How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US that has reciprocity. In führerschein kaufen legal erfahrungen might be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary so make sure to shop around. Be sure to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driving permit?
A driving licence is a document which permits you to drive a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving exam usually lasts approximately 45 minutes, and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations and also some general questions. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or not following the exam. If you pass, you'll be given a slip that permits you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
If you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail their driving test is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to taking your driving exam, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're moving permanently to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your vision and health. You must also take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. This can be expensive however it's the only way to legally drive the vehicle in Germany. You can locate driving schools that speak English online using this search aggregator.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you're a citizen of a state or country which has a relationship with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license to a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure differs from one country to another, so you should contact the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general, you'll need to verify your residence and provide documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to provide documents attesting that your license is not suspended or revoked.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll need to pass an exam in theory and practice to obtain a full license.
The process for getting a German driver's license is more complicated for drivers who are from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. In the majority of instances, you'll need complete a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can receive a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and take a first-aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive a letter that tells you when you can pick up your German driver's license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's nearing expiration by presenting a passport photograph and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your name and/or unlawful actions. You'll need to provide an official letter stating that you will return your license if it's found.
Can I get a German license if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you are a holder of a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has an agreement of reciprocity, you can exchange it for an German license without taking any theory or practical tests. This is only feasible when the driver has been driving for a long time, if they have established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
In this case you'll still need to provide proof of your identity and a recent passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany, you must also be insured for your car. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. You must renew your driving licence at least four weeks in advance of the date on which it expires. This will allow you time to complete the necessary paperwork. You'll need the renewal form along with your current driving license and a passport photo from the last few months along with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence can vary depending on the state in which you live. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more specific information.

If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence to one of a German one, you will require a written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. You'll then need to pass a written and/or practical driving test, as well as pass a medical examination.
During the test for practical driving during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public roadway. If you're successful, you'll be issued a new German driving licence just a few weeks later.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have a US driving license?
The rules differ based on where you got your license. The US is a nation where states have authority over driver licenses, and each state can set its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold a valid German driving license can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without exchange or having their US licenses amended.
If you intend to stay in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while there. If you do not, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to surrender your American license to obtain a German licence.
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 list of countries and states where a driver's licence from the country is transferable without retaking the 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 country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different class of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes enrolling in a driving school as well as taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to show that you know the rules of driving and can manage a vehicle. The driving exam is conducted by an expert examiner. The cost for driving lessons and theory can vary from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices will vary from one company to another. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.