Buy A German Driving License: It's Not As Expensive As You Think
How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a crucial and valuable asset, not just because of its rigorous standards but it also because it is recognized across Europe. Many expats want to exchange their EU/EEA driving licence for the German license when it expires.
What are the requirements?
There are several requirements to buying a German driving license, which includes the kind of vehicle you wish to drive and your age. To get a class B driver's licence, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age required for most passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain an E or C class license if you wish to drive large vehicles, such as buses and trucks. Or a class T for agricultural or forest tractor. In certain instances, you may have to pass a written or oral test before being able to take a practical test.
Some countries permit citizens to exchange their licenses with licenses that are a German one, without having to pass an exam. 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 will have to pass a written and a practical test before getting an German driver's license. In certain situations, you might 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 process varies in each case, but you'll need an official letter from your employer or city stating that you've moved to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also have to provide a photo.
The cost of the driving exam is dependent on the area you reside in Germany. However it's usually less than EUR100. After you've passed both the written and practical test the German driving license should be ready for collection within a few days.
It is important to know the requirements for the German license because many expats require one to legally drive in the country. Public transportation can be a hassle and unreliable for those who live in rural areas, especially in the winter months, so having a car is often essential.
How do I get a German driving license?
You can convert a driver's license from another EU country or one recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to a German license without taking any tests. This process can be completed by booking an appointment at your local driver's license authority which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need your original licence along with a proof of identity and a passport photograph. In the majority of instances, your German licence will be available to pick up within four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra, you can use it for up to six months prior obtaining an German license. To obtain this you must sign up for your address and pass an German language test which can be completed at a local language center or a private language school.
It may take some time to get the German license, but it's a must to be able to safely drive on the roads. It can also make renting a car easier, because some rental companies require that you have an German driving license. It is crucial to keep in mind that driving in Germany is an important business and should be treated as such.
It is suggested that you enroll in a driving school and get some practice behind the wheel to help you feel more comfortable during your exam. Farschule123 lets users to search for driving schools by location and type of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer theory classes in different languages.
Renewal of your German driving license is simple. Make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You'll need to bring your driving license and a passport photograph taken recently and pay a tiny amount of 24 euros. The new driver's license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to get an German driver's license without having to pass the practical or theory test, thanks to an arrangement of reciprocity. However, the majority of expats would be better off starting from the beginning. This involves going through the Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a significant amount.
Driving schools can be found across the country and offer a range of classes, from a basic car course to a truck, bus or passenger transport licence. They can also to give you theory classes in your native language. The cost can vary considerably, with some charging less 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 license to a German one can take anywhere between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and if you have an agreement for reciprocity. If you do not then you will need to translate your driver's licence into German, which can be accomplished by a sworn translator or an approved automobile organization. You can also submit a registry extract from the KBA in your country of origin to prove of residency.
Once you have the necessary documents, you will need to take a practical test. During this, the instructor will sit in the front seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. If you pass, you will be able to get your driving licence a few weeks later.
If you fail the test and fail the practical exam, you must go through the entire process again with another instructor and pay the appropriate fee. In addition, you'll be required to prove that you have passed a medical examination and, if required 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). In this case you will require a translated drivers' licence and medical certificate. You must also provide a certified translation of your passport and an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to one that is German one?
If you are moving from a state or country with a reciprocity agreement with Germany, the process of exchanging your license to one that is a German one is fairly simple. Twenty-seven states, including New York and California, have this agreement. This means that if you are able to show your driver's license from these states, you won't be required to take the road or written test here in Germany and will be able to allow you to get a full German driver's license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of your identity (usually a valid passport or national ID card) and a picture that was taken recently. The exact requirements differ among the federal states (Lander) and so it is best to consult the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
You only need to exchange your license within the first six months of your residency. If you do not do this, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit, and the authorities could decide to take action against you. If you are planning to use car-sharing services many of which require the use of a European or German license and this is an additional reason to get this process going and start working towards obtaining your German license.
Those who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can continue using their driver's licence for up to 12 months after they have registered their address. However they must get it translated into German by a certified translator or an internationally recognized automotive organization or a licensed translator. This is a vital step as a lot of 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 completed online, over the phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will need to provide your current license, a translation of the license into German as well as your driver's license from your home country and evidence of identification. eu führerschein kaufen erfahrungen will also be required to pay a fee of approximately EUR35 which you can either pay cash or via a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation by mail once you have provided all the required documents.