How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a valuable asset, not only due to its high standards however, its recognition is widespread across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to wish 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?
There are a variety of requirements for buying a German driving license, including the type of vehicle you'd like to drive as well as your age. You must be 18 years old in order 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 class C license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractor. You may have to pass an written or oral test in certain situations before you can sit for the practical exam.
Some countries allow their citizens to swap their licenses with licenses that are a German one, without having to pass an exam. This includes those from countries that are part of the European Union or the European Economic Area, as in addition to those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France, the U.S.A (certain states), and Singapore.
If you're not from one of these countries, you'll have to take a written and practical test prior to getting an German driver's license. In certain cases, you'll require an eye test and an examination for medical reasons.
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, but generally, you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or the city stating that you have moved to Germany, proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may also need to bring an image.
The cost of the driving exam is dependent on where you live in Germany. However, it is usually less than EUR100. Once you've passed both the written and practical tests and passed the written test, your German driving license will be available for pickup within some weeks.
It is important to know the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats will need to have one to legally drive in Germany. Public transportation can be difficult and inconvenient for those living in rural areas, especially in the winter months, so having a vehicle is often essential.
How do deutscher führerschein zu verkaufen get 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 reciprocity in full or partial form, you can convert your licence to a German one without having to take any exams. The process can be completed by making an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need the original license as well as a proof of identification as well as a passport photo. In the majority of cases, you can pick up your German driving licence in four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you can use it up to six months prior to obtaining the German licence. To do this, you will need to register your residence address and pass a German test for language proficiency that can be taken at a private school or at the local language center.
It could take a while to obtain a German license, but it's a must to be able to safely drive on the road. In addition, it can make renting a car much easier, as some rental agencies may require you to hold an German license. Driving in Germany is a serious issue and should be treated accordingly.
It is recommended to enroll in a driving class and get a driving lesson. This will make you more comfortable when you take your test. Farschule123 lets you to search for driving schools by location and type of vehicle. Many driving schools also offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. Make an appointment with your local licensing authority at least four weeks prior to when your license expires. You'll need to bring your license, a recent passport photograph and pay a small amount of around 24 euros. Your new driving licence will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to get an official driver's license in Germany without taking the theoretical or practical test thanks to a reciprocity agreement, the majority of expats would be better off starting from scratch. This means going through the Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a substantial amount of money.
There are driving schools across the country. They provide a broad selection of classes from a basic car course to a bus or truck license. They are also able to give you theory classes in your language. Some schools charge less than others. Doing some research and reading online reviews is the best way to locate the most suitable driving school.
The process of changing an American driving license to one that is a German driving licence can take between two and six months, based on whether you have a reciprocity contract or not. If you do not have a reciprocity agreement, you will need a translator to translate your license into German. This is done through a sworn translation or through an automobile organization. You can also submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in your country of origin to prove of residence.
After you have all the required documents, you'll need to take a practical test. During the exam the driving instructor sits in the seat of the passenger as you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. You will get your driving license in a few days after you pass.
If you fail the exam, you will have to go through the entire process again with a different instructor, and pay the corresponding fee. You will also need to show that you have completed the medical examination and, if necessary 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 case you'll need an official driver's licence that has been translated and medical certificate. You must also submit a certified translation your passport and an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my foreign driving license for an German license?
If you are moving to a state or country with a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, the process of exchanging your license for one that is a German one is fairly simple. The agreement is in place with 27 states which include New York, California and other states. If you have a driving license from one of these states, you will not need to take an examination in the form of a written or driving test in Germany. You can obtain your complete German license. You'll need your current driver's license, proof of your identity (usually an authentic passport or a national ID card) as well as a photograph that was taken in recent times. The exact requirements differ between the federal states (Lander) and so it's best to check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before scheduling an appointment.
You will only need to change your license within the first six month of your residency. If you fail to do this, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit and authorities may take action against you. If you plan on using car-sharing services, many of which require a European or German license This is a further reason to get this process underway and begin working towards getting your German license.
People who are moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA may continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to a year after registering their address. They must, however, get it translated by a certified translation, an internationally recognized automotive organisation or a certified interpreter. This is an essential step, as many insurance companies won't cover drivers from outside the EU/EEA 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)". This can be done online, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license and an official German translation of the license, your driving record from your country of origin, and proof of identity. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can either pay cash or via the transfer of funds from a bank. You will receive a confirmation mail after you have submitted all the required documents.