How to Buy a German Driving License

A German driving licence is a valuable asset, not just because it is a top-quality licence with high standards however, its recognition is widespread throughout Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to want to exchange their current licence to one from a German one when their EU / EEA driving license expires.

What are the prerequisites for the application?

You must meet several conditions before you can purchase a German license. These include the type of vehicle you want to drive and your age. To get a class-B driver's license, you have to be 18 years old. This is the minimum age for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain a class C or E license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractor. You may be required to pass an written or oral test in certain cases before you can take the test in the practical.

Citizens of certain countries can exchange their license for one that is a German one without having to take a test. This applies to citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.

If you're not from one of these countries, you'll need to take a written and practical test prior to obtaining the German driver's license. In some instances you may also have to pass a medical examination and an eye test.

When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for applying for a driving license is different. However, generally speaking, you will need to bring proof of insurance and a foreign driving license, along with an official letter from your employer or city stating that you have relocated to Germany. You may also be required to submit a picture.

The cost of the driving test varies according to the location you reside in Germany. However it's usually less than EUR100. After you have passed both the written and practical test, your German driving license will be ready for collection within just a few days.

It is essential to understand the requirements for the German license because many expats will require one to legally drive in Germany. It can be difficult to take public transportation in rural areas, and during severe weather. A car will help.

How do I get a German driving license?

If you hold a driver's licence from a different country within the European Union (EU) or from a country recognized by Germany as having full or partial reciprocity the possibility of converting your license to one that is a German one without taking any tests. This process can be completed by making an appointment with your local driver's license authority, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring the original license along with a proof of identity as well as a passport photo. In most instances your German licence will be ready for you to pick up within four weeks.

If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you are able to use it for a maximum of six months prior to obtaining an German licence. To do this you must first register your address and pass the German language exam that can be taken at a local language center or a private language school.


It could take a while to get a German license, but it's a must to be able to safely drive on the roads. It can also make renting a car a lot easier since some rental agencies require that you have at least a German driving license. It is essential to keep in mind that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.

It is suggested that you enroll in a driving school and do some practice driving, as it will help you feel more comfortable during your exam. Farschule123 is a website that allows you to search for a driving school by location and type of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer classes in various languages.

Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. You should make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at least four weeks prior to the date your license expires. You'll be required to bring your driver's license along with a passport photo that you took recently and pay a tiny amount of 24 euros. Then, your new driving licence will be ready for you to pick up in four weeks.

Can I keep my American license?

It is possible to get an German driver's license without having to take the practical or theory test through the reciprocity arrangement. However, many expats should consider starting at the beginning. This involves going through a driving school and paying a substantial amount of money.

There are driving schools across the country. They provide a broad variety of courses, from a basic car course to a truck or bus license. They can also to give you theory classes in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best method to find the right driving school.

The process of converting an American driving license to one that is a German one could take anywhere from two to six months, depending on the availability of the driving school and if you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you do not have a reciprocity arrangement then you'll need a translator to translate your license into German. This can be done either by a certified translation or by an automobile organization. Alternately, you can submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in the country of origin as proof of residence.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you'll need to sit for a test. During this exam, the instructor will sit in the seat of the passenger and you will drive the car while being asked questions. You will get your driving license in a few days after you pass.

If you fail the exam in the exam, you'll need to go through the entire process again with another instructor and pay the fee. In addition, you'll be required to prove that you have completed a medical exam and, if necessary, show a certificate of good eye sight.

You can also obtain a German driving license after a period of six months by submitting an application to your local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehorde). You'll need a translated driver's license as well as a medical certificate in this instance. You must also submit a certified translation your passport as well as an image-based ID card.

Can I exchange my foreign license to one that is German one?

If you're moving to an area or country which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany it's relatively easy to exchange your license for one in Germany. 27 states, including New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to take the written or road test in Germany, which will allow you to obtain a full German driver's license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of your identity (usually a valid passport or a national ID card) and a picture that was taken in recent times. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) vary, so it is best to check your local authority for your driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.

You are only required to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not, you could be deemed to be in violation of your residency permit. The authorities may be able to take action against you. If you are planning on using car-sharing services, most of which require the use of a European or German license and this is an additional reason to get the process going and start working towards obtaining your German license.

Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue to use their driver's license up to one year after registering their address. They must, however, get it translated by a sworn translation, a globally recognized automotive organisation, or a licensed interpreter. This is a vital step since many insurance companies won't offer insurance to drivers outside of the EU/EEA region without an official translation.

You will need to visit the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) in your city and make an appointment for a "Umstellung eines Fuhrersscheines (Non-EU/Drittstaaten)". This can be done online, over the phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need your current license, an official German translation of your license, a copy of your driving history from your country of origin, and identification proof. You will also have to pay a fee, which is approximately EUR35. This can be paid in cash or through a bank transfer. blog will receive a confirmation mail once you have provided all the required documents.