How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an important and valuable asset, not only because of its strict standards but also because it is recognized throughout Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to wish to exchange their current licence for a German one once their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
You must meet several prerequisites before you can get a German license. This includes the type of vehicle that you intend to drive and your age. To get a class-B driver's license, you must be 18 years old. This is the minimum age required for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also get a class E or C license if you want to drive large vehicles, such as trucks and buses. A class T license is required for forest or agricultural tractors. In some instances you might need to pass a written or oral test before being able to take a practical test.
Citizens of certain countries can exchange their license for a German one without having to take a test. 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 will be required to pass a written and practical test prior to obtaining a German driver's license. In certain situations, you might need to pass an eye test as well as medical exam.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact process varies, but generally, you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or city stating that you've moved to Germany, proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may also be required to show a photo.
The cost of the driving test is different dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's generally less than EUR100. Once you've passed the practical and written tests and passed the written test, your German driving license should be available for pick-up within several weeks.
It's crucial to understand the requirements of the German driving license, since many foreigners are required to have one in order to drive legally in the country. It isn't easy to use public transport in rural areas and during bad weather. A car will simplify the process.
How do I get a German driving license?
You can convert a driving license from an EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to a German license without taking any exams. You can complete this process by arranging an appointment with your local driver's license authority or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring the original license as well as a proof of identification and a passport photograph. In most cases, your German licence will be ready for you to pick up in around 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 month before getting a German license. To do this you must register your residence address and pass an German test of your language that can be taken through a private school or at the local language center.
Obtaining the German driving license can take a bit of time but it's essential to be safe to drive on the roads. It can also make renting a car easier, since some rental companies might require you to hold an German license. It is essential to keep in mind 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 driving in order to aid you in feeling more comfortable during your exam. You can locate a driving school through the web site Farschule-123 that lets you filter by area and kind of vehicle. In addition, many driving schools offer classes in various languages.
Renewal of your German driving license is a straightforward process. You should make an appointment at the office of your local driving license at minimum four weeks before the expiration date of your license. You'll need your licence, a recent passport photograph and pay a small amount of around 24 euros. Your new driving licence will be ready in four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
Although it is possible to obtain an official 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 taking a driving course and spending a significant amount of money.
Driving schools are available all over the world and offer a variety of classes, from the basic car class to a bus, truck or passenger transport licence. You can also attend theory classes in your native language. The cost can vary considerably 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 converting an American driving license to one that is a German one can take between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you do not have one, you must translate your driver's licence into German and this can be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognised automobile organization. You can present the KBA registry extract from your country of birth to prove of residency.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you'll have to sit for a test. During the practical exam the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat while you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. You will be issued your driving license in a few days after passing.
If you fail the practical test, you will need to take the test again with an additional instructor and pay a fee. In addition, you will be required to prove that you passed a medical examination and, if needed you will need to show a proof of good eye sight.
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 official driver's licence that has been translated and medical certificate. You must also provide a certified translation of your passport and photo identification.
Can I exchange my foreign license to a German one?
If you're moving from one of the states or countries that has a reciprocity deal with Germany It is simple to swap your license for one in Germany. The agreement is in place with 27 states which include New York, California and other states. If you hold an official driving license from one of these states, you don't have to pass a written or road test in Germany. You can obtain your complete German license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually a valid passport or national ID card) and a picture that was taken recently. The exact requirements differ between the states that are federal (Lander) and it is best to consult the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
It is only necessary to exchange your license to a German one within the first six months of residence. If you do not do so, it will be considered a violation to your residency permit and authorities may decide to take action against you. If you are planning to use car-sharing services that require the use of a European license or a German license it is more crucial to begin the process and work towards getting your German license.
Those who are moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to a year after they have registered their address. However, they must get it translated by a certified translation, a globally recognized automotive organisation or a licensed interpreter. This is a crucial step as a lot of insurance companies will not insure drivers from outside 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)". You can make this appointment via the internet, by phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need to provide your current license, a translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country, and proof of identity. You will also be required to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can pay in cash or with the transfer of funds from a bank. You will receive a confirmation by mail after you have submitted all the required documents.