How to Buy a Driving License in Germany

If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some instances however, you could be required to take an exam in theory and practice.

Prices vary, so take your time and shop around! Pick a driving school which is reputable.

What is a driver's license?

A driving license is a document that permits you to operate an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photo. The driving license also has a magnet strip, though it isn't currently in use.

In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test usually takes approximately 45 minutes, and will be conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations, and other information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or failed the test. If you succeed, you will receive the certificate that permits you to drive until you are able to get your license a few weeks later.

If you are taking your driving test, the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. The majority of people fail their driving tests because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It's important to learn as much driving as possible before the driving test, particularly when the driving rules in your country are different.

If you're in Germany for a short time the driving license from your home country will probably suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need a new license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license to Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.

You need to submit your first certificate attesting your vision and health. You must also take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and take both the theory and practical tests to receive your license. This can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. This search engine will help you find driving instructors in English on the Internet.

How do I obtain a German driver's license?

You may be able to exchange your driving license for an Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or a practical test if you are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from country to country and you should check with the local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and submit documents that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some cases you may also be required to present certificates attesting your license is not suspended or revoked.

If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll need to pass a theory and practical test to get a full license.

For those who are coming 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. You'll typically need to pass a practical and theoretical test, and an instruction at a driving school in Germany before you can be granted a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and take a first-aid course.

You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment that will let you know when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to be processed.

If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's nearing expiration by bringing a passport picture and your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or illegal activities. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license in the event that it is found.

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

If you hold a driving license from a country within the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity that allows you to exchange it for an German license without having to pass any tests in theory or on the road. This is only feasible in the event that the driver has been driving for a period of period of time, or has established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residence address.

In this scenario, you will still require proof of your identity and a current passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and undergo a safety check (TUV). In Germany you also need to have insurance for your car. You can find more information about this on our page on driving in Germany.

As a general rule you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your licence at least four weeks prior to the expiration date. This gives you time to complete all the necessary documents. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a recent passport photo.

The requirements for changing your foreign driving license may differ depending the location you reside in. If you're not sure, you can contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more detailed information.

If you're looking to exchange a foreign licence to a German one, you'll require an unwritten statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. You'll then need to pass a written and/or practical driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.

During the practical test you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be required to demonstrate your driving abilities on a highway that is public. You'll be issued a new German license within a few days when you've been successful.


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

Rules vary depending on the state where the license was issued. The US is a country where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state can set its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold a valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without exchange or having their US licenses modified.

If you plan to stay in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to get an international driver's license when you are there. If führerschein ohne prüfung legal don't have one, you'll need to change your American driving license to a 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 list of states and countries where a driver's licence from that country can be transferred without having to retake the driving test. 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're not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes taking a driving school, taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice exam and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will differ, but it can run anywhere between a few hundred and a couple thousand euros.

You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices will differ from company to company. Compare prices online. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.