Buy A German Driving License: 11 Thing You're Leaving Out
How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not just because of its rigorous standards, but it also because it is recognized across Europe. Expats often want to change their driving license from the EU/EEA to one with a German license after it expires.
What are the prerequisites for the application?
There are a few prerequisites before you can get a German license. These include the type of vehicle you wish to drive, and your age. To get a class B driver's license, you must be 18 years old. This is the minimum age required for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or C class license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks. Or a class T for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some instances, you may have to pass a written or oral test before being allowed to take a practical exam.
Certain countries allow citizens to exchange their licenses with a German one without having to pass an examination. This applies to citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.
If you're not from one of these countries, you'll need to pass a written and a practical test prior to getting a German driver's license. In certain cases, you'll have to pass an eye test as well as medical exam.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure differs. However, generally speaking, you will require proof of insurance as well as your foreign driving license, along with an official letter from your employer or city stating that you have relocated to Germany. You may be required to submit an image.
The cost of the test dependent on where you reside in Germany, but it is usually less than EUR100. After you have passed both the written and practical test, your German driving license should be ready to collect within just a few days.
It is important to know the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats require one to legally drive in the country. It can be difficult to take public transportation in rural areas, and in bad weather. Car ownership will make it easier.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you hold a driving license from another country within the European Union (EU) or from a country recognized by Germany as having reciprocity either in full or in part, you can convert your license to one of a German one without taking any tests. The process can be completed by making an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses which is known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need to bring your original license along with a form or identification and a passport picture. In most cases, your German licence will be ready for you to pick up in around four weeks.
If your licence was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra you are able to use it for up to six months prior to you can apply for an German license. To do this you must identify your residence address and complete the German test of your language that can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
It could take a while to get an German license however it is a must to be competent to drive safely on the road. It also makes renting a vehicle easier, since some rental companies require you to have an German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious thing and should be treated with care.
It is recommended to enroll in driving classes and practice driving. This will make you more comfortable when you take your test. You can locate driving schools through the website Farschule-123 that lets you filter by area and kind of vehicle. In addition numerous driving schools offer classes in various languages.
Renewing your German driving license is easy. You should make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before the expiration date of your license. You'll need to bring your driving license, a passport photo taken recently, and pay a modest amount of 24 euros. Your new driving license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to get the German driver's license without having to take the theory or practical test through the reciprocity arrangement. However, many expats would be better off starting from the beginning. This requires completing an Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a significant amount.
Driving schools can be found across the country and offer a range of courses, from an entry-level car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport licence. They can also to provide you with theory classes in your native language. The cost can vary considerably, with some charging less than others. Doing some research and reading online reviews is the best method to find the right driving school.
The process of changing an American driving license to one that is a German one could take between two and six months, depending on the availability of the driving school and if you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you do not have a reciprocity agreement, you will need a translator to translate your license into German. This is done through a sworn translation or an automobile association. You can also submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in your country of origin to prove of residence.
After you have all the required documents, you'll have to sit for a test. During the exam the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat while you drive the vehicle and answer questions. If you pass, you will be able to obtain your driving licence a few weeks later.
If you fail the practical exam, you will have to go through the entire process again with another instructor and pay the fee. You will also need to demonstrate that you have completed the medical examination and, if required present 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 a translated driver's license and a medical certificate in this instance. You will also be required to provide a certified translation and photocard of your passport.
Can I swap my driving license from a foreign country to get an German license?
If you're moving to a country or state with a reciprocity agreement with Germany, it is relatively easy to exchange your license to one in Germany. Twenty-seven states, which includes New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to take the road or written test in Germany which will permit you to obtain a full German driver's license. You'll need to present your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an original passport or national ID card) as well as a photograph that was taken in recent times. The requirements for each state (Lander) differ, so it is best to confirm the requirements of your local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
You only need to change your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not do this, it will be considered a violation of your residency permit and authorities may decide 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 start the process of getting your German license.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA region can continue to use their driver's license up to a year after registering their address. eu führerschein kaufen must, however, get it translated by a sworn translation, an internationally recognized automotive organization or a certified interpreter. This is a crucial step, since many insurance companies won't cover drivers from outside the EU/EEA 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 done online, over the phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need your current license, the German translation of your license, your driving record from your country of origin, and identification proof. You will also have to pay a fee which is approximately EUR35. This can be paid in cash or through a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have provided all the required documents.