How to Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you hold a valid driver's license issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, or the USA, the process is fairly simple. You'll still need pass a theory test as well as an actual driving test.
The standard German driving license (fuhrerschein) which is a plastic card follows EU law. It is required to be presented every time you use an automobile. It is valid for a period of 15 years.
You must possess an official driver's license.
You require a valid driver's license to drive in Germany. This is the case whether you are a newcomer to Germany or an EU citizen with an existing driving license from your home nation. The process for getting the German driving license varies depending on your nationality, and whether or the country you are from has a reciprocal agreement with Germany to exchange licenses for drivers. You may be required to pass a test of theory and a test on the spot to get an official German driving license.
Generally, you are able to use your current driving license from your home nation for up to six months. After that, however, you'll have to get a German license or convert your existing one. To get this done, you must present a valid passport and proof of your address. You must also present a current driving license and medical certificate. Then, you have to present the documents at a Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process usually takes between two and six weeks.
If your driving license was issued within the EU or EEA it is possible to transfer it to an German license without the need to pass an exam in theory or a practical test. However, exceptions are made for big buses and trucks that require an additional permit.
You can also obtain an German driving licence if you are from a non-EU nation. You will need to establish your residency in Germany. This is typically assumed when you are in Germany for at least 185 days a year, for professional or personal reasons.
A German driver's license is a type of plastic card of the same size as credit cards. It contains your information and lists the kinds of vehicles that you are permitted to drive. It follows the European standard and can be used throughout the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The cost of getting the German driving license are different, but most applicants will have to enroll in driving schools. The enrollment price isn't always the same and the cost for practice hours could be quite high as well. To avoid this, select the driving school with an excellent reputation and offers quality instruction. This will ensure that you get the best possible training and that driving schools don't take advantage of your situation.
You must pass a driving test
The driving test is a major stage in getting a German license. It is a written and a practical exam that evaluates your knowledge of traffic laws and safety rules as well as driving skills. Based on where you're from, you may be required to attend several practical and theoretical classes prior to taking your test. It is essential to practice and not lose confidence during the test. You will fail if you do not follow traffic laws or behave recklessly.
You will receive temporary license on paper after you have passed the test. This will allow you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license which is usually issued within four weeks of passing the test. In this period, you are in probation, which means that should you be caught breaking any of the laws governing driving your license is suspended.
Enrolling in a driving course is an excellent method to prepare for your test. You can learn the fundamentals of driving and prepare for the test. Alternately, you can learn on your own or utilize any of the numerous online resources available. After you pass the theory test, you can begin your driving lessons under the supervision of a certified instructor. You'll then be ready to take the practical driving test. This test is less than an hour long and examines your ability to deal with different traffic situations.
The laws regarding driving licenses vary greatly between federal states and even within municipal jurisdictions. The best way to determine what requirements for a driver's license apply to you is to contact the local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more information. This office is located in your town or city hall, or check with your local Citizens' Office.
The process for obtaining the German driver's license can be lengthy, particularly for those from countries that do not enjoy full reciprocity with Germany. However there are three easy requirements that almost all expats must be able to meet: pass a driving test and surrender their foreign license, and provide all necessary documentation. A private driving school can assist you to expedite the process by handling all documents.
You have to exchange your license
It's a great idea to change your driving license as soon as you can when you reside in Germany. You'll be able drive legally across the entire country. Find more information about this procedure on the German government's website. You may be required to pass a driving and written test based on the location you are moving to. This is a quicker process than completing a full driver's education course.
To exchange your license, you'll need to visit the local road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). It is recommended to schedule an appointment and call ahead since there are different rules for exchanging your license. You will also need your passport and a recent photo. If you have lost your license, you'll have to give an explanation of the circumstances, and that you will return it when it is discovered.
Once you've submitted your documents, it will take a few weeks for the Fuhrerscheinstelle to process your application. Once they've approved your request and you've received an acknowledgement and invoice by mail. The invoice will include a fee to transfer your license. You can pay the invoice online using a banking service or at the Fuhrerscheinstelle.
Although it is possible to rent cars in Germany however, the cost could be prohibitive for expats on budget. Public transportation is available in all cities and is a great option to travel around. In reality, Germany is a great place to live without a car, especially in cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.
You will need to upgrade your license
You must be aware that driving in Germany is controlled by strict rules. You'll have to exchange your driving license, which can cost as much as 200 Euros. kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen depends on where you are from and the length of time you been in the country for.
The first step is to check with your local Fuhrerscheinstelle if you're eligible to transfer your driving license. This usually involves submitting certificates that confirm your vision and health. In some cases you'll also have to pass a written and practical test. Once you've passed the test, you'll be able to legally drive in Germany.

It is important to be aware that your foreign driving license will be valid in Germany for a period of six months after the establishment of your residence. This applies to EU as well as non-EU citizens. Moreover, you can only utilize your foreign license until it expires, or until it is replaced by a German one. In other words you need to update your license before expiry or you'll face a fine.
If your driving license was issued in a nation that has full reciprocity with Germany You'll be exempt from both the practical and written exam. However, the rules differ by state, and certain states have only partial reciprocity. Nevertheless, the process is not complicated, and it's worthwhile to consult your local Fuhrerscheinstelle for more details.
The first step is to take your original driver's licence and an official translation of your birth certificate to the local office. You'll also require proof of residence and a photo ID such as a passport or national identity card. After you've submitted all of these documents the Fuhrerscheinstelle will verify whether you're able to transfer your licence.
To obtain a German driving licence you must be at minimum 18 years old and have completed a safe driving program. You also need to have a current first aid certificate, and pass both a formal and practical driving test. If you're planning to drive taxis, forklifts or passenger transport vehicles, you should also complete an additional training course. You can find an inventory of courses offered online or in the local papers.