How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an asset that is valuable not only due to its high standards, but also because its recognition is widespread throughout Europe. Many expats want to exchange their EU/EEA driving licence for one with a German license when it expires.
What are the prerequisites for the application?
You must meet several conditions before you can purchase a German license. This includes the type of vehicle that you intend to drive and your age. You must be 18 years old to obtain an official driver's license of class B that is required for the majority of passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. deutschen führerschein kaufen erfahrungen can also obtain a class C or E license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractor. In certain instances you will require passing a written or oral test before being allowed to take a test.
Some countries permit their citizens to exchange their licenses with one that is a German one without the requirement of passing a test. This includes citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.
If you're not from one of these countries, then you'll have to take a written and practical test prior to getting a German driver's license. In certain cases, you may also need to pass a medical exam and a vision test.
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 however, generally, you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or the city stating that you've moved to Germany, proof of insurance, and a foreign license. You may be required to submit a photograph.
The cost of the driving exam will vary based on where you live in Germany. However it's typically less than EUR100. After you have passed both the written and practical test and have passed both tests, your German driving license will be ready to collect within just a few days.
It is essential to understand the requirements for a German license because many expats will need to have one to legally drive in Germany. Public transportation can be difficult and unreliable for those who live in rural areas, particularly in the winter months, so having a vehicle is often essential.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you hold a driver's 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 one that is a German one without having to take any tests. This process can be accomplished by arranging an appointment with your local authority for driver's licences which is known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need the original license along with a proof of identity and a passport photograph. In the majority of cases, you can pick up your German driving licence in four weeks.
If your licence was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra You can use it for up to six months before you can apply for an German license. In order to do so, you will need to verify your address of residence and pass a German test of your language, which can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
It may take some time to obtain a German license however, it's essential to be able to safely drive on the road. It also makes renting a car easier, since some rental companies require that you have at least a German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious matter and should be treated accordingly.
It is recommended to sign up for a driving class and practice driving. This will help you become more confident when you take your test. You can locate a driving school through Farschule-123 which lets you filter by area and kind of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer theory classes in different languages.
Renewing your German driving license is easy. Make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You'll need to bring your driving licence, a current passport photo and pay a small fee of about 24 euros. Then, your new driving licence will be available for you to pick up in four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
Although it is possible to get an official driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity agreement the majority of expats would be better off starting from scratch. This requires taking a driving course and spending a significant amount of money.
Driving schools can be found all over the world and offer a variety of courses, ranging from the basic car class to a truck, bus or passenger transport license. They are also able to provide you with theory classes in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. The best way to locate the best driving school is to ask around and read online reviews.
The process of converting an American driving licence to one that is a German driving license can take between two and six months, based on whether you have a reciprocity arrangement or not. If you do not have a reciprocity arrangement, you will need an interpreter to translate your license into German. This can be done by a sworn translation or through an automobile association. You can present the KBA registry extract from your country of birth as proof of residency.
Once you have all 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 the vehicle and answer questions. You will receive your driving license within a few days after passing.
If you fail the practical test, you will need to repeat the process with another instructor and pay an additional fee. In addition, you'll need to prove that you have completed a medical exam and, if necessary present a certificate of good eye sight.
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 will require an official driver's licence that has been translated and medical certificate. You will also need to provide a certified translation of your passport as well as an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my driving license from another country to get an German license?
If you're moving to one of the states or countries that has a reciprocity deal with Germany it's relatively 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 show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to take the written or road test here in Germany which will permit you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You must present your current driver's licence, proof of identity (usually a passport or national ID card) and a recent photo. The requirements for each state (Lander) vary, so it is best to check your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle), before booking an appointment.
You only need to exchange your license within the first six months of your residency. If you don't, it could be considered a violation of your residency permit. The authorities may take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services most of which require the use of a European or German license, this is even more reason to get this process started and work towards getting your German license.
People who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA area can continue using their driver's licence for up to 12 months after they register their address. However, they must have it translated into German by a sworn translator, an internationally recognized automobile organization or a licensed translator. This is a vital step because many insurance companies won't offer insurance to drivers outside of the EU/EEA region 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 telephone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need to bring your current license, an official translation of the license into German as well as your driver's license from your home country, and proof of identification. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of about EUR35 that you can pay in cash or with a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation by mail after you have submitted all the required documents.