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. Many expats want to exchange their driving license from the EU/EEA to one with a German license after it expires.
What are the requirements?
You must meet several prerequisites before you can get a German license. These include the type of vehicle you want to drive and your age. You must be at least 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 obtain an E or C class license if you want to drive heavy vehicles like buses and trucks. Or a class T for agricultural or forest tractors. In certain instances you might have to pass a written or oral test before being allowed to take a practical exam.
Some countries allow their citizens to exchange their licenses with one that is 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.
You'll need to pass the written test and the practical test if not from one of these countries. In some cases you may have to pass an eye test as well as 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 in each case, but you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or the city in which you've moved to Germany along with proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may be required to submit an image.
The cost of the test dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's usually less than EUR100. Once you've passed 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 because many expats will need to have one to legally drive in the country. It can be difficult to use public transportation in rural areas and in bad weather. Having a car could help.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You can convert a driving license from an EU country or one recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to an German license without taking any exams. This process can be accomplished by making an appointment at your local authority for driver's licences which is known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need your original licence along with a proof of identity and a passport photograph. In the majority of instances your German licence will be ready for you 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 can use it for a maximum of six month before getting an German licence. To get this license, you must register your address and take an German language test, which can be done at a local language center or a private language school.
It may take some time to obtain a German license however, it's essential to be safe to drive on the roads. It can also make renting a car easier, since some rental agencies require you to have a German driving license. It is essential to remember that driving in Germany is an important business and should be treated as such.
It is recommended to enroll in a driving class and practice driving. This will help you become more comfortable before taking your test. The website Farschule123 allows you to find driving schools by location and vehicle type. A lot of driving schools offer classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is easy. Schedule an appointment with your local driving licensing office at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You will need to bring your driving licence, a current passport photograph and pay a small fee of around 24 euros. Then, your new driving licence will be available for you to pick up in four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to get a German driver's licence without having to take the practical or theory test through the reciprocity arrangement. However, most foreigners would be better off starting at the beginning. This involves taking a driving course and paying a substantial amount of money.
Driving schools are available all over the world and offer a variety of courses, ranging from a basic car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport license. They can also to give you theory classes in your own language. Some schools are cheaper than others. The best way to find the best driving school is to ask around and look up online reviews.
The process to convert an American driving license to a German driving license could take between two and six months, based on whether you have a reciprocity agreement or not. If you do not have a reciprocity agreement, you will need an interpreter to translate your license into German. This is done through a sworn translation or an automobile organization. You can also submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in your country of origin as proof of residency.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you'll 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. If you pass, you'll be able to pick up your driving license a few weeks later.
If you fail the practical test, you'll have to take the test again with an other instructor and pay a fee. You will also need to 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). In this instance you'll need an original drivers' license and medical certificate. Additionally, you will need to submit a certified translation your passport along with an image-based ID card.
Can I swap my driving license from a foreign country to get a German license?
If you are moving from an area or state with a reciprocity agreement with Germany, the process of swapping your license to one German one is fairly simple. 27 states, including New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you are able to show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to pass the written or road test here in Germany which will permit you to obtain a full German driver's license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of your identity (usually a valid passport or national ID card), and a photo that was taken recently. The exact requirements vary between the states that are federal (Lander) and therefore it is recommended to inquire with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
fuhrerschein kaufen are only required to change your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not, this could be a 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 the process going and start working towards getting your German license.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA may continue to use their driver's license for up to a year after registering their address. They must, however, be able to have it translated by a sworn translation, an internationally recognized automotive organisation, or a licensed interpreter. This is a crucial step since most insurance companies won't cover drivers from outside the EU/EEA 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 online, by telephone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, an official translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country and evidence of identification. You will also be required to pay a fee of around EUR35 which you can either pay cash or via a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have submitted all the required documents.