How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a crucial and valuable asset, not only because of its strict standards but also because it is recognized throughout Europe. Expats often want to change their driving licence from the EU/EEA for the German license when it expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
There are a variety of requirements for purchasing a German driving license, such as the kind of vehicle you wish to drive as well as your age. To get a class-B driver's license, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age required for the majority of passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You 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 tractors. You may need to pass an written or oral test in certain situations before you can take the test.
Citizens of certain countries can change their licenses to one of a German one without taking an examination. This includes those from countries that are part of the European Union or the European Economic Area, as and those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France, the U.S.A (certain states), and Singapore.
If you're not from one of these countries, then you'll need to pass a written and practical test prior to obtaining an German driver's license. In some cases you may require an eye test as well as medical exam.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact process varies however, generally, you'll need a letter from your employer or city stating that you've moved to Germany, proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may be required to submit an image.
The cost of the driving test varies depending on where you live in Germany, but it is generally less than EUR100. Once you've passed the practical and written tests then your German driving license should be available to pick up within several weeks.
It is essential to understand the requirements for a German license as a lot of expats will need to have one to legally drive in the country. It isn't easy to use public transportation in rural areas and in bad weather. A car could help.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you have a driving license from another country in the European Union (EU) or from a country recognized by Germany as having reciprocity either in full or in part the possibility of converting your license to a German one without taking any tests. This process can be completed by making an appointment at the local authority for driver's licenses known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need your original license as well as a proof of identification as well as a passport photo. In the majority of instances, your German licence will be ready for you to pick up in around four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra you are able to use it for up to six months before you can apply for the German license. To obtain this, you must register your address and pass the German test, which can be done in a local language center or a private language school.
It may take some time to obtain a German license however, it's essential to be able to safely drive on the road. you can try this out makes renting a car a lot easier since some rental companies require that you have an German driving license. It is important to remember that driving in Germany is an important business and should be treated as such.
It is suggested to take driving lessons and practice behind the wheels. This will make you more confident when you take your test. You can find driving schools on Farschule-123, which allows you to search by area and the type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of 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 be required to bring your driving licence along with a passport photo that you took recently, and pay a modest amount of 24 euros. Your new driving license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to obtain the German driver's license without taking the theory or practical test due to the reciprocity arrangement. However, most foreigners would be better off starting from the beginning. This requires completing a Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a significant amount.
Driving schools are located across the country and offer a range of classes, from a basic car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport licence. They can also to provide you with theory classes in your native language. Some schools charge less than others. The best way to find the right driving school is to ask around and look up online reviews.
The process of changing an American driving license to a German one can take between two and six months, depending on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement of reciprocity. If you don't have a reciprocity agreement then you'll need a translator to translate your license into German. This can be done either by a sworn translation or through an automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in your country of origin as proof of residence.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you'll have to attend a practical exam. During this, the driving instructor will be in the passenger seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. If you pass, you'll be able to pick up your driving license after a few weeks.
If you fail the test, you will have to repeat the entire process with a different instructor, and pay the fee. In addition, you will have to prove you have completed a medical exam and, if necessary, show 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 need an official driver's licence that has been translated and a medical certificate. Additionally, you will need to present a certified translation of your passport along with a photocard.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to one that is German one?
If you are moving from a state or country which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany and Germany, the process of exchanging your license to a German one is fairly simple. This agreement is in place with 27 states which include New York, California and other states. If you have an driving license from one of these states, then 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 present your current driver's licence and evidence of identity (usually a passport or a national ID card) and a recent photo. The exact requirements differ among the states that are federal (Lander) and it's best to check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before scheduling an appointment.
You will only need to change your license within the first six months of your residency. If you do not, this could be a violation of your residency permit. Authorities could take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services that require a European license or a German license, it is even more important to begin the process and work towards getting your German license.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can continue to use their driver's license for up to one year after they have registered their address. They must, however, have it translated by a certified translation, a globally recognized automotive organization or a certified interpreter. This is a vital step as many insurance companies will not cover drivers from outside the EU/EEA 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)". This can be done online, over the phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need your current license and a German translation of your license, your driving record from your country of origin, as well as identification proof. Additionally, you will need to pay a fee which is approximately EUR35. This can be paid in cash or through a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have submitted all the required documents.