How to Buy a Driving License in Germany

You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US with reciprocity. In certain situations, you might require passing a theory and practical test.

Prices vary So, take your time and shop around! Choose a driving school that is well-known.

What is a driver's license?

A driving license is a document that allows you to operate an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photo. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.

To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts about 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. legalen führerschein kaufen will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations and also some general information. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or not following the exam. If you pass, you will receive a certificate which allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you get your license.

The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving exam is to be calm and calm. Most people fail their driving test because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It is essential to practice as much driving as you can prior to the driving test, particularly when the driving rules in your country are different.

If you're staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get a new license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.

However, you must first present a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. You must also complete driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and take both the theory and practical tests to receive your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding English-speaking driving instructors on the internet.

How do I apply for a German driving license?

If you're a resident of one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without taking a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs from country to country and you should contact your local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and provide documents that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In certain instances, you could also be required to present documents attesting that your license is not suspended or removed.

For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to a German one without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required to obtain an official driving license.


If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to take a theory and a practical exam, as well as a course at a driving school in Germany, before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and take an initial-aid course.

You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the required documentation. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. The application process can take up to six weeks to process.

Once you've obtained a German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photo to a local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or unlawful actions. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license if it's found.

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

If you are a holder of an driving license issued by one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement on reciprocity you can exchange it for an German license without taking any practical or theory tests. This is generally only possible if you have been driving for a long period of time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.

In this situation you'll be required to prove your identity and a current passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and undergo a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is a requirement in Germany. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.

As a general rule you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. If you're nearing the expiration date it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This is to give you time to complete all required documentation. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form and a recent passport photo with you.

The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license can differ depending the location you reside in. If you're not sure, we recommend that you contact the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.

If you're looking to exchange a foreign licence for one of a German one, you'll have to submit an official written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical test as well as a written or practical driving test.

During the driving test, which is a practical one, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German licence in a couple of days in the event that you pass.

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

The rules differ based on the place you got your license. The US is a nation where each state has jurisdiction over driver licensing, so each state can set its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance, drivers with an active German license can drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to change their US driving licenses or have them amended.

If you intend to remain in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to get an international driver's license when you are there. If you don't, you'll have to change your American driving license for one German one when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle in Germany.

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 includes the states and countries in which drivers' licenses from the country can be transferred without retaking a driving exam. The list 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 are not from a state or country included in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for another license, you have to complete the required course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This includes enrolling in a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test, and a practical test to prove that you understand the rules of driving and are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an expert examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will differ, but it can be anywhere between a few hundred and two thousand euros.

You will also have to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.