How to Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany

If you hold a valid driver's license from Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, or the USA, the process is pretty straightforward. You will still have to pass a theory test as well as an actual driving test.

The standard German driving license (fuhrerschein) follows EU law and is a credit card that must be presented whenever you drive. It is valid for 15 years.

You must have an active driver's license

If you plan to drive a car in Germany it is necessary to have a valid driver's license. This is true whether you are a newcomer to Germany or an EU citizen who has an existing driver's license from your home nation. The process for getting the German driving license varies depending on your nationality, as well as whether or the country you are from has a reciprocal agreement with Germany to exchange licenses for drivers. In certain instances you might need to take a theory and practical test to receive the German license.

Generally speaking, fuhrerschein kaufen can use your current driving license from your country of origin for up to six months. After that, however, you'll have to get a German license or convert your old one. You'll need to show your passport along with proof of address. Additionally, you have to present a current driving certificate and medical certificate. You must then present the documents at a Fuhrerscheinstelle. In the majority of cases, this process takes between two and six weeks to complete.

If your driving license was issued within the EU or EEA it is possible to transfer it to the German license without the need to pass an exam in theory or a practical test. There are exceptions for large trucks and buses that require a separate permit.

You can also get a German driving licence if you are a non-EU citizen. You will need to prove your residence in Germany. This is usually the case that you reside in Germany for a minimum of 185 days a year, regardless of whether it is for business or personal reasons.

A German driver's license is a type of plastic card that is similar to a credit card that contains your personal information as well as the types of vehicles you are permitted to drive. It is a European standard and can be used throughout the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The cost of getting the German driving license vary, but most people will need to sign up for a driving school. The cost of enrolling in a driving academy can vary greatly and the cost of practice hours can be high. To avoid this, select a driving school that has an excellent reputation and offers high-quality lessons. This will ensure that you receive the best education possible and that driving schools do not profit from your situation.

You must pass your driving test

The driving test is a major stage in getting a German license. It is a written and a practical test that tests your knowledge of traffic regulations and safety rules as well as the ability to drive. You may be required to attend many classes in theory and practice according to where you live. It is also crucial to take practice tests and ensure you are confident when you take the test, because you're likely to fail if you violate traffic laws or behave recklessly.

If you pass the test, you'll receive a temporary paper licence. 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 time, you are in probation, which means that should you violate any of the laws governing driving, your licence will be suspended.

It is an excellent idea to enroll in a driving school to prepare for the test. You can learn the fundamentals of driving and prepare for the test. Alternately, you can learn on your own or utilize one of the many online resources available. Once you've passed the theory test, it's time to take practical driving lessons with a licensed instructor. Then you'll be ready to take the test for driving which is just under an hour long and assesses your ability to handle a variety of traffic situations.


The rules for driving licenses vary between states of the federal government (Lande) and even within localities. For more information, call the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The office is located at your city hall or the local citizens' office.

The process for obtaining the German driver's license can be lengthy, particularly for those from countries without full reciprocity with Germany. However there are three basic requirements that the majority of expats meet: pass a driving test and surrender their foreign driver's license, and provide all necessary documentation. A private driving school can help you speed up the process by handling all documents.

You must exchange your license

It's a good idea to change your driving licence as soon you can if you live in Germany. You'll be able to drive legally in the entire country. On the German government website, you can find out more about this process. You may have to pass a driving or written test depending on where you are moving from. This is a faster process than completing a full driver's training course.

To exchange your license, you'll need to visit the local road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). There are a variety of regulations for exchanging a license which is why it's advisable to call ahead and schedule an appointment. You'll also need to bring your passport as well as an up-to-date photo. If you have lost your license you will be required to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances and also return it once it's discovered.

Once you've submitted your documents, it will take some time for the Fuhrerscheinstelle to review your application. You will receive a receipt and invoice via email once your application has been accepted. The invoice includes a fee to transfer your license. You can pay the invoice online through a banking service or at the Fuhrerscheinstelle.

While it is possible to rent a car in Germany however, the cost could be prohibitive for expats living on budget. Additionally public transportation is readily available and can be used to travel around the city. In fact, it's possible to reside in Germany without a car, especially in cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich.

You need to upgrade your license

You should be aware that driving in Germany is subject to strict regulations. You'll have to exchange your driving license, which can cost up to 200 Euros. The process varies depending the country 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 verify your health and vision. In some cases you'll also be required to pass a written and practical test. Once you've passed this test, you are able to legally drive in Germany.

It's important to note that your license issued abroad is valid only in Germany for six months following the time you have established your residency. This is applicable to both EU and non-EU citizens. Furthermore, you are able to use your foreign license until it expires, or until it's replaced by an German one. You must change your licence before expiry, or else you'll be penalized.

If your driving license was issued in a nation that has full reciprocity with Germany, you'll be exempt from both the practical and written test. However, the rules are different by state, and some states only have partial reciprocity. Nevertheless, the process is not difficult, so it's worthwhile to consult your local Fuhrerscheinstelle for more information.

You'll need to bring your original driver's license and an original birth certificate that has been translated to the local office. You'll also need to show proof of residency as well as a photo ID like a passport, national identity card or another evidence of identity. After submitting all of these documents the Fuhrerscheinstelle will verify whether you're qualified to transfer your licence.

To obtain an German driver's licence, you need to be at least 18 years old and have completed a driving course. In addition to these requirements, you must also possess a current first aid certificate as well as pass a practical and theoretical driving test. If you're planning to drive taxis, forklifts, or passenger transport vehicles, you should be able to complete a further training course. You can find a list of available courses online or in the local papers.