How to Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
The process is relatively easy if you hold an active driving license from Australia, Canada or the USA. You'll still need pass a theory test and an actual driving test.
The standard German driving license (fuhrerschein) that is a card that can be used as a credit card, follows EU law. It must be presented whenever you drive a car. It is valid for a time of 15 years.
You must possess an active driver's license
You must have a valid driving license to drive in Germany. This is true regardless of whether you're new to Germany or an EU citizen who has an existing driver's license from your home nation. However, the process for getting an German license varies based on your nationality as well as whether your home country has an agreement with Germany regarding the reciprocal exchange of licenses for drivers. In some instances you might need to take a theory and practical test in order to be granted the German license.
In general, you can get the driving license from your country of origin for a period of up to six months. After that, you need to obtain an German one or convert your license. You will need to present your passport and proof of address. Additionally, you have to provide a valid driving license and medical certificate. You must then present the documents at a Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process usually takes between two and six weeks.
In the majority of instances you will be able to drive if your license was issued in the EU or EEA, you can transfer it to one that is a German one without having to pass an exam in theory or practice. There are some exceptions for large buses and trucks, however they require an additional permit.
You can also apply for an German driving license if are a non-EU citizen. You must first establish your residency in Germany. This is usually assumed if you reside in the country for at least 185 days a year for personal or professional reasons.
A German driver's license is a plastic card of the same size as a credit card that contains your information and lists the types of vehicles that you are permitted to drive. It follows the European standard and is used across the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The cost of obtaining the German license may vary but the majority of people must enroll in an German driving school. The cost of registering in a driving school may differ greatly and the cost for the practice hours can be costly. To avoid this, select a driving school that has a good reputation and provides quality instruction. This will ensure that you receive the best possible training and that the driving schools are not making use of your situation.
You must pass your driving test
The driving test is a crucial step in the process of getting the German driver's license. It is a practical and written test that tests your knowledge of traffic laws and safety rules as well as the ability to drive. Depending on the location you're from, you may have to take several theory and practical classes prior to taking the test. It is also important to take practice tests and not lose your confidence on the actual test since you will most likely fail if you do not follow traffic laws or make rash decisions.
After passing the test, you will receive a temporary paper licence. The temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license which usually comes within four weeks after passing the test. In this time, you will be on probation. If you are found to be violating any driving law or regulations, your license may be suspended.
It is recommended to join a driving school in order to prepare for the theory test. You can learn the basics of driving and prepare for the test. You can also study yourself or make use of some of the many online resources available. After passing the theory test, you'll be able to begin your driving lessons under the guidance of a licensed instructor. Then you'll be ready to take the test for driving that is less than an hour long and tests your ability to deal with a variety of traffic situations.
The rules for driving licenses vary between federal states (Lande) and even within the individual municipalities. The best way to determine what requirements for a driver's license apply to you is to call your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more information. The office is located at your city's hall or local citizens' office.
The process of 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 be able to meet: pass a driving test, surrender their foreign license, and provide all necessary documents. A private driving school can help accelerate the process by taking care of all documents.

You must change your license
It's a great idea to change your driving license immediately should you reside in Germany. You'll be able drive legally across the entire country. On the German government's website you can learn more about this procedure. You may need to pass a driving or written test, depending on where you are moving to 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 rules for exchanging licenses and it's recommended to call ahead and schedule an appointment. You'll also need to bring your passport and an up-to-date photo. If you've lost your driver's license, you'll have to submit a letter explaining the circumstances surrounding it and stating that you'll return it in the event that it is found.
After you have submitted your documents after which the Fuhrerscheinstelle will process your application. This can take up to a few weeks. After they've approved your application, you'll receive an acknowledgement and invoice by mail. The invoice will contain the cost of transferring your license. You can pay the invoice using an online banking service, or you can deposit cash at the Fuhrerscheinstelle.
While it's possible to rent cars in Germany however, the cost could be prohibitive for expats on budget. Public transportation is readily available in a majority of cities and can be used to get around. In fact, Germany is a great place to live without a car especially in cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.
Upgrade your license
If you're an expat in Germany it is important to know that Germany has strict rules in relation to driving. You'll need to transfer your license, which could cost you up to 200 euros. The process varies depending on where you're from and the length of time you've lived in the country for.
First, inquire with
führerschein ohne prüfung kaufen if you are able to transfer your driving license. This usually requires submitting documents that verify your health and vision. In some instances, you'll also need to pass a written and practical test. Once you've passed the test, you can legally drive in Germany.
It's important to keep in mind that your license issued abroad is valid only in Germany for six months after you have established your residency. This is applicable to EU and non-EU nationals. You are also able to use your license from another country until it expires or in the event that you replace it with the German license. In other words you have to change your licence before it expires or you'll be subject to a fine.
If you have a driver's licence from a country with full reciprocity, then both the written and practical test will be exempted. However, the rules vary by state, and certain states only have partial reciprocity. The process is simple but it's still worth asking your local Fuhrerscheinstelle if you want more details.
You will need to bring your original driver's license as well as an original birth certificate that has been translated to your local office. You'll also need to show proof of your residency and a photo ID such as a passport national identity card, or other form of identification. The Fuhrerscheinstelle verifies that you are eligible to transfer your license once you've submitted all these documents.
To be eligible for a German driving license, you must be at minimum 18 years old and have completed a safe driving training. You must also possess an current certificate of first aid and pass both a theoretical and practical driving test. If you are planning to drive forklifts, taxis or other vehicle for passenger transport You will also have to complete a course of training. You can find a list of available courses on the internet or in local papers.