How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving licence is a valuable asset, not only because it has high standards however, its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to want to exchange their current licence to one from a German one once their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
You must meet several conditions before you can purchase a German license. This includes the type of vehicle that you want to drive and your age. You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a driver's license class B that is required for most passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain a class C or E license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks, or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractors. You may have to pass an oral or written test in certain cases before you are able to take the test.
Certain citizens of countries are able to change their licenses to a German one without taking a test. 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 will need to pass both an exam written and a practical test if you are not from one these countries. In some cases you may also be required to pass a medical examination and a vision test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact process varies in each case, but you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or the city in which you've relocated to Germany and a proof of insurance, and a foreign license. You may be required to submit an image.
The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany, but it is generally less than EUR100. Once you've passed the written and practical tests and passed the written test, your German driving license should be available for pickup within some weeks.
It is important to know the requirements for a German license as a lot of expats require one to legally drive in Germany. Taking public transportation can be difficult and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, especially during bad weather, so having a vehicle is often necessary.
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 recognized by Germany as having full or partial reciprocity and you wish to convert your license to a German one without taking any exams. You can do this by booking an appointment at the local driver's licensing authority, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring the original license, a form of identification and a passport photograph. In the majority of cases, you can get your German driving license in four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra, you can use it for up to six months prior you can apply for an German license. In order to do so you must register your residence address and complete an German language test, which can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
Obtaining an German driving license can take some time, but it is a necessary step to being competent to drive safely on the road. It also makes renting a car a lot 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 driving schools and get some practice behind the wheel in order to help you feel more comfortable during your exam. You can locate driving schools on the website Farschule-123, which allows you to search by area and the type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer classes in various languages.
Renewal of your German driving licence is simple. Make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before the date your license expires. You will need to bring your licence, a recent passport photo, and pay a small amount of approximately 24 euros. Then, your new driving licence will be ready for you to pick up within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
Although it is possible to obtain a driver's license in Germany without taking the theory or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, most expats are better off starting from the beginning. This requires attending a driving school and paying a substantial amount of money.
Driving schools are available all over the world and offer a variety of courses, from an entry-level car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport license. They will also be able to give you theory classes in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. Doing some research and reading online reviews is the best way to find the right driving school.
The process to convert an American driving license to a German driving licence could take between two and six months depending on whether you have a reciprocity contract or not. If you don't have a reciprocity agreement, you will need a translator to translate your license into German. This can be done by a sworn translation or through an automobile organization. As an alternative, you can submit the KBA registry extract in your country of birth to prove of residency.
You'll have to take an actual test once you have all the required documents. During this exam, the instructor will sit in the front seat and you will drive the vehicle while being asked questions. You will get your driving license a few days after passing.
If you fail the practical test, you'll need to take the test again with a different instructor and pay the fee. In addition, you'll be required to prove that you have passed a medical exam and, if needed, show a certificate of good eyesight.
check this site out 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 a medical certificate. You will also need to provide a certified translation and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I exchange my foreign license for one in Germany? German one?
If you're moving to a country or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany it's relatively simple to swap your license for one in Germany. This agreement is in force with 27 states that include New York, California and others. If you have an official driving license from one of these states, you don't have to pass a written or road test in Germany. You can get your full German license. You'll need to present your current driver's license, proof of your identity (usually an original passport or a national ID card) as well as a photograph that was taken in recent times. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) differ and it is recommended to confirm the requirements of your local authority for your driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
It is only necessary to exchange your license to a German one within the first six months of residency. If you don't, this could be a violation of your residency permit. The authorities may decide to take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services most of which require a European or German license This is a further reason to get this process going and start working towards obtaining your German license.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA may continue to use their driver's license for up to a year 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 an essential step as a lot of insurance companies won't insure drivers from outside 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)". This can be completed online, over the phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will require your current license as well as the German translation of your license, your driving record from your country of origin, as well as identification proof. You will also be required to pay a fee of around EUR35 which you can pay in cash or by an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation by mail after you have submitted all the required documents.