How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an important and valuable asset, not only due to its strict standards but additionally because it is recognized throughout Europe. Many expats want to exchange their EU/EEA driving licence for the German license when it expires.
What are the requirements?
You must meet several requirements before you can buy a German license. This includes the type of vehicle you intend to drive and your age. To get a class B driver's licence, you must be 18 years old. This is the minimum age for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for a class E or C license if you want to drive large vehicles such as trucks and buses. fuhrerschein kaufen is required for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some cases you might need to pass a written or oral test before you are allowed to take a practical test.
Some countries permit their citizens to swap their licenses for one that is 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.
If you're not from one of these countries, then you'll have to pass a written and a practical test prior to getting the German driver's license. In certain cases, you'll require an eye test and a medical examination.
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 each case, but you'll need an official letter from your employer or city stating that you have relocated to Germany, proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may also be required to submit a picture.
The cost of the test according to where you live in Germany, but it is usually less than EUR100. After you've passed the written and practical tests then your German driving license should be available to pick up within a few weeks.
It is essential to know the requirements of the German driving license, since many foreigners are required to have one to legally drive in the country. Public transportation can be difficult and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, particularly in bad weather, which is why having a car is often a necessity.
How do I apply for 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 an German license without having to take any exams. You can complete this process by making an appointment with your local driver's license authority or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need to bring your original license as well as a form of identification, and a passport photo. In most instances your German licence will be ready to pick up in around four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you can use it up to six month before getting an German licence. To obtain this you must sign up for your address and be able to pass the German language exam that can be taken 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 safe to drive on the road. It can also make renting a car easier, since some rental agencies require at least a German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious matter and must be handled accordingly.
It is recommended to sign up for driving classes and get a driving lesson. This will make you more comfortable before taking your test. You can find driving schools on Farschule-123.com, which allows you to search by area and kind of vehicle. In addition, many driving schools offer theory classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. You should make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at least four weeks prior to your license expiring. You'll need to bring your driving licence and a passport photograph taken 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?
While it is possible to get an driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test thanks to a reciprocity agreement, the majority of expats should consider starting from scratch. This involves going through an Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a substantial sum of money.
There are driving schools all over the country. They provide a broad variety of courses, starting from a basic driving course in cars to a bus or truck license. They can also to provide you with theory classes in your native language. The cost of the course can vary in some places, with some charging less 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 license to one that is a German one could take anywhere between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement for reciprocity. If not then you will need to translate your driver's license into German to be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognized automobile organization. In addition, you can present the KBA registry extract from your country of birth as proof of residency.
After you have all the required documents, you will need to sit for a test. During the practical exam, the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat while you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. You will get your driving license in a few days after you pass.
If you fail the test, you'll need to take the test again with an additional instructor and pay a fee. You will also need to show that you have passed the 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 certificate in this case. You will also have to submit a certified translation and photocard of your passport.
Can I exchange my foreign license to a German one?
If you're moving from an area or country which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany It is simple to exchange your license to one from Germany. This agreement is in force with 27 states which include New York, California and other states. If you have an official driving license from one of these states, then you will not need to take a written or road test in Germany. You can obtain your complete German license. You'll need to present your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an authentic passport or national ID card) and a picture that was taken in recent times. The exact requirements differ between the states that are federal (Lander) and it is recommended to inquire with the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before scheduling an appointment.
You only need to change your license within the first six months of your residency. If you don't, you could be deemed to be in violation of your residency permit. The authorities may take action against you. If you intend to use car-sharing services that require an European license or German license, it is even more important to start the process and work towards getting your German license.
Anyone who moves to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can continue using their driver's licence for a maximum of 12 months after they have registered their address. However, they must get it translated by a certified translation, a recognized internationally automotive organisation or a certified interpreter. This is a crucial step, since many 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 online, by phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need to provide your current license, a translation of the license into German as well as your driver's license from your country of origin and proof of identification. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of approximately EUR35 which you can either pay in cash or with a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation by mail once you have submitted all the required documents.