How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an important and valuable asset, not just due to its strict standards but additionally because it is recognized across Europe. Foreigners often want to swap their EU/EEA driving licence for the German license once it expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland must meet a number of requirements before you can buy a German license. These include the type of vehicle that you wish to drive, and your age. To get a class-B driver's license, 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 apply for an E or class C license if you want to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractor. You may be required to pass an written or oral test in certain cases before you can sit for the test.
Citizens of some countries can exchange their license for one that is a German one without taking an exam. This includes those from countries within the European Union or the European Economic Area as and 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 have to pass a written and practical test before getting an German driver's license. In certain cases you may also have to pass a medical examination and an eye test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure differs. In general, you will need to bring proof of insurance as well as your foreign driving license, along with an official letter from your city or employer stating that you've relocated to Germany. You may need to include a photograph.
The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's typically less than EUR100. After you have completed both the written and practical test, your German driving licence should be ready for collection within a few days.
It's crucial to understand the requirements for a German driving license, as many expats must have one in order to legally drive in the country. It isn't easy to use public transportation in rural areas, and in bad weather. führerschein kaufen deutschland can make it easier.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you hold a driver's license from another country within 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 a German one without having to take any tests. You can complete this process by booking an appointment at the local authority for driver's licenses or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need your original license, a form of identification as well as a passport photo. In most cases, you will be able to obtain your German driving license 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 for a maximum of six months before obtaining the German license. To get this license, you must register your address and be able to pass an German language test, which can be done in a local language center or a private language school.
It may take some time to obtain an German license however it is a must to be safe to drive on the roads. It can also make renting a car easier, as some rental agencies may require you to hold an German license. It is important to remember that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is suggested to take driving lessons and practice driving. This will help you become more confident when you take your test. You can locate a driving school through Farschule-123 which lets you search by area and type of vehicle. Many driving schools also offer theory classes in different languages.
Renewing your German driving license is easy. Make an appointment at your local driving licensing office at least four weeks prior to the date your license expires. You will be required to bring your driving licence and a passport photograph taken recently, and pay a modest amount of 24 euros. Then, your new driving licence will be ready for you to pick up within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
While it is possible to obtain an official driver's license in Germany without having to pass the theoretical or practical test thanks to a reciprocity arrangement, most expats are better off starting from scratch. This involves taking a driving course and paying a large sum of money.
You can find driving schools across the nation. They offer a wide selection of classes starting from a basic driving car course to a truck or bus license. They can also to offer you a theory course in your native language. Some schools are cheaper than others. The best way to locate the best driving school is to ask around and look up online reviews.
The process of changing an American driving license to one that is a German driving licence can take between two and six months, based on whether you have a reciprocity contract or not. If you do not, you will need to translate your driver's license in German and this can be accomplished by a sworn translator or a recognised automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of your registry from the KBA in the country of origin to prove of residency.
You will need to take a practical test once you have all of the required documents. During this, the driving instructor will be in the passenger seat and you will drive the car while being asked questions. If you pass, you will be able to pick up your driving licence within a few weeks.
If you fail the test and fail the practical exam, you must repeat the whole process with a different instructor and pay the fee. In addition, you will be required to prove that you passed a medical exam and, if necessary, show a certificate 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 instance you will require a translated drivers' licence and a medical certificate. You will also be required to submit a certified translation and a photocopy of your passport.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to a German one?
If you are moving from a country or state that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, the process of transferring your license for one that is a German one is relatively simple. 27 states, including New York and California, have this agreement, meaning that if you are able to present your driving license from these states, you won't be required to take the road or written test here in Germany, which will allow you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an original passport or a national ID card) and a picture that was taken recently. The exact requirements differ between the federal states (Lander) and therefore it is recommended to inquire with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before making an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license to one that is a German one within the first six months of residence. If you don't do it, you could be deemed to be in violation of your residency permit. Authorities could decide to take action against you. If you plan on using car-sharing services, most of which require an European or German license and this is an additional reason to get the process underway and begin working towards obtaining your German license.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA may continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to a year after they have registered their address. However, they must have it translated into German by a certified translator or an internationally recognized automotive organization or a licensed translator. This is a crucial step because most insurance companies won't insure non-EU/EEA drivers without an official 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'll need to bring your current license, a translation of the license into German and your driver's record from your home country, and evidence of identity. You will also need to pay a fee that is about EUR35. This can be paid in cash or through a bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation via mail after you have submitted all the required documents.