How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a crucial and valuable asset, not just because of its rigorous standards, but it also because it is recognized across Europe. It is not unusual for expats to to exchange their current licence for a German one once their EU or EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements?
There are a few requirements before you can buy a German license. This includes the type of vehicle you wish to drive, and your age. To get a class-B driver's license, you have to be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age for the majority of passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain a class E or C license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses. A class T license is required for agricultural or forest tractors. You may have to pass an written or oral test in certain cases before you can take the test in the practical.
Certain countries allow their citizens to swap their licenses with licenses that are a German one without the requirement of passing an examination. 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.
If you're not from one of these countries, you'll have to pass a written and practical test prior to getting a German driver's license. In some cases you may have to pass an eye test as well as a medical examination.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure varies. In general, you will need to bring proof of insurance and your foreign driving license, as well as an official letter from your city or employer stating that you've relocated to Germany. You may need to include an image.
The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany, but it is usually less than EUR100. Once you've passed both the practical and written tests then your German driving license will be available for pickup within a few weeks.
It is important to know the requirements for a German license as a lot of expats require one to legally drive in the country. It can be difficult to use public transportation in rural areas and during severe weather. Car ownership will help.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you have a driving license from another country in the European Union (EU) or from a country that is recognized by Germany as having reciprocity in full or partial form the possibility of converting your licence to one of a German one without taking any tests. You can do this by making an appointment with your local driver's license authority, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring your original licence, a form of identification and a passport photograph. In the majority of instances the German licence will be available to pick up within 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 before obtaining the German licence. To do this, you will need to register your residence address and pass the German test for language proficiency, which can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
It can take a while to get an German license however it is a must to be able to safely drive on the road. It can also make renting a car easier, since some rental companies require at least a German driving license. It is crucial to keep in mind that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is recommended that you enroll in a driving school and do some practice behind the wheel, as it will make you feel more comfortable during your test. Farschule123 is a website that allows users to search for a driving school by location and vehicle type. Additionally, many driving schools offer theory classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is simple. Simply schedule an appointment with your local driving license authority at least four weeks prior to when the expiration date of your license. You'll need to bring your driving licence, a current passport photo and pay a small fee of around 24 euros. The new driver's license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to get a German driver's licence without having to pass the theory or practical test, thanks to the reciprocity arrangement. However, the majority of expats would be better off starting from the beginning. This requires attending a driving school and paying a substantial amount of money.
Driving schools are located across the country and offer a variety of courses, from an entry-level car course to a truck, bus or passenger transport license. You can also take the theory course in your own language. Some schools charge less than others. Checking online and asking around reviews is the best way to find the most suitable driving school.
The process of changing an American driving license to a German one could take anywhere between two and six months, depending on the availability of the driving school and if you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you don't have a reciprocity agreement it is necessary to hire an interpreter to translate your license into German. This can be done by a certified translation or by an automobile association. Alternately, you can submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residence.
You'll have to take an actual test once you have all the necessary documents. During this, the driving instructor will be in the seat of the passenger and you will drive the vehicle while being asked questions. If you pass, you'll be able to get your driving licence a few weeks later.
If you fail the test, you will have to go through the entire process again with another instructor and pay the appropriate fee. You will also need to prove that you passed the medical exam 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). You will need to provide a translated driver's license and a medical certification in this case. You will also need to present a certified translation of your passport as well as an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my foreign license to a German one?
If you are moving from a country or state with a reciprocity agreement with Germany the process of swapping your license to one that is a German one is relatively easy. This agreement is in place with 27 states that include New York, California and others. If you have an official driving license from one of these states, you will not need to take a written or road test in Germany. You can get your full German license. You must present your current driver's licence, identification proof (usually a passport or a national ID card) as well as a recent photo. The requirements for each state (Lander) differ therefore it is advisable to check your local authority for your driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
It is only necessary to exchange your license to a German one within the first six months of your residency. If kaufe deutschen führerschein don't do it, you could be deemed to be in violation of your residency permit. The authorities may decide to take action against you. If you're planning to use car-sharing services, many of which require an European or German license This is a further reason to get this process underway and begin working towards getting your German license.
Those who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can continue to use their driver's license for a period of up to 12 months after they have registered 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 vital step, as many insurance companies won't insure drivers who are not from the EU/EEA without 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 on the internet, via telephone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license as well as an official German translation of your license, a copy of your driving history from the country of origin, and evidence of identity. You will also be required to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can pay in cash or by a bank transfer. When you have all the required documents You will be informed via email that your application has been accepted (Bescheinigung). (Bescheinigung).