How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a crucial and valuable asset, not only because of its strict standards but also because it is recognized across Europe. Expats often want to change their EU/EEA driving licence for the German license when it expires.
What are the requirements?
You must meet a number of requirements before you can buy a German license. These include the type of vehicle you wish to drive, and your age. To get a class-B driver's license, you have to be 18 years old. This is the minimum age required for the majority of passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for a class E or C license if you plan to drive large vehicles such as buses and trucks. Or a class T for forest or agricultural tractors. In certain instances you might need to pass a written or oral test before being allowed to take a practical exam.
Certain countries allow their citizens to swap their licenses for one that is 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 have to pass an exam written and a practical test if not from one these countries. In certain 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. In general, you will require proof of insurance as well as your foreign driving license, along with an official letter from your employer or city stating that you've relocated to Germany. You may also need to bring a photograph.
The cost of the test according to where you live in Germany, but it is generally less than EUR100. After you have passed both the written and practical test and have passed both tests, your German driving licence should be ready for collection within a few days.
It's important to understand the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats will require one to legally drive in the country. Public transportation can be a hassle and inconvenient for those living in rural areas, particularly in the winter months, so having a car is often a necessity.
How do I obtain an German driver's license?
You can convert a driving licence from an EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to an German license without taking any tests. This process can be accomplished by arranging an appointment with your local driver's licensing authority, called the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need your original license, a form or identification, and a passport photo. In most cases, you will be able to get your German driving license in 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 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 complete the German test for language proficiency, which can be taken at a private school or at the local language center.
It could take a while to obtain the German license however it is a must to be able to safely drive on the road. It also makes renting a car easier, because some rental companies require you to have an German driving license. It is crucial to keep in mind that driving in Germany is a serious business and should be treated as such.
It is recommended to sign up for driving lessons and practice behind the wheels. This will help you become more comfortable before taking your test. You can locate driving schools through Farschule-123, which allows you to sort by location and type of vehicle. In addition there are many driving schools that offer classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is simple. You should make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at least four weeks prior to the expiration date of your license. You'll need to bring your licence, a recent passport photo, and pay a small fee of approximately 24 euros. The new driver's license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to get a German driver's licence without having to pass the practical or theory test due to a reciprocity arrangement. However, many expats should consider starting at the beginning. This means going through an Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a significant amount of money.
Driving schools are available all over the country. They offer a broad range of courses from a basic instruction in cars to a truck or bus license. They are also able to provide you with theory classes in your language. The cost of the course can vary and some schools charging less than others. Doing some research and reading online reviews is the best method to find the right driving school.
The process of converting an American driving license to a German one can take anywhere between two and six months, depending on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you don't then you will need to translate your driver's license into German, which can be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognised automobile organization. Alternatively, read here can submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residence.
After you have all the required documents, you will need to sit for a test. During this exam, the driving instructor will sit in the front seat and you will drive the vehicle while being asked questions. You will receive your driving license a few days after you pass.
If you fail the practical test, you'll have to repeat the process with another instructor and pay the fee. You must also prove that you completed the medical examination and, if required, show a certificate for 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 need a translated drivers' licence and medical certificate. You will also be required to provide a translation that is certified and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I exchange my license from abroad for a German one?
If you're moving from one of the states or countries that has a reciprocity deal with Germany it's relatively easy to exchange your license to one in Germany. This agreement is in place with 27 states, including New York, California and other states. If you have a driving license from one of these states, you don't have to pass an exam in the form of a road or written test in Germany. You will be able to get your complete German license. You'll need to present your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an authentic passport or national ID card) and a picture that was taken recently. The exact requirements differ among the states that are federal (Lander) and it is recommended to inquire with the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
You only need to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not do so, it will be considered a violation of your residency permit, and the authorities may be able to take action against you. If you plan to utilize car sharing services that require the use of a European license or a German license It is more important to begin the process of getting your German license.
Those who are moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to one year after registering their address. However deutschen führerschein legal kaufen must have it translated into German by a certified translator or an internationally recognized automotive organization or a licensed translator. This is a crucial step, since many 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 the appointment online, by phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, a certified 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 around EUR35 that you can pay in cash or with an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation by mail once you have provided all the required documents.