How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an asset that is valuable not just because it is a top-quality licence with high standards, but also because its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to want to exchange their current licence for one that is a German one when their EU or EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
You must meet a number of requirements before you can buy a German license. These include the type of vehicle that you wish to drive, and your age. You must be at least 18 years old in order to obtain an official driver's license of class B which is required for most passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also get an E or class C license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some instances you will have to pass a written or oral test before being allowed to take a test.
Certain countries allow their citizens to swap their licenses for licenses that are 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'll need to pass both a written test and a practical test if not from one these countries. In some cases you may need to pass an eye test and 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 however, generally, you'll need an official letter from your employer or city stating that you have moved to Germany along with proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may need to include an image.
The cost of the driving test is different depending on where you live in Germany, but it is usually less than EUR100. Once you have completed both the written and practical test the German driving license should be ready to collect within a few days.
It's important to understand the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats require one to legally drive in the country. It isn't easy to use public transport in rural areas and during bad weather. Car ownership could make it easier.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
You can convert a driving license from another EU country or one recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to a German license without having to take any exams. This process can be completed by arranging an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need to bring the original license as well as a form of identification and a passport picture. In the majority of instances your German licence will be available to pick up in around four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra You can use it for up to six months before you can apply for an German license. To obtain a German license, you will need to verify your address of residence and complete a German test for language proficiency that can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
The process of obtaining an German driving license can take some time but it's a necessary step to being competent to drive safely on the roads. It can also make renting a car a lot easier since some rental agencies require that you have an German driving license. It is important to remember that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is suggested that you enroll in a driving school and get some practice driving in order to make you feel more at ease during your test. You can locate a driving school through Farschule-123.com, which allows you to filter by area and the type of vehicle. In addition there are many driving schools that offer theory classes in several languages.
Renewing your German driving license is simple. fuhrerschein-kaufen-ohne-vorkasse should make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at minimum four weeks before the date your license expires. You will need to bring your license, a recent passport photograph and pay a small fee of approximately 24 euros. Your new driving license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
Although it is possible to get an driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity agreement, most expats are better off beginning from the beginning. This requires completing an Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a significant amount of money.
Driving schools are located all over the world and offer a variety of courses, ranging from the basic car class to a truck, bus or passenger transport license. They will also be able to give you theory classes in your own language. The cost of the course can vary in some places, with some charging less than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best method to find the right driving school.
The process of converting an American driving license to a German one could take anywhere from two to six months, depending on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have a reciprocity agreement. If not, you will need to translate your driver's licence into German and this can be done by a sworn translator or a recognised automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in the country of origin as proof of residency.
You'll have to take an actual test once you have all of the required documents. During the practical exam the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat while you drive your vehicle and you must answer questions. You will get your driving license in a few days after you pass.
If you fail the practical test, you'll need to take the test again with another instructor and pay an additional fee. Additionally, you will be required to prove that you have passed a medical exam and, if needed 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 instance you'll need a translated drivers' licence and medical certificate. You will also need to provide a certified translation and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I swap my driving license from a foreign country for a German license?
If you're moving to a country or state with a reciprocity agreement with Germany it's relatively easy to exchange your license for one in Germany. 27 states, including New York and California, have this agreement, meaning that if you are able to show your driving license from these states, you won't be required to pass the written or road test in Germany, which will allow you to get a full German driver's license. You must present your current driver's licence, identification proof (usually a passport or a national ID card) and a recent photograph. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) vary therefore it is advisable to verify the local authority for your driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license within the first six months of your residency. If you don't, you could be deemed to be in violation to your residency permit. The authorities could be able to take action against you. If you intend to utilize car sharing services that require the use of a European license or a German license, it is even more crucial to begin the process and work towards getting your German licence.
Those who are moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue to use their driver's license for up to one year after registering their address. They must, however, have it translated by a certified translation, a recognized internationally automotive organisation or a licensed interpreter. This is a vital step, since many insurance companies won't 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 done online, by phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will require your current license and the German translation of your license, a copy of your driving record from your country of origin, and identification proof. You will also be required to pay a fee of around EUR35 which you can either pay cash or via an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation by mail once you have provided all the required documents.