How to Buy a Driving License in Germany

If you move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some instances, however, you may be required to take an exam in theory and practice.

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

What is a driving permit?

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

If you are taking a driving exam in Germany you'll have to pass a theoretical and practical test. The driving test usually lasts 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and ask about German road signs, regulations and other details. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not following the test. If you succeed you will be issued a slip allowing you to drive until you are able to get your license after a few weeks.

The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving exam is to be calm and calm. The most common reason people fail the driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is essential to learn as much driving as you can prior to taking your driving exam, especially when the driving rules in your country differ.

If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get an additional license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license to Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.

But, you must first submit certificates that prove your eyesight and health. You must also take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you are able to be granted a license. It's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine can assist you in finding English-speaking driving instructors on the Internet.

How do I obtain a German driver's license?

If you're a citizen of a state or country that has a partnership with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license to the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs between countries, and you should contact the local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll need to register your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some cases you may also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.

If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however, you'll need to take a theory and practical test to get a full license.

The process for getting a German driver's license is more complicated for drivers who are from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany or the United States. In the majority of cases, you'll need to complete a course at driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your car and take the first aid course.

You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll get an email that informs you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It could take between four and six weeks for the application to be processed.

Once you have the German driving license valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll need to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your name and/or unauthorized activities. You'll have to provide an official letter stating that you will return your license if it is discovered.

Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a driver's license?

If you are a holder of an driving license issued by a country within the EU, EEA, or one that has an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange it for an German license without taking any theory or practical tests. This is only feasible when the driver has been driving for a long time, and has established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residential address.

In this case you'll be required to prove your identity and a recent passport photograph. You will also need to register your car with authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also have car insurance. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.


As a general rule, you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity, you should arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you time to complete the necessary paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a recent passport photograph with you.

The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may differ based on the federal state in which you reside. If you're not sure then we suggest you get in touch with your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific details.

If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence for one that is a German one, you'll need to provide a written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical exam and a written or a practical driving test.

During the test for practical driving during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be asked to show your driving skills on a public highway. If you're successful, you'll be issued a new German driving license just a few weeks later.

Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have an US license?

Rules vary based on the state where the license was issued. In the US each state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts for instance, drivers with a valid German license can drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or amend them.

It is recommended that those who plan to remain in the USA longer than this time period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License during their stay in the USA. Otherwise, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to surrender your American license in exchange for the German license.

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 a list of countries and states where a driver's licence from the country can be transferred without having to retake 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're not from a state or country that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you'll be required to complete the full course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes taking an instructor-led driving course as well as taking the theory course and passing a multiple-choice exam and a test of practical to prove that you understand the guidelines of driving and that you are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons can range from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.

fuehrerscheinn.com 'll also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Again, the prices will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.