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 also because it is recognised 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 for the application?
There are several requirements to purchasing the German driving license, which includes the kind of vehicle you wish to drive and the age. To get a class-B driver's licence, you must be 18 years old. This is the minimum age required for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain an E or class C license if you want to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractor. In some cases you might need to pass a written or oral test before you are allowed to take a practical test.
Some countries allow their citizens to exchange their licenses with licenses that are a German one without having to pass an exam. This includes 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 be required to pass a written and practical test prior to getting an German driver's license. In some cases you may need to pass an eye test and medical exam.
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 speaking you'll require proof of insurance as well as your foreign driving license, as well as a letter from either your employer or city stating that your have moved to Germany. You may need to include a photograph.
The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside 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 should be available to pick up within a few weeks.
It is crucial to be aware of the requirements of a German driving license, as many foreigners are required to have one to legally drive in the country. It can be difficult to use public transport in rural areas and during severe weather. Car ownership could help.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You can convert a driver's license from another EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to a German license without taking any exams. You can do this by arranging an appointment with the local driver's licensing authority, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need your original license, a form or identification and a passport photograph. In the majority of cases, your German licence will be ready to pick up in about 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 months prior to obtaining an German licence. To obtain a German license you must identify your residence address and complete the German language test, which can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
Obtaining an German driving license can take a bit of time but it's an essential step to be able to drive safely on the roads. It also makes renting a car a lot easier since some rental agencies require that you have at least a German driving license. It is important 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 driving lessons and practice behind the wheels. This will make you more comfortable when you take your test. You can locate a driving school through Farschule-123 that lets you filter by area and the type of vehicle. Additionally there are many driving schools that offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewal of your German driving licence is a straightforward process. Simply make an appointment with your local driving licensing authority at least four weeks before your licence expires. You will need to bring your licence, a recent passport photo, and pay a small fee of about 24 euros. Then your new driving licence will be available for you to pick up within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
Although it is possible to obtain an driver's license in Germany without taking the theoretical or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, the majority of expats should consider beginning from the beginning. This involves attending a driving school and paying a substantial amount of money.
Driving schools are available across the country. They offer a broad range of courses beginning with a basic driver's instruction in cars to a bus or truck license. You can also attend theory classes in your native language. Some schools charge less than others. The best method to find a suitable driving school is to ask around and check online reviews.
The process to convert an American driving licence to a German driving license could take between two and six months depending on whether you have a reciprocity arrangement or not. If you don't have a reciprocity agreement it is necessary to hire an interpreter to translate your license into German. This is done through a certified translation or by an automobile organization. You can present the KBA registry extract from your country of birth as proof of residency.
You will need to take a practical test once you have all the necessary documents. During this exam, the instructor will sit in the passenger seat and you will drive the vehicle while being asked questions. You will get your driving license within a few days after passing.
If you fail the test and fail the practical exam, you must go through the entire process again with a different instructor and pay the fee. Additionally, you will be required to prove that you have passed a medical exam and, if required you will need to show a proof 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). You'll need an original driver's license translated and a medical certification in this case. You will also have to submit a certified translation and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I exchange my foreign license for a German one?
If you're moving from a country or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany, it is relatively simple to exchange your license to one from Germany. The agreement is in place with 27 states which include New York, California and others. If you hold a 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 obtain your complete German license. You must present your current driver's license as well as proof of identity (usually an identity card or passport) ID card) as well as a recent photo. The exact requirements vary between the federal states (Lander) and therefore it's best to check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
It is only necessary to exchange your license for a German one within the first six months of your residency. If source web page fail to do this, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit and the authorities could be able to take action against you. If you're planning to use car-sharing services many of which require a European or German license and this is an additional reason to get this process underway and begin working towards obtaining your German license.
People who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can keep their driver's license for a maximum of 12 months after they have registered their address. However they must get it translated into German by a sworn translator or an internationally recognized automotive organization or a licensed translator. This is a crucial step as a lot of insurance companies won't insure drivers who are not from the EU/EEA region 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)". You can do this via the internet, by telephone or in 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 country of origin and documents of identity. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of approximately EUR35 which you can pay cash or via the transfer of funds from a bank. You will receive a confirmation via mail after you have submitted all the required documents.