How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In certain situations, you might require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices vary, so look around! Also, make sure to select a reliable driving school.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive in a vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photo. The driving license also has magnetic strip, although it isn't currently in use.
When you take a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically lasts approximately 45 minutes, and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules, as well as some general knowledge. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or not following the test. If you succeed, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you can get your license within a few weeks.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. The majority of people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of the road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as possible before the actual exam particularly if you come from a country where driving rules are different.
If you're in Germany for a brief period the driving license from your home country will probably suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get a new license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present certificates that prove your health and eyesight. You also must take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and take both the theory and practical tests before you are able to get your license. This can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. You can find driving schools that speak English on the internet by using this search aggregator.
How do I get a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or practical test if you reside in an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure differs between countries, and you should consult the local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, you'll have to register your residence and provide proof proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you may also be required to provide certificates attesting your license is not suspended or removed.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for a German one without having to take any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required to obtain an official driving license.
If you're from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. You'll usually need to pass a theoretical and practical test, and an instruction at a German driving school before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete an initial aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photograph to a local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or unlawful actions. You'll need to provide an official letter that states you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you have an driving license issued by one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or a country with a reciprocity agreement, you can exchange it for a German license without having to pass any tests in theory or on the road. This is only feasible when the driver has been driving for a period of time, if they have established a regular residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
You will still be required to provide proof of identity and a passport photo. Also, you will need to register your car with authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also have insurance for your car. You can find more information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general, you are able to keep your driving license for just 15 years. führerschein kaufen ohne prüfung should renew your driving licence at least four weeks before the date on which it expires. This gives you time to complete all the necessary documentation. You'll need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photo along with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license may differ depending the location you reside in. If you're not sure it is recommended that you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific details.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence to a German one, you will need to provide an official written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical driving test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the chance to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. If you pass, you'll receive your new German driving license within a few weeks.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a US license?
The rules vary based on the state where you obtained your license. The US is a country where states have authority over driver licensing, so each state can set its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with a valid German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to change their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is highly recommended that those who plan to remain in the USA for a longer duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License during their stay there. If you don't, you'll need to exchange your American driving license to a German one at the time you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle in Germany.

You can find information about the process and the documentation required in Anlage 11 of the German Federal Road Traffic Act (Standard-Fahrzeugsteuergesetz, SFTG). The Anlage contains a list of countries and states where a driver's license issued by the country is transferable without retaking the driving test. The list includes Alabama, Arkansas Colorado, Florida Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky Louisiana, Mississippi Missouri, Montana Minnesota, North Carolina Nebraska Nevada Ohio, Oklahoma South Dakota Tennessee Texas Virginia and West Virginia.
If you're not from a country or state that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you are seeking an alternative class of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This involves signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning theory lessons, passing the written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons can range from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You'll also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices will vary from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.