How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a valuable asset not only due to its high standards and standards, but also because its recognition is widespread throughout Europe. It is not unusual for expats to to exchange their current license for one from a German one when their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
You must meet several conditions before you can purchase a German license. These include the type of vehicle you intend to drive and your age. You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a class B driver's license which is required for all passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or class C license if you want to drive heavy vehicles like buses and trucks or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractor. You may need to pass an oral or written test in certain cases before you can sit for the test.
Some countries allow citizens to exchange their licenses for one that is a German one, without having to pass an exam. 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.
If you're not from one of these countries, you'll have to pass a written and a practical test prior to obtaining a German driver's license. In certain cases you may also be required 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 exact procedure differs. In general, you will be required to present proof of insurance and a foreign driving license, as well as an official letter from your employer or city stating that you've relocated to Germany. You may also have to provide a photo.
The cost of the driving test is different depending on where you live in Germany, but it is typically less than EUR100. After you've completed both the written and practical test, your German driving licence should be ready for collection within several days.
It's crucial to understand the requirements for the German driving license, since many expats must possess one to drive legally in the country. Taking public transportation can be difficult and inconvenient for those living in rural areas, particularly during bad weather, so having a car is often a necessity.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You can convert a driving license from an EU country or one recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to a German license without having to take any exams. This process can be accomplished by making an appointment with your local authority for driver's licences known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring your original license as well as a proof of identification and a passport photograph. In most cases, you can get your German driving license in four weeks.
If your licence was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra you are able to use it for up to six months prior to you can apply for a German license. To do this you must register your residence address and pass the German test of your language that can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
The process of obtaining a German driving license can take a while, but it is an essential step to be able to drive safely on the road. Additionally, it can make renting a car much easier, as some rental agencies may require an German license. Driving in Germany is a serious thing and should be treated with care.
It is recommended that you enroll in a driving school and get some practice driving in order to make you feel more comfortable during your exam. Farschule123 is a website that allows you to find a driving school by location and vehicle type. In addition numerous driving schools offer classes in several languages.
Renewal of your German driving licence is easy. You should make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before the date your license expires. You'll need to bring your driving licence and a passport photograph taken recently and pay a tiny amount of 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 obtain an official driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test due to a reciprocity arrangement, the majority of expats should consider starting from scratch. More Material means going through the Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a significant amount.
Driving schools are available across the nation. They offer a broad variety of courses, beginning with a basic driver's course in cars to a bus or truck license. They are also able to provide you with theory classes in your language. The cost of the course can vary in some places, with some charging less than others. The best way to locate a suitable driving school is to ask around and check online reviews.
The process of changing an American driving license to a German one could take anywhere between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and if you have an agreement for reciprocity. If not then you will need to translate your driver's license in German to be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognized automobile organization. As an alternative, you can submit the KBA registry extract in your country of birth as proof of residency.
Once you have the necessary documents, you will need to take a practical test. During this exam, the driving instructor will sit in the seat of the passenger and you will drive the vehicle while being asked questions. If you pass, you'll be able to obtain your driving licence a few weeks later.
If you fail the test and fail the practical exam, you must repeat the entire process with a different instructor and pay the appropriate fee. Additionally, you will need to prove that you completed a 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 to submit the driver's license in a translation and a medical certification in this instance. You will also need to present a certified translation of your passport along with a photocard.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to a German one?
If you are moving to a state or country with a reciprocity agreement with Germany, the process of exchanging your license for one that is a German one is fairly simple. This agreement is in force with 27 states that include New York, California and other states. If you have a driving license from one of these states, you won't need to take an examination in the form of a written or driving test in Germany. You can get your full German license. You'll need to show your current driver's license as well as evidence of identity (usually an identity card or passport) ID card) and a recent photo. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) differ therefore it is advisable to verify the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to change your license within the first six months of your residency. If you do not do this, it could be deemed a violation of your residency permit, and the authorities could be able to take action against you. If you plan on using car-sharing services, the majority of which require an European or German license and this is an additional reason to get this process underway and begin working towards obtaining your German license.
People who are moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA region can continue to use their driver's license for up to a year after registering their address. However, they must get it translated by a sworn translation, a globally recognized automotive organization or a certified interpreter. This is a vital step, as many insurance companies won't insure drivers who are not from 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, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license as well as a German translation of your license, your driving history from the country of origin, as well as evidence of identity. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of approximately EUR35 that you can pay in cash or by an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have provided all the required documents.