How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a valuable asset, not just because it is a top-quality licence with high standards, but also because its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to to exchange their current licence for a German one once their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements?
There are many requirements to purchasing a German driving license, which includes the kind of vehicle you wish to drive as well as your age. You must be 18 years old to get a driver's license class B, which is required for most passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also get a class C or E 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 situations before you can take the practical exam.
Some countries permit their citizens to swap their licenses for licenses that are a German one without the requirement of passing an exam. This applies 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 are not from one these countries. In some cases you may need to pass an eye test or a medical examination.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure varies. In general you'll need to bring proof of insurance and a foreign driving license, along with an official letter from your city or employer stating that your have moved to Germany. You may also need to submit a picture.
The cost of the driving test is dependent on the location you reside in Germany. However it's typically less than EUR100. After you've passed the practical and written tests then your German driving license will be available for pick-up within several weeks.
It is essential to understand the requirements for the German license since many foreigners will require one to legally drive in Germany. Public transportation can be difficult and unreliable for those who live in rural areas, particularly in bad weather, which is why having a car is often necessary.
How do I get a German driver's license?
You can convert a driving license from another EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to a German license without having to take any exams. You can complete this process by arranging an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring your original license as well as a proof of identification as well as a passport photo. In the majority of cases, you can pick up your German driving licence within four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you can use it for a maximum of six months prior to obtaining the German license. To obtain this you must sign up for your address and pass the German language test which can be completed at a local language center or a private language school.
Obtaining a German driving license can take some time but it's an essential step to be able to drive safely on the road. It can also help you rent a car simpler, as certain rental agencies may require a German license. Driving in Germany is a serious thing and must be handled accordingly.
It is recommended to sign up for driving classes and practice behind the wheels. This will make you more comfortable when you take your test. You can find driving schools through Farschule-123, which allows you to sort by location and kind of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is easy. Simply make an appointment with your local driving licensing authority at least four weeks prior to the date your licence expires. You'll need to bring your driver's license and a passport photograph taken recently and pay a small amount of 24 euros. The new driver's license will be issued in four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to get the German driver's license without taking the theory or practical test, thanks to the reciprocity arrangement. However, the majority of expats would be better off starting at the beginning. eu führerschein kaufen involves going through a driving school and paying a large sum of money.
Driving schools are available across the country and offer a range of courses, from an entry-level car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport licence. They can also to give you theory classes in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. The best method to find the best driving school is to ask around and check online reviews.
The process of changing an American driving licence to one that is 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 licence into German to be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognized automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in your country of origin as proof of residency.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you'll need to take a practical test. During this exam, the driving instructor will sit in the passenger seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. You will be issued your driving license in a few days after passing.
If you fail the exam, you will have to repeat the entire process with a different instructor, and pay the corresponding fee. You will also need to show that you have passed the medical exam and, if needed provide a proof 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 the driver's license in a translation as well as a medical certificate in this case. You will also need to present a certified translation of your passport along with an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my driving license from another country to get a German license?
If you are moving from a country or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany the process of exchanging your license for one German one is fairly simple. Twenty-seven states, which includes New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you can show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to pass the written or road test in Germany which will permit you to obtain a full German driver's license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of your identity (usually an original passport or national ID card), and a photo that was taken in recent times. The exact requirements differ between the states that are federal (Lander) and so it is recommended to inquire with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before scheduling an appointment.
You only need to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not do this, it could be considered a violation to your residency permit and the authorities may take action against you. If you are planning to utilize car-sharing services that require a European license or German license, it is even more important to begin the process and work towards getting your German licence.
Anyone who moves to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can keep their driver's license for a maximum of 12 months after they register 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 a crucial step, as many insurance companies won't cover drivers who are not from the EU/EEA 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, a translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country and documents of identification. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of around EUR35 that you can pay in cash or by an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation by mail after you have submitted all the required documents.