How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a valuable asset, not just because it is a top-quality licence with high standards however, its recognition is widely spread across Europe. Foreigners often want to swap their EU/EEA driving licence for a German license after it expires.
What are the prerequisites for the application?
You must meet a number of prerequisites before you can get a German license. This includes the type of vehicle you intend to drive and your age. To get a class-B driver's licence, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age required for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for a class C or E license if you want to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractor. In some instances you will have to pass a written or oral test before being allowed to take a practical test.
Some countries permit their citizens to swap their licenses for licenses that are a German one without the requirement of passing an examination. This includes citizens of countries within the European Union or the European Economic Area, as in addition to those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France, the U.S.A (certain states), and Singapore.
If you're not from one of these countries, then you'll be required to pass a written and a practical test prior to getting the German driver's license. In some cases you may also be required to pass a medical exam and an eye test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure differs. However, generally speaking you'll be required to present proof of insurance and a foreign driving license, along with a letter from either your employer or the city informing you that your have moved to Germany. You may also need to bring photos.
The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's usually less than EUR100. Once you have passed both the written and practical test, your German driving license should be ready to collect within just a few days.
It is essential to know the requirements for the requirements of a German driving license, since many foreigners are required to have one to legally drive in the country. Public transport can be a challenge and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, particularly in the winter months, so having a vehicle is often a necessity.
How do I apply for 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 and you wish to convert your licence to a German one without taking any tests. The process can be completed by making an appointment at your local driver's licensing authority which is known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need your original license, a form or identification and a passport photograph. In the majority of instances the German licence will be ready 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 are able to use it for a maximum of six months prior to obtaining a German license. To obtain a German license, you will need to identify your residence address and pass a German test for language proficiency which is available at a private school or at the local language center.
The process of obtaining the German driving license can take a bit of time however, it is a necessary step to being competent to drive safely on the road. Additionally, it can help you rent a car easier, since some rental companies may require an German license. Driving in Germany is a serious matter and must be handled accordingly.
It is recommended that you enroll in a driving school and do some practice driving to help you feel more comfortable during your exam. You can find a driving school through the website Farschule-123 that lets you filter by area and the type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer classes in various languages.
Renewal of your German driving license is easy. Schedule an appointment with the office of your local driving license at minimum four weeks before the date your license expires. You will 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 to pick up in four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to obtain a German driver's licence without taking the practical or theory test, thanks to an arrangement of reciprocity. However, the majority of expats should consider starting at the beginning. This requires attending a driving school and spending a significant amount of money.
Driving schools are located all over the world and offer a variety of classes, from an entry-level car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport license. They will also be able to provide you with theory classes in your native language. The price can be a bit different, with some charging less than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best way to locate the right driving school.
The process of changing an American driving license to one that is a German driving licence could 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 license in German, which can be done by a sworn translator or a recognized automobile organization. You can also submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residency.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you'll have to sit for a test. During the practical exam the instructor is in the passenger's seat as you drive the vehicle and answer questions. If you pass, you will be able to get your driving licence a few weeks later.
If you fail the practical exam and fail the practical exam, you must repeat the whole process with another instructor and pay the corresponding fee. You must also prove that you passed the medical exam and, if required 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). You'll need an original driver's license translated and a medical certification in this case. Additionally, you will need to provide a certified translation of your passport along with an image-based ID card.
Can I swap my driving license from a foreign country for one in Germany? German license?
If you are moving to a state or country with a reciprocity agreement with Germany the process of exchanging your license for one that is a German one is relatively simple. Twenty-seven states, including New York and California, have this agreement. This means that if you are able to show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to pass the road or written test in Germany and will be able to allow you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You'll need to present your current driver's license, proof of your identity (usually an authentic passport or national ID card), and a photo that was taken in recent times. The exact requirements vary between the states that are federal (Lander) and so it's best to check with the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not do this, it could be deemed a violation of your residency permit and the authorities could be able to take action against you. If you're planning to use car-sharing services, the majority of which require the use of a European or German license, this is even more reason to get this process started and work towards obtaining your German license.
Those who are moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA may continue to use their driver's license for up to one year after registering their address. They must, however, be able to have it translated by a certified translation, an internationally recognized automotive organization or a licensed interpreter. This is a vital step as a lot of insurance companies won't 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 do this online, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need to bring your current license, a translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country, and documents of identification. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of around EUR35 which you can either pay in cash or by the transfer of funds from a bank. echten führerschein kaufen erfahrungen will receive a confirmation by mail once you have provided all the required documents.