How to Buy a German Driving License

A German driving license is a valuable asset not only due to its high standards however, its recognition is widely spread across Europe. Expats often want to change their driving licence from the EU/EEA for the German license once it expires.

What are the prerequisites for the application?

There are a few conditions before you can purchase a German license. These include the type of vehicle that you wish to drive, and your age. To obtain a class-B driver's license, you have to be 18 years old. This is the minimum age for the majority of passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also get a class C or E license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractor. In some cases you might need to pass an oral or written test before you are allowed to take a practical exam.

Certain citizens of countries are able to exchange their license for one that is a German one without taking a test. This includes those from countries that are part of 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.

You will need to pass both an exam written and a practical test if you are not from one these countries. In some cases you may also be required to pass a medical examination and vision test.

When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for applying varies however, generally, you'll need a letter from your employer or city in which you've moved to Germany and a proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also have to show a photo.

The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany, but it is typically less than EUR100. Once you have passed both the written and practical test the German driving license will be available for collection within several days.

It is essential to know the requirements for a German driving license, since many expats must have one to legally drive in the country. Taking public transport can be a challenge and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, particularly during bad weather, so having a vehicle is often necessary.

How do I obtain a German driver's license?

You can convert a driver's license from another EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to a German license without having to take any tests. The process can be completed by making an appointment at the local authority for driver's licenses, called the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need your original license as well as a form of identification and a passport picture. In most instances the German licence will be available to pick up in about 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 month before getting an German license. To obtain this, you must register your address and take an German test, which can be done at a local language center or a private language school.

Obtaining a German driving license can take a while however, it is an essential step to be able to drive safely on the roads. Additionally, it can make renting a car much easier, as some rental companies might require you to hold a German license. Driving in Germany is a serious matter and must be handled accordingly.

It is recommended to enroll in driving schools and get some practice behind the wheel in order to help you feel more comfortable during your exam. Farschule123 is a website that allows you to search for a driving school by location and vehicle type. eu führerschein kaufen erfahrungen of driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.

Renewal of your German driving license is simple. You should make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at least four weeks prior to the date your license expires. You will be required to bring your driving license, a passport photo taken recently, and pay a modest amount of 24 euros. Then your new driving licence will be available for you to pick up within four weeks.

Can I keep my American license?


It is possible to get the German driver's license without having to pass the practical or theory test due to an arrangement of reciprocity. However, the majority of expats should consider starting at the beginning. This requires completing a Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a significant amount.

Driving schools can be found across the country and offer a variety of courses, ranging from a basic car course to a truck, bus or passenger transport license. They will also be able to give you theory classes in your native language. Some schools charge less than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best way to locate the right driving school.

The process of changing an American driving license to a German one could take between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and whether or not you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you don't then you will need to translate your driver's licence into German to be accomplished by a sworn translator or an approved automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residency.

You'll need to pass a practical test once you have all the required documents. During the test the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat as you drive your vehicle and you must answer questions. You will get your driving license in a few days after passing.

If you fail the practical test, you'll need to repeat the process with a different instructor and pay the fee. You'll also have to prove that you passed the medical exam and, if necessary provide a proof 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 instance. You will also have to provide a translation that is certified and photocard of your passport.

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

If you're moving to a state or country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany the process of transferring your license to one that is a German one is fairly simple. This agreement is in place with 27 states which include New York, California and other states. If you have an official driving license from one of these states, you don't have to pass an examination in the form of a written or driving test in Germany. You will be able to get your full German license. You'll need to show your current driver's license and evidence of identity (usually a passport or a national ID card) and a recent photo. The exact requirements differ among the states that are federal (Lander) and it's best to check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.

You only need to change your license within the first six months of your residency. If you fail to do this, it could be considered a violation of your residency permit, and the authorities may decide to take action against you. If you're planning to use car-sharing services many of which require the use of a European or German license This is a further reason to get this process underway and begin working towards getting your German license.

Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA may continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to one year after they have registered their address. They must, however, get it translated by a sworn translation, an internationally recognized automotive organisation or a certified interpreter. This is a vital step, as many insurance companies will not insure drivers who are not from the EU/EEA region without a 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 completed online, over the phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need to provide your current license, an official translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country and evidence of identification. You will also need to pay a fee that is about EUR35. This can be paid in cash or by bank transfer. After you have all the required documents you will be notified via email that your application has been submitted (Bescheinigung).