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 however, its recognition is widespread across Europe. Foreigners often want to swap their driving licence from the EU/EEA for the German license after it expires.
What are the requirements?
There are several requirements to purchasing a German driving license, such as the kind of vehicle you wish to drive as well as your age. To obtain a class-B driver's license, you must be 18 years old. führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland is the minimum age required for the majority of passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also get an E or class C license if you want to drive heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractors. In certain instances you might require passing a written or oral test before you are allowed to take a practical exam.
Citizens of certain countries can exchange their license for one of a German one without having to pass a test. This includes those from countries belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area as well as 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 have to pass a written and a practical test prior to obtaining a German driver's license. In some 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 exact process varies however, generally, you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or city in which you've moved to Germany along with proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may also need to provide a photo.
The cost of the driving test is dependent on the area you reside in Germany. However it's usually less than EUR100. After you've passed the practical and written tests, your German driving license will be available for pickup within several weeks.
It's important to understand the requirements for a German license since many foreigners will require one to legally drive in Germany. It isn't easy to use public transportation in rural areas and in bad weather. Car ownership could simplify the process.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you hold a driving license from another country within the European Union (EU) or from a country that is recognized by Germany as having full or partial reciprocity, you can convert your license to a German one without taking any tests. This process can be completed by making an appointment with your local authority for driver's licences known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need your original license as well as a proof of identification and a passport photograph. In the majority of cases, you can obtain your German driving license in four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you are able to use it for up to six month before getting a German license. In order to do so you must register your residence address and complete the German test for language proficiency that can be taken at a private school or at the local language center.
The process of obtaining the German driving license can take a bit of time however, it is a necessary step to being competent to drive safely on the roads. It also makes renting a car easier, since some rental agencies require an German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious matter and must be handled accordingly.
It is recommended that you enroll in a driving school and get some practice driving, as it will make you feel more comfortable during your test. You can locate driving schools through Farschule-123.com, which allows you to filter by area and the type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in different languages.
Renewing your German driving license is simple. Schedule an appointment with the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before the date your license expires. You'll need your driving licence, a current passport photograph and pay a small amount of approximately 24 euros. Then your new driving license will be available for you to pick up in four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
While it is possible to obtain an official driver's license in Germany without taking the theory or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, most expats are better off starting from the beginning. This involves taking a driving course and spending a significant amount of money.
Driving schools are located across the country and offer a range of courses, ranging from a basic car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport licence. They will also be able to offer you a theory course in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. The best way to locate the right driving school is to ask around and read online reviews.
The process of converting an American driving licence to a German driving license could take between two and six months, based on whether you have a reciprocity agreement or not. If not have one, you must translate your driver's license in German, which can be done by a sworn translator or a recognised automobile organization. You can submit the KBA registry extract in your country of birth as proof of residency.
After you have all the required documents, you will need to sit for a test. During this, the driving instructor will be in the passenger seat and you will drive the vehicle while being asked questions. If you pass, you'll be able to pick up your driving licence a few weeks later.
If you fail the exam and fail the practical exam, you must repeat the whole process with another instructor and pay the appropriate fee. You'll also have to show that you have passed the medical exam and, if required 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 the driver's license in a translation as well as a medical certificate in this case. Additionally, you will need to submit a certified translation your passport along with photo identification.
Can I swap my driving license from a foreign country to get an German license?
If you are moving from a country or state that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, the process of transferring your license for one German one is fairly simple. This agreement is in place with 27 states that include New York, California and others. If you have an driving license from one of these states, then you won't need to take an exam in the form of a road or written test in Germany. You can get your full German license. You'll need to show your current driver's license, identification proof (usually an identity card or passport) ID card) and a recent photo. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) vary, so it is best to confirm the requirements of your local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You only have to exchange your license to one of a German one within the first six months of residence. If you fail to do this, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit and the authorities could be able to take action against you. If you plan to utilize car sharing services that require the use of a European license or German license it is more important to start the process of getting your German licence.
Those who are moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA may continue to use their driver's license up to one year after they have registered their address. They must, however, get it translated by a certified translation, a globally recognized automotive organisation or a licensed interpreter. This is an essential step as a lot of insurance companies won't insure drivers from outside 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, over the phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will require your current license as well as the German translation of your license, a copy of your driving record from your country of origin, and evidence of identity. You will also have to pay a fee of approximately EUR35 that you can pay cash or via a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation mail once you have submitted all the required documents.