How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an important and valuable asset, not only because of its rigorous standards but additionally because it is recognized throughout Europe. Expats often want to change their EU/EEA driving licence for a German license when it expires.
What are the prerequisites for the application?
There are many requirements to buying the German driving license, including the type of vehicle you'd like to drive and your age. You must be at least 18 years old in order to obtain a class B driver's license which is required for all passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also get an E or class C license if you want to drive heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractor. You may have to pass an oral or written test in certain situations before you are able to take the practical exam.
Certain citizens of countries are able to exchange their license for a German one without having to take an exam. 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 and the U.S.A (certain states), and Singapore.
If you're not from one of these countries, you will need to pass a written and a practical test before getting a German driver's license. In deutsche führerschein kaufen may need to pass an eye test as well as a medical examination.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure differs. In general you'll be required to present proof of insurance as well as your foreign driving license, as well as an official letter from your city or employer stating that your have moved to Germany. You may be required to submit an image.
The cost of the driving exam will vary based on the area you reside in Germany. However it's usually less than EUR100. Once you have completed both the written and practical test and have passed both tests, your German driving licence should be available for collection within just a few days.
It's important to understand the requirements for the German license as a lot of expats will require one to legally drive in Germany. Public transportation can be difficult and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, particularly in the winter months, so having a vehicle is often a necessity.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you have a driving license from another country within the European Union (EU) or from a country recognized by Germany as having full or partial reciprocity the possibility of converting your licence to one that is a German one without taking any tests. This process can be completed by arranging an appointment with your local authority for driver's licences known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring your original license, a form of identification and a passport photograph. In most cases, you can pick up 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 can use it for a maximum of six months prior to obtaining a German license. To do this you must sign up for your address and be able to pass the German test, which can be done at a local language center or a private language school.
It may take some time to obtain a German license however it is a must to be able to safely drive on the roads. It also makes renting a vehicle easier, since some rental companies require that you have at least a German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious matter and should be treated accordingly.
It is recommended that you enroll in a driving school and do some practice driving in order to help you feel more comfortable during your test. You can locate a driving school through Farschule-123.com, which allows you to filter by area and type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is simple. You should make an appointment at the office of your local driving license at minimum four weeks before the date your license expires. You'll need to bring your driving licence along with a passport photo that you took recently and pay a small amount of 24 euros. Your new driving licence will be ready in four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
Although it is possible to obtain an driver's license in Germany without taking the theoretical or practical test due to a reciprocity agreement the majority of expats should consider beginning from scratch. This means attending a driving school and paying a substantial amount of money.
There are driving schools across the nation. They offer a broad selection of classes beginning with a basic driver's course in cars to a truck or bus license. They will also be able to offer you a theory course in your own language. The cost of the course can vary and some schools charging less than others. The best way to find a suitable driving school is to ask around and look up online reviews.
The process of converting an American driving licence to an German driving license could take between two and six months based on whether you have a reciprocity arrangement or not. If you do not have a reciprocity agreement, you will need a translator to translate your license into German. This can be done by a sworn translation or through an automobile association. In addition, you can submit the KBA registry extract in your country of birth as proof of residency.
After you have all the required documents, you'll have to sit for a test. During the exam, the driving instructor will be in the front seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. You will receive your driving license in a few days after passing.
If you fail the practical test, you will need to take the test again with an additional instructor and pay the fee. You'll also have to show that you have completed the medical examination and, if required provide a proof 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 will need an official driver's licence that has been translated and medical certificates. You will also have to provide a translation that is certified and photocard of your passport.
Can I exchange my license from abroad for one that is German one?
If you're moving from an area or country with a reciprocity agreement with Germany It is simple to swap your license to one from Germany. The agreement is in place with 27 states that include New York, California and others. If you have an driving license from one of these states, you don't have to pass an examination in the form of a written or driving test in Germany. You can get your complete German license. You must present your current driver's licence and evidence of identity (usually an identity card or passport) ID card) and a recent photo. The exact requirements vary between the federal states (Lander) and so 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 months of your residency. If you don't do it, you could be deemed to be in violation to your residency permit. The authorities could be able to take action against you. If you intend to utilize car sharing services that require a European license or a German license it is more important to start the process of getting your German license.
Those who are moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA can continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to one year after registering their address. However, they must get it translated by a certified translation, a globally recognized automotive organization, or a licensed interpreter. This is an important step since many insurance companies will not offer insurance to drivers outside of the EU/EEA region without the 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)". You can make this appointment online, by phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will require your current license and an official German translation of your license, your driving record from your country of origin, and identification proof. You will also have to pay a fee, that is about EUR35. This can be paid in cash or by bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have provided all the required documents.