How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving licence is an asset that is valuable not only due to its high standards, but also because its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is not unusual for expats to to exchange their current license to one from a German one once their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements?
You must meet several prerequisites before you can get a German license. This includes the type of vehicle you want to drive and your age. You must be 18 years old in order to obtain a class B driver's license, which is required for the majority of passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain a class C or E license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractors. You may have to pass an oral or written test in some cases before you can take the practical exam.
Certain citizens of countries are able to change their licenses to one that is a German one without taking an examination. 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'll need to pass both an exam written and a practical test if you're not from one these countries. In certain cases you may also be required to pass a medical exam and an eye test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for applying varies, but generally, you'll need to bring an official letter from your employer or city stating that you've moved to Germany along with proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may need to include an image.
The cost of the driving test is dependent on where you live in Germany. However, it is usually less than EUR100. Once you've passed the written and practical tests and passed the written test, your German driving license should be available to pick up within a few weeks.
It's crucial to understand the requirements for a German driving license, as many foreigners are required to have one to legally drive in the country. Taking public transportation can be a hassle and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, particularly in bad weather, which is why having a vehicle is often a necessity.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You can convert a driver's license from another EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to an German license without having to take any tests. You can do this by booking an appointment at your local driver's license authority which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need the original license, a form or identification, and a passport photo. In the majority of instances your German licence will be available to pick up within four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you are able to use it up to six months before obtaining the German licence. In order to do so you must verify your address of residence and complete the German language test that can be taken at a private school or at the local language center.
It can take a while to get the German license however, it's essential to be competent to drive safely on the road. It also makes renting a car easier, because some rental companies require at least a German driving license. führerschein kaufen in Germany is a serious thing and should be treated with care.
It is suggested that you enroll in a driving school and get some practice behind the wheel to make you feel more at ease during your test. You can locate driving schools on Farschule-123.com, which allows you to sort by location and the type of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is easy. Simply schedule an appointment with your local licensing authority at least four weeks prior to when the expiration date of your license. You will be required to bring your driving license along with a passport photo that you took recently and pay a small amount of 24 euros. The new driver's license will be ready in four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to obtain the German driver's license without having to take the theory or practical test due to the reciprocity arrangement. However, most expats would be better off starting from the beginning. This means attending a driving school and paying a large sum of money.
Driving schools are located across the country and offer a variety of courses, ranging from a basic car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport licence. You can also attend classes in your native language. The price can be a bit different and some schools charging less than others. The best way to find the right driving school is to ask around and read online reviews.
The process of converting an American driving license to a German one can take anywhere between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have a reciprocity agreement. If you do not have a reciprocity arrangement it is necessary to hire a translator to translate your license into German. This is done through a sworn translation or an automobile organization. You can also submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residence.
Once you have the necessary documents, you will need to sit for a test. During the test the driving instructor sits in the seat of the passenger as you drive your vehicle and you must answer questions. You will get your driving license within a few days after you pass.
If you fail the test, you'll need to take the test again with a different instructor and pay an additional fee. You'll also have to prove that you 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'll need an original driver's license translated and a medical certification in this case. Additionally, you will need to present a certified translation of your passport and an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to a German one?
If you're moving to a country or state that has a reciprocity deal with Germany It is simple to swap your license to one from Germany. Twenty-seven states, including New York and California, have this agreement, meaning that if you are able to present your driving license from these states, you won't be required to take the written or road test in Germany and will be able to allow you to obtain a full German driver's license. You'll need your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually a valid passport or national ID card) as well as a photograph taken recently. The exact requirements differ among the states that are federal (Lander) and therefore it is best to consult the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license to one that is a German one within the first six months of residency. If you don't do it, this could be a violation to your residency permit. Authorities could take action against you. If you are planning to use car-sharing services that require an European license or German license it is more important to start the process of getting your German license.
Anyone who moves to Germany from outside the EU/EEA area can continue to use 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 certified translator, an internationally recognized automobile organization or a licensed translator. This is an important step because many insurance companies will not insure non-EU/EEA drivers without the 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 make the appointment online, by phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, a translation of the license into German and your driver's record from your country of origin and evidence of identification. You will also have to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can either pay in cash or by the transfer of funds from a bank. When you have all the required documents you will be notified via mail that your application has been submitted (Bescheinigung). (Bescheinigung).