How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not just because of its strict standards but it also because it is recognized across Europe. Many expats want to exchange their driving license from the EU/EEA to the German license once it expires.
What are the requirements?
There are a few conditions before you can purchase a German license. These include the type of vehicle you wish to drive, and your age. You must be 18 years old in order to obtain a driver's license class B that is required for most passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also get an E or class C license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles like buses and trucks or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractor. You may need to pass an written or oral test in some cases before you can take the practical exam.
Certain citizens of countries are able to change their licenses to one that is a German one without having to take a test. 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.
If you're not from one of these countries, you will have to pass a written and practical test prior to getting an German driver's license. In some instances you may also have to pass a medical examination 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. In general, you will require proof of insurance and a foreign driving license, as well as a letter from either your city or employer stating that you've relocated to Germany. You may need to include a photograph.
The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's generally less than EUR100. Once you've passed the practical and written tests then your German driving license will be available to pick up within several weeks.
It's important to understand the requirements for the German license since many foreigners require one to legally drive in Germany. It can be difficult to use public transport in rural areas and in bad weather. Car ownership could simplify the process.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you have a driving license from another country within 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 licence to one of a German one without having to take any exams. The process can be completed by making an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses which is known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. deutschland für den kauf eines führerscheins 'll need the original license as well as a proof of identification and a passport photo. In the majority of instances your German licence will be ready to pick up within four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra, you can use it for up to six months prior obtaining a German license. To get this license you must first register your address and take the German language exam which can be completed at a local language centre or a private language school.
It may take some time to get the German license however it is a must to be competent to drive safely on the road. It also makes renting a vehicle easier, because some rental companies require you to have at least a German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious issue and must be handled accordingly.
It is recommended to enroll in driving schools and get some practice driving in order to aid you in feeling more comfortable during your test. You can locate driving schools through Farschule-123 which lets you sort by location and kind of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewal of your German driving licence is simple. Simply make an appointment with your local licensing authority at least four weeks before your licence expires. You'll need to bring your driving license, a passport photo taken recently, and pay a modest amount of 24 euros. Your new driving license will be ready in four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to get a driver's license in Germany without taking the theoretical or practical test thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, most expats are better off starting from the beginning. This involves going through a driving school and paying a substantial amount of money.
There are driving schools across the nation. They offer a wide selection of classes starting from a basic driving car course to a bus or truck license. They can also to provide you with theory classes in your own language. Some schools are cheaper than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best way to locate an appropriate driving school.
The process to convert an American driving license to a German driving license could take between two and six months based on whether you have a reciprocity arrangement or not. If you do not have one, you must translate your driver's license in German, which can be accomplished by a sworn translator or an approved automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residency.
After you have all the required documents, you'll need to attend a practical exam. During the exam, the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat while you drive your vehicle and you must answer questions. You will be issued your driving license a few days after passing.
If you fail the test, you'll have to repeat the process with an additional instructor and pay an additional fee. Additionally, you will have to prove you have passed 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). In this instance you'll need a translated drivers' licence and a medical certificate. Additionally, you will need to provide a certified translation of your passport along with photo identification.
Can I exchange my driving license from another country for a German license?
If you're moving to one of the states or countries with a reciprocity agreement with Germany It is simple to swap your license to one in Germany. 27 states, including New York and California, have this agreement. This means that if you are able to present your driving license from these states, you won't be required to take the road or written test in Germany which will permit you to obtain a full German driver's license. You'll need your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an original passport or national ID card) and a picture that was taken in recent times. The exact requirements vary between the states that are federal (Lander) and so it is best to consult the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before scheduling an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license to one that is a German one within the first six months of your residency. If you do not do this, it could be considered a violation of your residency permit, and the authorities could take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services most of which require the use of a European or German license and this is an additional reason to get the process underway and begin working towards getting your German license.
People who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can keep their driver's license for a period of up to 12 months after they register their address. However they must get it translated into German by a certified translator or an internationally recognized auto organization or a licensed translator. 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)". You can do this via the internet, by telephone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need to provide your current license, a translation of the license into German and your driver's record from your country of origin and documents of identity. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of around EUR35 which you can pay cash or via an electronic transfer to a bank. Once you have all of the documents in order You will be informed via mail that your application was submitted (Bescheinigung). submitted (Bescheinigung). (Bescheinigung).