How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not just because of its rigorous standards, but it also because it is recognized across Europe. Foreigners often want to swap their driving license from the EU/EEA to one with a German license after it expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
You must meet a number of requirements before you can buy a German license. This includes the type of vehicle you want to drive and your age. You must be 18 years old in order to obtain a driver's license class B which is required for the majority of passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for a class C or E license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles like trucks and buses or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some instances you will require passing a written or oral test before being allowed to take a practical exam.
wie kann ich meinen führerschein kaufen allow their citizens to swap their licenses for a German one, without having to pass an examination. This includes those from countries within 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 and 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 vision test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for applying varies however, generally, you'll need a letter from your employer or city stating that you have relocated to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may need to include a photograph.
The cost of the test depending on where you live in Germany however, it's typically less than EUR100. After you have passed both the written and practical test the German driving license should be ready for collection within a few days.
It's crucial to understand the requirements of a German driving license, since many expats are required to have one to legally drive in the country. Public transport can be a challenge and unreliable for those who live in rural areas, particularly in the winter months, so having a vehicle is often a necessity.
How do I get a German driver's license?
If you hold a driving license from another country within 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 license to one of a German one without taking any exams. You can do this by booking an appointment at your local driver's license authority which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring your original licence as well as a proof of identification and a passport photograph. In the majority of cases your German licence will be ready for you to pick up in around four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra, you can use it for up to six months before getting a German license. To obtain this you must first register your address and take the German test which can be completed at a local language center or a private language school.
It could take a while to get an German license however, it's essential to be competent to drive safely on the road. Additionally, it can make renting a car easier, since some rental agencies may require you to hold a German license. It is crucial to remember 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 get some practice behind the wheel in order to help you feel more comfortable during your exam. You can find a driving school through the website Farschule-123, which allows you to sort by location and kind of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer classes in various languages.
Renewal of your German driving licence is easy. You should make an appointment at the office of your local driving license at minimum four weeks before the date your license expires. You will need to bring your license, a recent passport photograph and pay a small fee of around 24 euros. The new driver's license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
Although it is possible to obtain a driver's license in Germany without taking the theoretical or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, the majority of expats would be better off starting from the beginning. This requires completing an Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a substantial amount of money.
There are driving schools across the nation. They provide a broad range of courses from a basic car course to a truck or bus license. They will also be able to offer you a theory course in your native 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 a German one can take between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and if you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you don't have one, you must translate your driver's licence into German, which can be done by a certified translator or a recognised automobile organization. You can also submit a registry extract from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residency.
You'll have to take an exam in the form of a practical test after you have all the necessary documents. During the exam the instructor is in the passenger's seat while you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. If you pass, you will be able to get your driving licence a few weeks later.
If you fail the test, you'll have to repeat the process with another instructor and pay an additional fee. You'll also have to demonstrate that you have passed the medical exam and, if required provide 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). In this case, you will need a translated drivers' licence and medical certificates. You must also present a certified translation of your passport as well as a photocard.
Can I exchange my driving license from another country to get an German license?
If you're moving to a country or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany the process of transferring your license to a German one is fairly simple. Twenty-seven states, which includes New York and California, have this agreement, meaning that if you show your driving license from these states, you won't be required to take the written or road test in Germany which will permit you to obtain a full German driver's license. You'll need to present your current driver's license as well as proof of identity (usually a passport or a national ID card) and a recent photograph. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) differ and it is recommended to check your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
You only need to change your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not do this, it could be deemed a violation of your residency permit, and the authorities may be able to take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services many of which require an European or German license This is a further reason to get the process going and start working towards obtaining your German license.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA can continue to use their driver's license for up to one year after they have registered their address. They must, however, get it translated by a certified translation, a recognized internationally automotive organization, or a licensed interpreter. This is an essential step as a lot of insurance companies will not insure drivers who are not from 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 done online, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, a translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country and proof of identification. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of approximately EUR35 which you can pay in cash or with an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation mail once you have submitted all the required documents.