (Bescheinigung).