Buy A German Driving License: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a valuable asset not only because it has high standards, but also because its recognition is widespread throughout Europe. Many expats want to exchange 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 variety of requirements for purchasing a German driving license, such as the kind of vehicle you wish to drive and your age. To obtain a class-B driver's license, you have to be at least 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 want to drive heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractors. You may have to pass an written or oral test in some cases before you are able to take the practical exam.
Certain citizens of countries are able to swap their licenses for one of a German one without having to pass an examination. This includes people from countries that are part of the European Union or the European Economic Area, as well as 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.
If you're not from one of these countries, you will have to pass a written and practical test prior to getting an German driver's license. In some cases you may have to pass an eye test or an examination for medical reasons.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure differs. But generally you'll require proof of insurance and your foreign driving license, as well as an official letter from your employer or city stating that your have moved to Germany. You may be required to submit an image.
The cost of the driving test is dependent on the location you reside in Germany. However it's typically less than EUR100. Once you've passed both the practical and written tests then your German driving license should be available for pickup within a few weeks.
It is crucial to be aware of the requirements of the German driving license, as many expats must have one to drive legally in the country. Taking public transportation can be a hassle and unreliable for those who live in rural areas, especially during bad weather, so having a vehicle is often a necessity.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
You can convert a driving licence from an EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to an German license without having to take any tests. This process can be accomplished by making an appointment with your local authority for driver's licences, called the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need the original license as well as a form of identification, and a passport photo. In most instances your German licence will be ready 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 can use it up to six month before getting an German licence. In order to do so, you will need to verify your address of residence and pass an German language test that can be taken at a private school or at the local language center.
It could take a while to get a German license however, it's essential to be able to safely drive on the road. It also makes renting a car easier, since some rental agencies require at least a German driving license. It is essential to keep in mind that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is recommended to enroll in driving schools and get some practice driving to make you feel more comfortable during your exam. You can find driving schools on Farschule-123 which lets you search by area and kind of vehicle. In addition numerous driving schools offer classes in various languages.
Renewal of your German driving license is easy. Simply make an appointment with your local licensing authority at least four weeks prior to the date your licence expires. You will need to bring your driving licence, a current passport photo, and pay a small amount of approximately 24 euros. Your new driving licence will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to obtain an driver's license in Germany without taking the theory or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, the majority of expats would be better off starting from scratch. This involves going through the Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a substantial amount of money.
Driving schools can be found across the country and offer a variety of courses, ranging from a basic car course to a bus, truck or passenger transport license. They can also to give you theory classes in your language. Some schools are cheaper than others. The best way to locate the best driving school is to ask around and check online reviews.
The process of converting an American driving licence to one that is a German driving license can take between two and six months based on whether you have a reciprocity agreement or not. If you don't, you will need to translate your driver's licence into German, which can be accomplished by a sworn translator or an approved automobile organization. In addition, you could submit the KBA registry extract from your country of birth as proof of residency.
You'll need to pass an exam in the form of a practical test after you have all the required documents. During this exam, the instructor will sit in the front seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. You will receive your driving license within a few days after passing.
If you fail the exam, you will have to go through the entire process again with a different instructor, and pay the corresponding fee. Additionally, you will need to prove that you have completed a medical exam and, if needed you will need to show a proof of good eye sight.
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 as well as a medical certificate in this instance. You will also need to provide a certified translation of your passport and a photocard.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to one in Germany? German one?
If deutscher eu führerschein kaufen are moving from a state or country which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany, the process of exchanging your license to a German one is fairly simple. 27 states, including New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you can present your driving license from these states, you will not be required to take the road or written test in Germany which will permit you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You must show your current driver's license as well as identification proof (usually a passport or national ID card) and a recent photograph. The exact requirements vary between the federal states (Lander) and it's best to check with the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You will only need to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you fail to do so, it will be considered a violation of your residency permit and authorities could take action against you. If you're planning on using car-sharing services, most of which require an European or German license, this is even more reason to get the process underway and begin working towards getting your German license.
Anyone who moves to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can continue to use their driver's license for a period of up to 12 months after they register their address. However they must get it translated into German by a sworn translator, an internationally recognized automobile organization or a licensed translator. This is a crucial step because many insurance companies will not cover drivers from outside the EU/EEA without an official 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, by phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will require your current license and an official German translation of your license, a copy of your driving history from the country of origin, as well as evidence of identity. Additionally, you will need to pay a fee which is around EUR35. This can be paid in cash or by bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation by mail once you have provided all the required documents.