How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not just because of its rigorous standards but also because it is recognized across Europe. Expats often want to change their EU/EEA driving licence for one with a German license after it expires.
What are the requirements?
There are several requirements to buying a German driving license, such as the type of vehicle you'd like to drive and your age. You must be at least 18 years old to get a driver's license class B which is required for most passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain a class E or C license if you want to drive large vehicles such as buses and trucks. Also, knowing it can get a class T for forest or agricultural tractors. You may have to pass an oral or written test in certain situations before you are able to take the test in the practical.
Some countries permit their citizens to exchange their licenses with licenses that are a German one without the requirement of passing a test. This includes citizens of countries belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area as and 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.
You will need to pass both an exam written and a practical test if you're not from one of these countries. In certain situations, you might need to pass an eye test or 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 general, you will require proof of insurance as well as your foreign driving license, along with a letter from either your city or employer stating that you've relocated to Germany. You may be required to submit an image.
The cost of the driving test varies according to where you live in Germany however, it's generally less than EUR100. After you have passed both the written and practical test the German driving licence should be ready for collection within several days.
It's important to understand the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats will require one to legally drive in Germany. It isn't easy to use public transportation in rural areas, and in bad weather. Car ownership could simplify the process.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you have 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 and you wish to convert your licence to one that is a German one without having to take any tests. You can do this by making an appointment with the local driver's licensing authority or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring the original license, a form of identification and a passport photograph. In the majority of cases your German licence will be ready to pick up in around 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 to obtaining an German license. In order to do so you must register your residence address and complete a German language test that can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
It can take a while to obtain an German license however, it's essential to be able to safely drive on the road. It also makes renting a car a lot easier since some rental agencies require that you have at least a German driving license. It is essential to remember that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is recommended to sign up for driving classes and practice behind the wheels. This will help you become more confident when you take your test. The website Farschule123 allows users to search for a driving school by location and vehicle type. Additionally numerous driving schools offer theory classes in various languages.
Renewal of your German driving license is easy. Make an appointment with your local licensing authority at least four weeks prior to the date your licence expires. You'll need to bring your license, a recent passport photo and pay a small fee of approximately 24 euros. Then your new driving licence will be ready to pick up within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
While it is possible to get an official driver's license in Germany without taking the theory or practical test thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, the majority of expats should consider beginning from scratch. This means going through an Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a substantial sum of money.
Driving schools are available all over the country. They provide a broad selection of classes from a basic car course to a bus or truck license. You can also enroll in classes in your native language. The price can be a bit different in some places, with some charging less 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 licence to a German driving license can take between two and six months depending on whether you have a reciprocity agreement or not. If not have one, you must translate your driver's license into German, which can be done by a sworn translator or a recognized automobile organization. You can present 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 necessary documents. During the practical exam the instructor is in the passenger's seat while you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. If you pass, you'll be able to get your driving license within a few weeks.
If you fail the practical test, you'll have to take the test again with an additional instructor and pay the fee. You must also demonstrate that you have passed the medical exam and, if necessary present a certificate 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). You will need to provide a translated driver's license as well as a medical certificate in this case. You will also have to provide a certified translation and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I exchange my driving license from another country to get one in Germany? German license?
If you're moving from an area or country that has a reciprocity deal with Germany It is simple to swap your license to one from Germany. Twenty-seven states, which includes New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you are able to present your driving license from these states, you won't be required to pass the written or road test here in Germany and will be able to allow you to get a full German driver's license. You must show your current driver's license and evidence of identity (usually a passport or a national ID card) and a recent photo. The exact requirements differ between the states that are federal (Lander) and therefore it's best to check with the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license within the first six months of your residency. If you do not, you could be deemed to be in violation to your residency permit. Authorities could be able to take action against you. If you're planning to use car-sharing services, most of which require an European or German license This is a further reason to get the process underway and begin working towards getting your German license.
Those who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can continue to use their driver's license for a period of up to 12 months after they have registered their address. They must, however, get it translated by a certified translation, a recognized internationally automotive organisation or a licensed interpreter. This is a crucial step since many insurance companies will not offer insurance to drivers outside of the EU/EEA region 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, over the phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will require your current license, an official German translation of the license, your driving history from the country of origin, and proof of identity. You will also have to pay a fee of about EUR35 that you can pay in cash or by an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation by mail once you have submitted all the required documents.