How to Buy a German Driving License

A German driving license is an important and valuable asset, not only due to its strict standards, but it also because it is recognized across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to to exchange their current licence for one from a German one once their EU or EEA driving license expires.

What are the requirements?

You must meet a number of conditions before you can purchase a German license. These include the type of vehicle that you want to drive and your age. You must be 18 years old in order to obtain a class B driver's license which is required for the majority of passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also get 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. In some cases you will have to pass an oral or written test before being allowed to take a test.

Some countries permit citizens to exchange their licenses with licenses that are a German one without the requirement of passing a test. This includes those from countries belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area, as and those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France, the U.S.A (certain states) and Singapore.


If you're not from one of these countries, you will be required to take a written and practical test before getting a German driver's license. In certain cases you may also be required 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 exact process varies in each case, but you'll need an official letter from your employer or city stating that you've relocated to Germany along with proof of insurance, and a foreign license. You may also have to submit a picture.

The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany, but it is generally less than EUR100. Once you've passed both the practical and written tests then your German driving license will be available for pick-up within some weeks.

It's crucial to understand the requirements for the German driving license, as many foreigners are required to possess one to drive legally in the country. Public transportation can be difficult and unreliable for those who live in rural areas, especially during bad weather, so having a vehicle is often a necessity.

How do I obtain an German driver's license?

If you hold a driver's license from another country in the European Union (EU) or from a country recognized by Germany as having reciprocity either in full or in part the possibility of converting your license to a German one without having to take any exams. You can do this by making an appointment with the local driver's licensing authority which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring the original license as well as a proof of identification and a passport photo. In the majority of cases, your German licence will be ready for you to pick up in about four weeks.

If your licence was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra You can use it for up to six months prior obtaining a German license. In order to do so, you will need to verify your address of residence and pass an German test for language proficiency which is available by a private institution or at the local language center.

Obtaining an German driving license can take some time but it's a necessary step to being competent to drive safely on the road. It can also make renting a car a lot easier since some rental companies require that you have at least a German driving license. It is essential to remember that driving in Germany is a serious business and should be treated as such.

It is recommended that you enroll in a driving school and do some practice driving, as it will help you feel more at ease during your test. Farschule123 is a website that allows you to find driving schools by location and vehicle type. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.

Renewing your German driving license is simple. You should make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at minimum four weeks before the expiration date of your license. deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen will need to bring your license, a recent passport photo and pay a small fee of around 24 euros. Then, registrierten führerschein online kaufen driving licence will be available for you to pick up in four weeks.

Can I keep my American driving license?

Although it is possible to get a driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test thanks to a reciprocity agreement, the majority of expats should consider starting from scratch. This involves going through the Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a substantial sum of money.

Driving schools are available all over the country. They offer a wide range of courses starting from a basic driving course in cars to a truck or bus license. They will also be able to provide you with theory classes in your language. The price can be a bit different and some schools charging less than others. The best way to locate the right driving school is to ask around and read online reviews.

The process of converting an American driving license to one that is a German one can take anywhere between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement of reciprocity. If you do not have a reciprocity arrangement it is necessary to hire an interpreter to translate your license into German. This is done through a sworn translation or an automobile association. Alternately, you can submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in the country of origin as proof of residence.

Once you have the necessary documents, you'll have to take a practical test. During the test the driving instructor sits in the seat of the passenger as you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. You will be issued your driving license a few days after passing.

If you fail the practical exam and fail the practical exam, you must repeat the entire process with a different instructor and pay the appropriate fee. Additionally, you will be required to prove that you have completed a medical exam and, if required, show a certificate of good eyesight.

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 an original driver's license translated and a medical certification in this case. You will also need to provide a translation that is certified and photocard of your passport.

Can I swap my driving license from a foreign country to get an German license?

If you're moving from an area or country which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany it's relatively simple to swap your license to one from Germany. Twenty-seven states, which includes New York and California, have this agreement. This means that if you can present your driving license from these states, you won't be required to take the written or road test here in Germany, which will allow you to obtain a full German driver's license. You'll need to show your current driver's license as well as identification proof (usually a passport or a national ID card) and a recent photo. The requirements for each state (Lander) vary therefore it is advisable to check your local authority for your driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.

You only have to exchange your license for one that is a German one within the first six months of residence. 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 to utilize car sharing services that require an European license or German license it is more important to begin the process and work towards getting your German licence.

People who are moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA may continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to a year after they have registered their address. They must, however, have it translated by a sworn translation, an internationally recognized automotive organisation or a certified interpreter. This is a crucial step since most insurance companies won't offer insurance to drivers outside of the EU/EEA region without the 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)". You can make this appointment online, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need to provide your current license, a certified translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country and proof of identity. You will also have to pay a fee which is approximately EUR35. This can be paid in cash or through a bank transfer. When you have all the required documents you will be notified via email that your application has been submitted (Bescheinigung).