How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not just because of its strict standards, but additionally because it is recognized across Europe. Many expats want to exchange their driving license from the EU/EEA to a German license once it expires.
What are the requirements?
There are a few 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 18 years old to obtain an official driver's license of class B, which is required for all passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or class C license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles like buses and trucks or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractor. You may have to pass an written or oral test in certain cases before you can take the test in the practical.
Certain citizens of countries are able to change their licenses to a German one without taking a test. führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland includes people from countries belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area as and those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France and the U.S.A (certain states), and Singapore.
If you're not from one of these countries, you'll have to pass a written and a practical test prior to getting a German driver's license. In some cases, you may also need to pass a medical examination and a vision test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure varies. However, generally speaking, you will require proof of insurance and your foreign driving license, as well as a letter from either your employer or the city informing you that you've relocated to Germany. You may also have to submit a picture.
The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's generally 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 to pick up within several weeks.
It's important to understand the requirements for a German license since many foreigners will require one to legally drive in Germany. Taking public transport can be a challenge and inconvenient for those living in rural areas, particularly during bad weather, so having a vehicle is often a necessity.
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 that is recognized by Germany as having full or partial reciprocity, you can convert your licence to one that is a German one without having to take any tests. This process can be completed by making an appointment with your local authority for driver's licences which is known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need the original license, a form or identification and a passport picture. In most cases, you will be able to get your German driving licence in four weeks.
If your licence was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra you are able to use it for up to six months prior getting an German license. In order to do so you must register your residence address and pass a German test for language proficiency, which can be taken at a private school or at the local language center.
It can take a while to get a German license however it is a must to be competent to drive safely on the roads. Additionally, it can help you rent a car simpler, as certain rental companies may require you to hold a German license. Driving in Germany is a serious matter and must be handled accordingly.
It is recommended to enroll in driving schools and get some practice behind the wheel in order to help you feel more comfortable during your test. Farschule123 lets users to search for driving schools by location and type of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer classes in various languages.
Renewal of your German driving license is simple. You should make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at minimum four weeks before the date your license expires. You'll be required to bring your driving license and a passport photograph taken recently and pay a tiny amount of 24 euros. Then, your new driving licence will be ready for you to pick up within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
Although it is possible to get an official driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test thanks to a reciprocity agreement, the majority of expats should consider beginning from scratch. This involves going through an Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a substantial sum of money.
Driving schools are located across the country and offer a variety of courses, from the basic car class to a truck, bus or passenger transport licence. You can also attend theory classes in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. Checking online and asking around reviews is the best way to locate the most suitable driving school.
The process of converting an American driving licence to an German driving licence can take between two and six months depending on whether you have a reciprocity contract or not. If not then you will need to translate your driver's license in German, which can be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognized automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in your country of origin to prove of residence.
You'll have to take a practical test once you have all the necessary documents. During this exam, the instructor will sit in the passenger seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. If you pass, you will be able to get your driving licence within a few weeks.
If you fail the exam and fail the practical exam, you must go through the entire process again with a different instructor and pay the appropriate fee. You must also prove that you completed the medical examination and, if needed 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). In this case you will require an original drivers' license and medical certificates. You will also be required to submit a certified translation and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I swap my driving license from a foreign country to get a German license?
If you're moving from one of the states or countries that has a reciprocity deal with Germany, it is relatively easy to exchange your license for one in Germany. The agreement is in place with 27 states which include New York, California and other states. If you have an official driving license from one of these states, then you don't have to pass an examination in the form of a written or driving test in Germany. You can get your full 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 photo taken recently. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) vary therefore it is advisable to verify the local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
You only have to exchange your license to one that is a German one within the first six months of residence. If you don't do it, it could be considered a violation of your residency permit. The authorities could take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services that require an European license or German license It is more important to begin the process of getting your German licence.
People who are moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA may continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to a year after registering their address. However, they must have it translated into German by a sworn translator or an internationally recognized auto organization or a licensed translator. This is a crucial step as most insurance companies won't insure non-EU/EEA drivers 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)". You can make this appointment via the internet, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need to provide your current license, an official translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your country of origin and evidence of identity. You will also have to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can pay in cash or by a bank transfer. After you have all the documents in order You will be informed by mail that your application was submitted (Bescheinigung). accepted (Bescheinigung). (Bescheinigung).