How to Buy a Real German Driving License

Some lucky American expats are able to go to their local Fuhrerscheinstelle and obtain an German driver's licence without having to pass the practical and written tests.

The requirements for employees can differ greatly from one office to the next (and even city to city) and be quite strict. Here's what you need to know.

Legality

A valid German license is proof of your training and knowledge. It's also a great advantage for any job interview or for travel in Europe. Getting one is not cheap. The total cost could run into the tens of thousands of euros depending on the kind and length. The cost could include tuition materials, driving lessons, and other materials as well as costs associated with exams and authorities. Driving schools have their own costs which can differ from school to school.

There are a variety of methods to get a genuine German driver's license. The most well-known method is to buy a driver's license from an online private company or at a driving school. Prices vary however, the majority of them offer a package which includes both a license as well as instruction. These packages are available to motorists of both motorbike and car. You can pick one that is suitable for your needs and budget.

Non-EU residents can also exchange their licenses to German ones without having to take the practical or theory tests. The rules vary depending the country you're from and if Germany has reciprocity in full or part with your country. Certain countries, such as Australia and the US have full reciprocity with Germany. Certain countries, like Canada and a few American states, only have partial reciprocity.

For EU members The license you have in your home country is valid in Germany until the time it expires. However, you need to transfer it to the German license after six months in order to continue driving legally in the country. You should also apply for the license with your local authorities.

The normal permit for regular vehicles, like cars and vans, lasts 15 years. To renew it, you have to visit your local authority (Fuhrerscheinbehorde) and submit a written statement or theft report and a passport photo. The process may take a few weeks.

There are also special permits for specific vehicles, such as taxis and fire brigade cars. You need to complete a specific training course with an instructor to get a special permit. The course will cover all laws and regulations that apply to this particular vehicle. You must also pass the driving and written test to obtain the permit.

Requirements

There are many ways to get an German driver's license. Based on the country from which your license was issued, you may be able to exchange it for a German one without having to take a practical or theoretical test. But, it is important to note that you will need to have an up-to-date eye test and have taken a first aid course (Erste Hilfe) before doing this. You can also take an driving course (Fahrschule) offered by your car rental company. You will learn to drive with manual transmissions and will require at least 12 hours of theory instruction before passing your test.

A driving licence can also be obtained in Germany by obtaining an international driver's licence (IDP). An IDP permits you to drive while visiting or living in Germany. It won't replace the US or other driving licence which is why you'll still require them. You can obtain an IDP from your auto club in the USA (AAA) or the German embassy.

It is best to choose an Fahrschule with experience working with foreigners if you would like to obtain a German driver's license. For a small fee they will assist you through the bureaucratic process in obtaining a license and help you pass the driving and written tests. They can also assist you to identify a first aid course, which is mandatory in Germany.

To get a driving license in Germany is not as easy as it appears. You must pass the practical exam to obtain your license. The test lasts about 45 minutes. You'll be informed immediately if you passed or not. If you fail, your driving teacher will usually require you to learn more before you attempt the test next time.

You'll also need to satisfy some other requirements to get a driving licence in Germany. For example, you'll need to present your passport and an ID document that is valid when applying for your driving licence. Additionally, you'll need undergo a medical examination and submit a finger print.

Documents

For those who live outside of Germany getting an German driving license, also referred to as a Fuhrerschein is an important step. Whether you need to make an appointment with the local driving licence authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle), or simply visit the office in person, it is important to have all of the right documents ready. You will also need to bring a current passport photograph and proof of insurance and an eye test.

It is suggested that, while the EU will recognize foreign driving licences but you must get an official German driving licence to ensure that you can drive legally throughout Germany. Driving without a valid driver's license is illegal, so it is recommended that you complete this process before the date your current permit expires.

The process for obtaining the German license varies by federal state, therefore it is important to inquire with your local Fuhrerscheinstelle before making an appointment. The office will go over your documents to determine if you qualify for the procedure. It may be located in the city's citizen offices or in the county courthouses.

Once the office has approved the applicant, they'll schedule an examination with an instructor. You will be questioned by the examiner in a real-time driving test. You must pass both the written test and the driving test before you can drive in Germany. Then, you'll be issued an authorization slip that allows you to drive in Germany until the actual German license is issued which could take between two and four weeks.


You'll require a valid passport, or identity card and proof of insurance, a test of eyes and a photo to submit to the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process of obtaining your new German driving licence may seem overwhelming, but it's actually quite simple. If you've fulfilled all the requirements, you'll be granted an official driving license in Germany which is valid for 15 years.

Expats who are moving to Germany from other EU countries or EEA member states have full reciprocity and can exchange their driver's license to one that is a German one. Depending on your country of origin, you might be required to translate your licence however, this isn't always necessary.

Payment

It is crucial to exchange your license as soon as you can when you are an EU expat. It is possible to do this at the local office for driving licenses, which is often located in your county or city. This office can be part of the citizen's service office or at the county courthouse. The process is fast and simple if you are from a nation that has reciprocity with Germany. expressdeutschekartes.com Links to an external site. may need take a written test and a road test, however.

Certain non-EU citizens are able to obtain a German driver's license without taking the theory test or pass the driving test. This includes the citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the USA. However, you'll have to attend a driving school at a Fahrschule. The cost of these courses could be around a few thousand dollars. They typically teach you to drive a manual car which requires a basic understanding of how to use a clutch and a five-speed transmission.

A German driving license does not expire. If you obtain a Fuhrerschein, it will remain valid for 15 years. Your license will also only expire if and when you move to a different EU country. You'll have to renew it before it expires.

In order to obtain an driver's license in Germany, you must have a valid passport and be at least 16 years old. You'll also need an official certificate of fitness and a vision exam. You also need to prove that you don't have any addiction or mental health issues.

There are a myriad of ways to obtain an German driver's license, but the most common method is to go through a driving school. The cost of this could be quite costly however it is well worth the cost. Driving lessons can help you to learn about the German road rules and how to drive safely. You will also learn the meaning behind different road signs, and learn how to give first aid in an accident.