How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an important and valuable asset, not just because of its rigorous standards but it also because it is recognized across Europe. Foreigners often want to swap their driving license from the EU/EEA to one with a German license when it expires.
What are the prerequisites for the application?
You must meet a number of conditions before you can purchase a German license. These include the type of vehicle you want 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 a class E or C license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses. Also, you can get a class T for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some instances, you may need to pass an oral or written test before being able to take a practical exam.
Some countries allow citizens to exchange their licenses with licenses that are a German one without having to pass an examination. This includes citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.
You'll have to pass an exam written and a practical test if not from one these countries. In some cases, you may also need to pass a medical exam and vision test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for applying for a driving license is different in each case, but you'll need to bring an official letter from your employer or city in which you've moved to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also need to bring photos.
The cost of the driving test will vary based on the location you reside in Germany. However it's typically less than EUR100. After you have passed both the written test and practical test, your German driving license will be available for collection within just a few days.
It is important to know the requirements for the German license since many foreigners require one to legally drive in Germany. Public transportation can be a hassle and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, especially in the winter months, so having a vehicle is often essential.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you hold a driver's license from another country in 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 that is a German one without taking any tests. You can do this by booking an appointment at the local driver's licensing authority or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring the original license along with a proof of identity and a passport photo. In most cases, you can get your German driving licence in four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you are able to use it up to six months before obtaining an German licence. To do this you must sign up for your address and pass an German language exam which can be completed at a local language center or a private language school.
Obtaining a German driving license can take a bit of time however, it is an essential step to be competent to drive safely on the roads. In addition, it can help you rent a car easier, as some rental agencies may require you to hold a German license. Driving in Germany is a serious issue and should be treated with care.
It is suggested that you enroll in a driving school and get some practice driving in order to make you feel more comfortable during your exam. The website Farschule123 allows you to find a driving school by location and vehicle type. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in different languages.
Renewing your German driving license is easy. You should make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at least four weeks prior to the expiration date of your license. You'll be required to bring your driving licence along with a passport photo that you took recently and pay a small amount of 24 euros. Then your new driving license will be ready to pick up in four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to obtain a German driver's licence without having to pass the theory or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity arrangement. However, many expats should consider starting at the beginning. This means going through a Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a substantial amount of money.
Driving schools are available across the country. They provide a broad variety of courses, starting from a basic driving car course to a truck or bus license. You can also take theory classes in your native language. legalen führerschein kaufen charge less than others. Doing some research and reading online reviews is the best method to find an appropriate driving school.
The process of converting an American driving licence to a German driving license can take between two and six months, based on whether you have a reciprocity agreement or not. If you do not, you will need to translate your driver's license in German and this can be done by a certified translator or a recognized automobile organization. As an alternative, you can present the KBA registry extract in your country of birth as proof of residency.
You'll have to take a practical test once you have all of the required documents. During this, the driving instructor will be in the front seat and you will drive the vehicle while being asked questions. If you pass, you will be able to obtain your driving license a few weeks later.
If you fail the test, you'll need to take the test again with another instructor and pay the fee. In addition, you'll need to prove that you have passed a medical exam and, if necessary 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). In this instance you'll need an official driver's licence that has been translated and a medical certificate. You must also submit a certified translation your passport along with a photocard.
Can I exchange my foreign driving license for a German license?
If you're moving from one of the states or countries with a reciprocity agreement with Germany, it is relatively simple to swap your license to one from Germany. The agreement is in place with 27 states which include New York, California and other states. If you have an official driving license from one of these states, you won't need to take a written or road test in Germany. You can get your full German license. You'll need to present your current driver's licence, proof of identity (usually a passport or national ID card) and a recent photo. The exact requirements vary between the federal states (Lander) and so it is best to consult the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
You will only need to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not do this, it could be considered a violation of your residency permit and the authorities could take action against you. If you plan to utilize car-sharing services that require the use of a European license or German license it is more important to begin the process and work towards getting your German licence.
People who move to Germany from outside the EU/EEA region can keep their driver's license for up to 12 months after they register their address. They must, however, be able to have it translated by a sworn translation, a recognized internationally automotive organization or a licensed interpreter. This is an essential step as a lot of insurance companies will not insure drivers who are not from 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 to provide your current license, a translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country and proof of identity. Additionally, you will need to pay a fee which is approximately EUR35. This can be paid in cash or through a bank transfer. After you have all the required documents You will be informed by mail that your application has been submitted (Bescheinigung). (Bescheinigung).