How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving licence is a valuable asset, not only due to its high standards however, its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to wish to exchange their current license to one from a German one when their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the prerequisites for the application?
There are a few prerequisites before you can get a German license. This includes the type of vehicle that you wish to drive, and your age. You must be 18 years old to get a class B driver's license that is required for most passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or class C license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractors. You may be required to pass an written or oral test in some cases before you can take the test in the practical.
Citizens of certain countries can exchange their license for one of 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.
You'll have to pass both a written test and a practical test if you're not from one these countries. In some cases you may also be required to pass a medical examination and vision 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 an official letter from your employer or the city stating that you've moved to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also need to submit a picture.
The cost of the driving test varies according to where you live in Germany. However, it is usually less than EUR100. Once you have completed both the written and practical test and have passed both tests, your German driving licence should be available for collection within a few days.
It is crucial to be aware of the requirements of the requirements of a German driving license, since many expats must have one to drive legally in the country. It can be difficult to take public transportation in rural areas, and in bad weather. A car could simplify the process.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you have a driving licence from a different country within the European Union (EU) or from a country that is recognized by Germany as having reciprocity in full or partial form and you wish to convert your licence to a German one without taking any tests. You can complete this process by making an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need your original license along with a proof of identity as well as a passport photo. In most cases the German licence will be available 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 month before getting the German license. To get this license you must sign up for your address and be able to pass an German test which can be completed in a local language center or a private language school.
It could take a while to get the German license however it is a must to be able to safely drive on the road. It can also make renting a vehicle easier, since some rental agencies require you to have an German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious issue and must be handled accordingly.
It is suggested that you enroll in a driving school and get some practice driving to help you feel more comfortable during your test. Farschule123 lets users to search for driving schools by location and vehicle type. Some driving schools also offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. You should make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at least four weeks prior to the date your license expires. You'll need to bring your driving license, a passport photo taken recently and pay a tiny amount of 24 euros. deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen driving licence will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to obtain an official driver's license in Germany without taking the theory or practical test thanks to a reciprocity agreement, the majority of expats would be better off starting from the beginning. This means going through a Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a substantial amount of money.
Driving schools can be found all over the world and offer a range of courses, from an entry-level car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport license. They will also be able to provide you with theory classes in your native language. The price can be a bit different and some schools charging less than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best way to locate the right driving school.
The process of changing 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 if you have a reciprocity agreement. If you don't have a reciprocity agreement then you'll need an interpreter to translate your license into German. This can be done by a certified translation or by an automobile association. Alternatively, you can submit a registry extract from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residence.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you will need to attend a practical exam. During the practical exam the driving instructor sits in the seat of the passenger as you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. You will receive your driving license a few days after passing.
If you fail the practical test, you will need to take the test 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 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'll need an official driver's licence that has been translated and a medical certificate. You will also be required to provide a translation that is certified and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to a German one?
If you're moving to a country or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany, it is relatively easy 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 hold a driving license from one of these states, then you will not need to take a written or road test in Germany. You will be able to get your full German license. You will be required to show your current driver's license as well as proof of identity (usually a passport or a national ID card) as well as a recent photo. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) differ therefore it is advisable to verify the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle), before booking an appointment.
You only need to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you don't, you could be deemed to be in violation of your residency permit. Authorities could decide to take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services, most of which require an European or German license This is a further reason to get the process underway and begin 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 up to one year after registering their address. However, they must have it translated by a sworn translation, a recognized internationally automotive organisation or a certified interpreter. This is a crucial step, as many insurance companies will not 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)". This can be completed online, over the phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need your current license as well as the German translation of your license, a copy of your driving record from your country of origin, as well as proof of identity. You will also need to pay a fee that is about EUR35. This can be paid in cash or by bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have submitted all the required documents.