How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US which has reciprocity. In certain situations however, you could be required to take a practical and theory exam.
Prices vary, so look around! Pick a driving school which is well-known.

What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to operate an automobile. It contains information about your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also includes the authorized vehicle types you are permitted to drive as well as an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a photo of the driver. The driving license also has a magnet strip, though it is not currently in use.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test usually takes 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules, as well as some general knowledge. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or failed the exam. If you succeed you will be given a slip allowing you to drive until you pick up your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving test is to remain calm and calm. The most common reason people fail their driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is important to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to the driving test, particularly when the driving regulations in your country differ.
If you're staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're moving permanently to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new driving license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates that confirm your health and vision. führerschein kaufen ohne prüfung must also take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can receive your license. This can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. You can find English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein without needing to pass a theory test or a practical test if are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure is different from country to country, and you should contact the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to register your residence and provide proof proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances, you'll also need to submit certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to a German one without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however you'll need to pass the theory and the practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
The process of obtaining an German driver's license is more complicated for drivers who are from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany or the United States. In the majority of instances, you'll need complete a course in a driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your car and take the first aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the necessary documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment that will tell you when you can pick-up your German driving license. It can take four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
Once you've obtained a German driving license valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's close to expiring by presenting a passport photograph and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or unauthorised activities. You'll have to provide a letter stating that you will return your license if it's found.
Can I get a German license even if I already have a driving license?
If you have a driving license from a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity, you can exchange it to obtain the German license without taking any practical or theory tests. This is only feasible if the driver has been driving for some time, if they have established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still need to provide proof of identity and a passport photograph. You will also need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). In Germany you are also required to have car insurance. You can find more information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driving license for only 15 years. If you're nearing the expiration date, you should schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you time to complete the paperwork. You'll need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photo along with you.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license can differ depending the location you reside in. If you are unsure, we recommend that you contact your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized information.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence for one of a German one, you'll have to submit an unwritten statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. Then you'll need to take either a practical or written driving test, as as pass a medical examination.
During the test for practical driving You'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be asked to show your driving abilities on a highway that is public. You will receive your new German licence in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have an US license?
Rules vary based on the state the country from which your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. In Massachusetts, for example drivers who have an active German license can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or have them amended.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer time, or return to Germany as resident, it's advisable to pick up an international driver's license when you are in the USA. If you don't, you'll have to exchange your American driving license to a German one when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle in Germany.
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 states and countries where drivers' licenses from the country is transferable without having to retake a driving test. It 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're not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking an alternative class of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking theory lessons and completing a written (multiple-choice) test, and passing a practical driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and that you can manage a car. The test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will vary, but can be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.