How to Buy a Driving License in Germany

You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US with reciprocity. In certain situations however, you could be required to pass an exam in theory and practice.

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What is a driver's license?

A driving licence is a document which allows you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, though this is not yet in use.

To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test typically takes 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations and also some general information. After the exam the examiner will inform you in person whether you passed or failed. If you succeed, you will receive the certificate that permits you to drive until you can take your license for a few weeks later.

When you are taking your driving test the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail their driving test is because they are scared and don't know the rules of the road. It is important to practice as much driving as possible before your driving test, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.

If you're only in Germany for a brief time the driving license from your home country should suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany then you'll require a new license to drive. Many countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.

You need to submit your first certificate that confirm your health and vision. You also must take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests to receive your license. It's costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine will help you find driving instructors who speak English on the internet.

How do I get a German driving license?

If you're a resident of a state or country that has a partnership with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license to a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances you'll also have to provide proof that your license has not been suspended or removed.

For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to a German one without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll have to pass an exam in theory and practice to be able to get a full-time license.

If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. In kaufe deutschen führerschein of instances, you'll need complete a course in driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can receive a Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your car and complete the first-aid training.

You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you can pick up your German driver's license. Your application can take up to six weeks to process.

Once you have a German driving license is valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by bringing a passport picture along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or unlawful actions. You will need to submit an email stating that you will return the license if found.

Can I obtain a German license in the event that I already have a foreign driving license?

If you have a license issued by an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can usually swap your driving license from a foreign country for one that is a German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is usually only possible if you have been driving for a long period of time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.

In this situation, you will still be required to prove your identity as well as a recent passport photo. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You should also get insurance for your vehicle, since it is a requirement in Germany. More information is available on our page about driving in Germany.

As a general rule you are only able to keep your driver's licence for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your driving licence at least four weeks before the date on which it expires. This is to give you enough time to complete all necessary paperwork. You'll need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a recent passport photo along with you.

The specific requirements for obtaining an international driving licence may vary depending on the federal state in which you live. If you're not sure, we recommend that you contact the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.

You will need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and the passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical exam and a written or a practical driving test.


During the practical test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be asked to show your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving licence a few weeks later.

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

The rules differ based on the place you got your license. In the US every state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses amended.

For those who plan to remain in the USA for longer than this time frame, or return to Germany as a resident, it is advisable to pick up an international driver's license when you are in the USA. If you do not, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to hand over your American license in exchange for a German license.

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 contains the states and countries in which the driver's license of that country may be transferred without retaking a 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 are not from a state or country which is listed in Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain an alternative class of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning classes in theory, passing the written (multiple-choice) test, and an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and that you can manage a car. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will vary, but can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros.

You will also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices can differ from one firm to another. Compare prices online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.