How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an asset that is valuable not only due to its high standards however, its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is not unusual for expats to to exchange their current licence for one that is a German one once their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements?
There are a few conditions before you can purchase a German license. These include the type of vehicle you intend to drive and your age. To get a class B driver's licence, you must be 18 years old. This is the minimum age for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or C class license if you want to drive large vehicles like trucks and buses. Or a class T for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some instances, you may require passing an oral or written test before you are allowed to take a practical exam.
Some countries permit citizens to exchange their licenses with one that is a German one, without having to pass an exam. This is applicable to citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.
You will need to pass an exam written and a practical test if you're not from one these countries. In certain situations, you might require an eye test or an examination for medical reasons.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for applying varies in each case, but you'll need a letter from your employer or the city stating that you have relocated to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also need to provide a photo.
The cost of the driving exam will vary based on the area you reside in Germany. However it's typically less than EUR100. After you've passed both the written and practical test the German driving license will be available for collection within several days.
It is essential to understand the requirements for a German license because many expats will require one to legally drive in Germany. Taking public transport can be a challenge and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, especially in bad weather, which is why having a car is often essential.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you hold a driving license from another country in the European Union (EU) or from a country that is recognized by Germany as having reciprocity in full or partial form, you can convert your license to a German one without taking any exams. This process can be completed by making an appointment with the local driver's licensing authority which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need your original license along with a form or identification and a passport picture. In the majority of cases the German licence will be available to pick up within 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 month before getting an German license. To obtain this you must first register your address and be able to pass an German language exam that can be taken at a local language center or a private language school.
führerschein kaufen of obtaining a German driving license can take a while, but it is a necessary step to being safe to drive on the roads. It can also make renting a car a lot easier since some rental agencies require at least a German driving license. It is crucial to remember that driving in Germany is an important business and should be treated as such.
It is suggested that you enroll in a driving school and do some practice driving to make 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 theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewal of your German driving license is easy. Schedule an appointment with your local driving licensing office at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You will need to bring your license, a recent passport photograph and pay a small amount of around 24 euros. Then, your new driving licence will be ready to pick up within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to obtain a German driver's licence without taking the practical or theory test, thanks to an arrangement of reciprocity. However, most expats would be better off starting at the beginning. This means going through the Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a substantial amount.
Driving schools can be found all over the world and offer a range of courses, from a basic car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport license. You can also take theory classes in your native language. The price can be a bit different, with some charging less than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best way to locate the right driving school.
The process to convert an American driving license 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 can be done either by a sworn translation or an automobile organization. You can also submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in the country of origin as proof of residence.
After you have all the required documents, you'll have to take a practical test. During this, the driving instructor will sit in the passenger seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. If you pass, you'll be able to obtain your driving licence a few weeks later.
If you fail the practical test, you'll need to take the test again with another instructor and pay a fee. You will also need to show 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). You'll need to submit a translated driver's license and a medical certification in this instance. You will also be required to provide a translation that is certified and photocard of your passport.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to one that is German one?
If you are moving to an area or state with a reciprocity agreement with Germany, the process of swapping your license to a German one is relatively simple. Twenty-seven states, including 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 take the road or written test in Germany and will be able to allow you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You will be required to show your current driver's license, identification proof (usually an identity card or passport) ID card) as well as a recent photo. The requirements for each state (Lander) vary and it is recommended to confirm the requirements of your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license within the first six months of your residency. If you do not, this could be a violation to your residency permit. The authorities may be able to take action against you. If you intend to use car-sharing services that require an European license or German license it is more important to start the process and work towards getting your German licence.
Those who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can continue to use their driver's license for a period of up to 12 months after they have registered their address. However, they must be able to have it translated by a sworn translation, a globally recognized automotive organization, or a licensed interpreter. This is a crucial step, since many insurance companies won't insure drivers who are not from the EU/EEA without 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 online, by phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, the German translation of your license, a copy of your driving history from your country of origin, as well as evidence of identity. You will also need to pay a fee, that is about EUR35. This can be paid in cash or via bank transfer. Once you have all of the documents in order you will be notified by mail that your application has been submitted (Bescheinigung). submitted (Bescheinigung).