How to Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany

The process is relatively easy if you hold an official driving license from Australia, Canada or the USA. However, you will still have to pass an examination in theory and on the practical test.

The standard German driving licence (fuhrerschein) which is a plastic card is a legal document that complies with EU law. It is required to be presented whenever you drive an automobile. It is valid for a duration of 15 years.

You must possess a valid driving license

You need a valid driving license to drive in Germany. This is the case regardless of whether you're a newcomer to the country or an EU citizen who has an existing driving license from your home country. However, the process of getting the German license varies based on your nationality as well as whether your home country has an agreement with Germany regarding the exchange of reciprocal licenses for drivers. You may be required to pass a theoretical test and a practical test to receive the German driving license.

In general, you can get the driving license issued by your country of origin for a period of up to six months. After that, you need to obtain an German one or change your license. To get this done, you must show a valid passport as well as proof of your address. You also need to submit a current driving certificate and medical certificate. Then, you need to submit the documents to the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process usually takes between two and six weeks.

If your driving license was issued within the EU or EEA it is possible to transfer it to the German license without taking a theory test or practical test. There are exceptions for large buses and trucks, which require an additional permit.

You can also obtain the German driving license if you are an EU citizen but reside in an EU-based country. You will need to establish your residency in Germany. This is typically assumed that you reside in Germany for at least the 185 days of the year, for personal or professional reasons.

The German driver's licence is a credit card similar to a credit card size. It contains your personal information and lists which vehicles you can drive. It follows the European standard and can be utilized throughout the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The costs involved in obtaining a German driving license are different and a majority of people have to sign up for a driving school. The cost for enrollment can be a bit different and the cost for practice hours could be quite high as well. Pick a driving school with an excellent reputation and offers quality lessons. This will ensure that you receive the best possible education and that the driving schools aren't making use of your situation.

You must pass an exam for driving

The driving test is a crucial milestone in the process to obtain a German driver's license. The test is a written-and-practical exam that tests your understanding of traffic laws and safety rules as well as your driving abilities. You may be required to attend many classes in theory and practice depending on where you live. It is also crucial to practice your test and to not lose your faith during the actual test, because you're likely to fail if you violate traffic laws or behave recklessly.

You will receive temporary license on paper when you pass the test. The temporary license will allow you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license which is usually available within four weeks of passing the test. During this period you'll be on probation. If you are found violating any driving law or regulations, your license may be suspended.

Inscribing in a driving school is a great way to prepare for your theory test. They will teach you the fundamentals of driving in Germany and assist you to prepare for the test. Alternately, you can learn on your own or use some of the many online resources available. After you've passed the theory test, it's time for practical driving lessons with a qualified instructor. Then you'll be ready to take the test for driving that is less than one hour long and tests your ability to manage various traffic situations.

Driving license rules vary widely between states of the federal government (Lande) and even within the individual municipalities. For more information, call the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The office can be found at your city or town hall, or check with your local citizens' office.

The process of obtaining your German driving license could be lengthy, especially in the case of a country that does not have full reciprocity with Germany. However there are three easy requirements that almost all expats must be able to meet: pass a driving test and surrender their foreign licenses and provide all the required documentation. A private driving school can help you speed up the process by handling all documents.

You need to change your license

It's a great idea to exchange your driving license as soon as you can when you reside in Germany. You'll be able drive legally across the entire country. You can find more details about this procedure on the German government's website. You may have to pass a driving or written test based on the location you are moving to. This is a quicker process than completing a complete driver's education course.

To exchange your license, you'll need to visit the local road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). It is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance and call because there are different rules for exchanging your license. You'll also need to bring your passport and an up-to-date photograph. If you've lost your driver's license, you'll need to submit a letter explaining the circumstances surrounding it and stating that you'll return it in the event that it's discovered.

After you've submitted your documents after which the Fuhrerscheinstelle will then review your application. This can take up to several weeks. After they've deemed your request acceptable and you've received an acknowledgment and an invoice via mail. The invoice will include an amount to transfer your license. You can pay the invoice online through a banking service or at the Fuhrerscheinstelle.

Although it is possible to rent cars in Germany however, the price can be prohibitive for expats on budget. Public transportation is readily available in most cities and is a great option to travel around. In fact, Germany is a great place to live without a car particularly in cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.

Upgrade your license

You must be aware that driving in Germany is subject to strict regulations. You'll need to change your driving license, which could cost up to 200 Euros. The process varies depending on where you're from and how long you've been in the country.

The first step is to visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to verify that you're able to transfer your license. This usually requires submitting documents that confirm your vision and health. In some instances, you'll also have take a written test and a practical test. Once you've passed this test, you'll be able to legally drive in Germany.

It is important to know that your driving license from a foreign country is valid only in Germany for a period of six months following the establishment of your residence. This is applicable to both EU and non-EU citizens. You can also only use your license issued by another country until it expires, or in the event that you replace it with the German license. You must change your licence before expiry, or you'll be penalized.

If your driving licence was issued in a country that has full reciprocity with Germany, you'll be exempt from both the practical and written test. However, the rules are different according to state, and some states have only partial reciprocity. However the process isn't complicated, and it's a good idea to check with your local Fuhrerscheinstelle for more information.


The first step is to bring your driver's license and a translation of your birth certificate to the local office. You will also need to provide proof of your residency and any photo ID, like a passport, national identity card, or other form of identification. After submitting all of these documents the Fuhrerscheinstelle will verify whether you're eligible to transfer your license.

To get a German driver's license, you need to be at least 18 years old and have completed a driving course. In addition to these requirements, you must possess a current first aid certificate as well as pass a practical and theoretical driving test. If you are planning to drive a forklift, taxi, or passenger transport vehicle, you will also need to take a formal training course. You can find a list of available courses on the internet or in local newspapers.