How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a crucial and valuable asset, not only because of its rigorous standards, but also because it is recognised throughout Europe. Foreigners often want to swap their EU/EEA driving licence for the German license after it expires.
What are the requirements?
You must meet several requirements before you can buy a German license. This includes the type of vehicle you want to drive and your age. You must be at least 18 years old to get a class B driver's license which is required for all passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also get a class C or E license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractor. You may need to pass an oral or written test in some cases before you are able to take the test in the practical.
Some countries permit citizens to exchange their licenses with a German one, without having to pass a test. This includes people from countries belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area, as well as 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, 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 need to pass a medical exam and a vision 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 will require proof of insurance and a foreign driving license, along with an official letter from your employer or city stating that you've relocated to Germany. You may need to include photos.
The cost of the test according to where you live in Germany however, it's usually less than EUR100. After you've passed both the written and practical test, your German driving license should be ready to collect within several days.
It is essential to understand the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats require one to legally drive in the country. It can be difficult to take public transportation in rural areas, and in bad weather. Car ownership will help.
How do I get an German driver's 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 reciprocity in full or partial form the possibility of converting your licence to a German one without having to take any exams. You can do this by making an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need your original license as well as a form of identification and a passport picture. In most cases, you will be able to pick up your German driving licence within four weeks.
If your licence was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra, you can use it for up to six months prior to getting the German license. To get this license you must first register your address and be able to pass the German language test that can be taken at a local language centre or a private language school.
It can take a while to obtain a German license however it is a must to be competent to drive safely on the roads. Additionally, führerschein zum kaufen can help you rent a car easier, as some rental companies might require a German license. Driving in Germany is a serious issue and should be treated accordingly.
It is recommended to enroll in a driving school and get some practice driving to help you feel more comfortable during your exam. You can find driving schools on Farschule-123, which allows you to search by area and type of vehicle. Additionally numerous driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. Simply make an appointment with your local driving licensing authority at least four weeks prior to when your license expires. You'll be required to bring your driving licence along with a passport photo that you took recently and pay a tiny amount of 24 euros. The new driver's license will be issued in four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to obtain a German driver's licence without taking the practical or theory test through a reciprocity arrangement. However, the majority of foreigners would be better off starting at the beginning. This requires completing an Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a significant amount.
Driving schools are located all over the world and offer a variety of courses, from a basic car course to a truck, bus or passenger transport licence. They are also able to give you theory classes in your own language. The cost of the course can vary, with some charging less than others. The best way to locate the best driving school is to ask around and read online reviews.
The process of changing an American driving license to one that is a German one can take anywhere from two to six months, based on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement for reciprocity. If not, you will need to translate your driver's license in German and this can be done by a certified translator or a recognised automobile organization. Alternately, you can submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in the country of origin as proof of residency.
You will need to take an exam in the form of a practical test after you have all the required documents. During the exam the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat while you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. If you pass, you'll be able to obtain your driving license within a few weeks.
If you fail the test, you will have to repeat the whole process with a different instructor and pay the appropriate fee. In addition, you will be required to prove that you passed a medical exam and, if required you will need to show a proof of good eye sight.
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 an official driver's licence that has been translated and medical certificates. 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 one that is German one?
If you're moving to a state or country which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany the process of swapping your license for one that is a German one is relatively simple. This agreement is in place with 27 states, including New York, California and other states. If you hold a driving license from one of these states, 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'll need to present your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually a passport or a national ID card) as well as a recent photo. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) vary and it is recommended to verify the local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You only need to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you fail to do so, it will be considered a violation to your residency permit and authorities could 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 start the process and work towards getting your German licence.
Those who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can keep their driver's license for up to 12 months after they have registered their address. However they must have it translated into German by a sworn translator, an internationally recognized automobile organization or a licensed translator. This is a crucial step as most insurance companies won't insure non-EU/EEA drivers 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 via the internet, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need to bring your current license, a certified translation of the license into German as well as your driver's license from your country of origin and proof of identity. You will also be required to pay a fee of around EUR35 that you can pay in cash or by a bank transfer. After you have all the required documents You will be informed via email that your application was submitted (Bescheinigung). submitted (Bescheinigung).