How to Buy a Driving License in Germany

If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In certain situations, you might need to pass a theory and practical exam.

Prices can vary, so make sure you compare prices. Choose a driving school that is reputable.

What is a driver's license?

A driving license is a document that permits you to drive an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact blood group, fingerprint impression and driver's photo. The driving licence also has a magnetic strip though this is not yet in use.

If eu führerschein kaufen Links to an external site. decide to take driving tests in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and a practical test. The driving exam usually lasts approximately 45 minutes, and will be conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations, as well as some general knowledge. After the exam, the examiner will tell you straight away if you passed or failed. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.

The most important thing to remember when taking the driving exam is to relax and remain calm. Many people fail their driving test because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It is important to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to your driving exam, especially if the driving rules in your country differ.

If you're only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need an additional license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein once you've registered your address in Germany.

You must submit first certificates attesting your health and vision. It is also essential to attend driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive the vehicle in Germany. This search engine can assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the internet.

How do I obtain a German driving license?

If you're a resident of a country or state that has a partnership with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's licence for the Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure differs between countries, and you should consult your local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, you'll be required to verify your residency and provide documents that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to submit documents attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.

If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required in order to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.

For those who come from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of cases, you'll need to complete a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and complete the first-aid training.

You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment. It will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.

Once you've obtained an German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driver's license and a passport photo to a local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or unlawful actions. You'll need to provide an email stating that you will return the license if found.

Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have a foreign driving license?

If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can usually exchange your driving license from another country to one that is a German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is only feasible when the driver has been driving for a period of time, and has established a normal residence in Germany and registered their residence address.

You will still be required to provide proof of identity and a passport photo. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). Also, you must obtain car insurance, as this is obligatory in Germany. You can find out more about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.

In general you are able to keep your driving license for only 15 years. It is recommended to renew your driving licence at least four weeks in advance of the date on which it expires. This will allow you time to complete the paperwork. Bring your current driving license, renewal form, and a recent passport photo.

The requirements for transferring your driving license from another country can vary depending the location you reside in. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more specific information.

You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) as well as an image of your passport. Then, you'll have to pass a written and/or practical driving test, as well being able to pass a medical test.

During the practical test you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be asked to show your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you will be issued a new German driving license a few weeks later.

Can I get a German driving license if I have a US license?

Rules vary based on the state the country from which the license was issued. The US is a nation where states have authority over driver licenses, and each state can set its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have an active German license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them modified.

For those who plan to remain in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while there. Otherwise, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to hand over your American license in exchange for a German licence.


You can find information about the process and the documentation required in Anlage 11 of the German Federal Road Traffic Act (Standard-Fahrzeugsteuergesetz, SFTG). The Anlage contains the list of countries and states where a driver's licence from this country can be transferred without retaking the driving test. It includes Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

If you do not come from a country or state listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain another license, you have to complete the instruction course and be able to pass the tests. This includes signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning theory lessons and passing a written (multiple-choice) test, and an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and are able to drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory could range from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros.

You'll also need to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices can vary from one company to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.