How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an asset that is valuable not only due to its high standards, but also because its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to wish to exchange their current licence to a German one when their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements?
There are a few conditions before you can purchase a German license. This includes the type of vehicle you wish to drive, and your age. You must be 18 years old to obtain a class B driver's license that is required for the majority of passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain an E or class C license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractor. In some cases, you may require passing an oral or written test before being allowed to take a practical exam.
eu führerschein kaufen of certain countries can swap their licenses for a German one without having to pass an examination. 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, you'll need to pass a written and a practical test prior to getting a German driver's license. In some cases you may require an eye test as well as an examination for medical reasons.
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 an official letter from your city or employer stating that your have moved to Germany. You may also need to submit a picture.
The cost of the driving test is different depending on where you live in Germany however, it's typically less than EUR100. Once you've passed both the practical and written tests and passed the written test, your German driving license will be available for pickup within some weeks.
It's crucial to understand the requirements of the German driving license, as many expats are required to have one in order to legally drive in the country. Taking public transport can be a challenge and inconvenient for those living in rural areas, especially in bad weather, which is why having a car is often a necessity.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you have 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 licence to one that is a German one without taking any exams. This process can be completed by making an appointment with the local driver's licensing authority, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need to bring your original license as well as a form of identification and a passport photograph. In most cases, you will be able to pick up your German driving license in four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you can use it for up to six months prior to obtaining a German licence. To obtain a German license you must verify your address of residence and complete the German test of your language, which can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
It can take a while to obtain the German license, but it's a must to be able to safely drive on the road. It also makes renting a vehicle easier, since some rental agencies require an German driving license. It is essential to remember that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is recommended to enroll in driving schools and get some practice driving to make you feel more comfortable during your exam. You can find a driving school through Farschule-123.com, which allows you to filter by area and type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is simple. You should make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at least four weeks prior to the expiration date of your license. You'll need to bring your driving licence, a passport photo taken recently, and pay a modest amount of 24 euros. Your new driving licence will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to get an German driver's license without having to pass the practical or theory test through an arrangement of reciprocity. However, most expats would be better off starting at the beginning. This means going through an Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a substantial amount of money.
There are driving schools all over the country. They provide a broad variety of courses, beginning with a basic driver's car course to a truck or bus license. They are also 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. Checking online and asking around reviews is the best method to find an appropriate driving school.
The process of converting an American driving licence to a German driving license could take between two and six months depending on whether you have a reciprocity agreement or not. If not, you will need to translate your driver's licence into German and this can be done by a certified translator or a recognized automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit a registry extract from the KBA in the country of origin as proof of residence.
You'll have to take an actual test once you have all the necessary documents. During the practical exam the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat as you drive the vehicle and answer questions. You will receive your driving license a few days after you pass.
If you fail the test, you will have to repeat the whole process with a different instructor and pay the corresponding fee. In addition, you'll have to prove you have completed a medical exam and, if required, show a certificate 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 instance you will require an original drivers' license and a medical certificate. You will also need to provide a translation that is certified and photocard of your passport.
Can I exchange my foreign driving license for one in Germany? German license?
If you're moving from an area or country that has a reciprocity deal with Germany it's relatively simple to exchange your license to one from Germany. The agreement is in place with 27 states, including New York, California and other states. If you have a driving license from one of these states, you won't need to take an exam in the form of a road or written test in Germany. You will be able to get your complete German license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an authentic passport or a national ID card) and a picture taken recently. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) vary and it is recommended to check your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
It is only necessary to exchange your license for a German one within the first six months of residency. If you don't, you could be deemed to be in violation of your residency permit. Authorities could take action against you. If you plan on using car-sharing services, many of which require a European or German license, this is even more reason to get the process underway and begin working towards obtaining your German license.
Anyone who moves to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue to use their driver's license for a maximum of 12 months after they register their address. However they must get it translated into German by a certified translator, an internationally recognized automobile organization or a licensed translator. This is a vital step as many insurance companies won't cover drivers from outside the EU/EEA without an official 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 at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, a German translation of your license, your driving history from your country of origin, as well as identification proof. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can either pay in cash or with the transfer of funds from a bank. You will receive a confirmation mail once you have submitted all the required documents.