How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an important and valuable asset, not just due to its strict standards, but it also because it is recognized across Europe. Expats often want to change their driving licence from the EU/EEA for the German license when it expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
There are many requirements to buying the German driving license, such as the type of vehicle you'd like to drive as well as your age. You must be 18 years old to get an official driver's license of class B which is required for most passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or C class license if you want to drive heavy vehicles, such as buses and trucks. Or a class T for agricultural or forest tractor. You may be required to pass an written or oral test in certain cases before you can take the test in the practical.
Citizens of certain countries can swap their licenses for a German one without taking an exam. This applies 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'll need to pass the written test and the practical test if you're not from one these countries. In some cases you may need to pass an eye test or 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. In general you'll be required to present proof of insurance as well as your foreign driving license, along with an official letter from your city or employer stating that you have relocated to Germany. You may also need to bring photos.
The cost of the test dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's usually less than EUR100. Once you've passed both the written and practical tests and passed the written test, your German driving license should be available for pickup within some weeks.
It is essential to understand the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats will need to have one to legally drive in the country. It can be difficult to take public transportation in rural areas, and in bad weather. A car will make it easier.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you hold a driving licence from a different country within the European Union (EU) or from a country recognized by Germany as having reciprocity either in full or in part the possibility of converting your licence to a German one without having to take any tests. The process can be completed by making an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses, called the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need your original license as well as a form of identification and a passport picture. In the majority of cases, you can obtain your German driving licence within four weeks.
If your licence was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra, you can use it for up to six months prior to getting the German license. To do this, you will need to verify your address of residence and pass a German test for language proficiency which is available at a private school or at the local language center.
Obtaining an German driving license can take some time however, it is essential to be safe to drive on the roads. It also makes renting a car easier, since some rental companies require that you have an German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious issue and must be handled accordingly.
It is recommended to enroll in a driving school and do some practice driving in order to make you feel more comfortable during your test. You can find driving schools on the website Farschule-123 which lets you search by area and the type of vehicle. Many driving schools also offer classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. You should make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You'll need to bring your driving licence, a current passport photo, and pay a small amount of around 24 euros. Then your new driving license will be available for you to pick up in four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
Although it is possible to get a driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, the majority of expats would be better off starting from scratch. This means going through a driving school and paying a substantial amount of money.
Driving schools are located all over the world and offer a variety of classes, from the basic car class to a bus, truck or passenger transport license. They are also able to give you theory classes in your native language. Some schools charge less than others. The best way to find a suitable driving school is to ask around and check online reviews.
The process of converting an American driving license to an German driving licence can take between two and six months depending on whether you have a reciprocity agreement or not. If you do not then you will need to translate your driver's licence into German to be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognized automobile organization. You can present the KBA registry extract in your country of birth as proof 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 will sit in the passenger seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. You will be issued your driving license a few days after passing.
If you fail the exam and fail the practical exam, you must repeat the entire process with a different instructor and pay the corresponding fee. In addition, you will have to prove you have passed a medical exam and, if necessary present a certificate of good eyesight.
deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen 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 official driver's licence that has been translated and medical certificates. You will also be required to provide a translation that is certified and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I exchange my foreign license to one that is German one?
If you're moving to an area or state with a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, the process of transferring your license to a German one is relatively simple. The agreement is in place with 27 states that include New York, California and other states. If you hold 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 can obtain your complete German license. You'll need to present your current driver's license and identification proof (usually a passport or a national ID card) as well as a recent photo. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) vary therefore it is advisable to verify the local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle), before booking an appointment.
You only need to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you fail to do this, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit and the authorities may take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services that require an European license or German license It is more crucial to begin the process and work towards getting your German licence.
Anyone who moves to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue using their driver's licence for a maximum of 12 months after they register their address. They must, however, get it translated by a certified translation, a globally recognized automotive organization, or a licensed interpreter. This is an essential step, since many insurance companies won't cover drivers from outside 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 in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license and an official German translation of your license, your driving history from your country of origin, and evidence of identity. You will also have to pay a fee which is approximately EUR35. This can be paid in cash or through a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have submitted all the required documents.