How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical test.
Prices vary, so be sure to shop around. Pick a driving school which is reputable.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate the vehicle. It includes information such as your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also includes the types of vehicles you are permitted to drive as well as an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints, and a driver photo. The driving license also comes with a magnet strip, though it isn't currently being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving exam usually lasts for approximately 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations, as well as some general information. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or failed the exam. If you pass, you will receive a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you pick up your license.
If you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. The most common reason people fail the driving test is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as possible before taking the test especially if you're from a country where driving rules are different.
If you're staying in Germany for only a short duration and you're driving a car, your license from your home country should suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get an additional license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
But, you must first present a certificate that prove your health and eyesight. fuhrerschein kaufen is also required to undergo driving lessons at a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theory and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It's costly, but it is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. There are driving schools that speak English online using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're a resident of a country or state which has a relationship with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, though you'll need to verify your residence and provide documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you may also be required to present certificates attesting your license has not been suspended or revoked.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however it is necessary to pass a theory and practice exam is required to obtain an official driving license.

For those who are coming from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining a German driving license is more difficult. In most cases, you'll need to complete a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and complete the first-aid training.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documents. After your appointment, you'll get a letter that tells you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It can take four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
Once you have the German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's nearing expiration by bringing a passport photo and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or illegal activities. You'll need to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license if it's found.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can often simply exchange your driving license from another country for one German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is generally only possible if you've been driving for a long period of time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You will still be required to show proof of identity and a passport photo. You will also need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also be insured for your car. More details can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driver's license for a period of 15 years. When you're getting close to the expiration date, you should make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the paperwork. You'll need the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for changing your driving license from another country can differ depending on where you live. If you aren't sure it is recommended that you get in touch with your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) and an image of your passport. Then, you'll have to pass either a practical or written driving test, as well being able to pass a medical test.
During the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public road. You'll receive your new German license a few days later if you are successful.
Can I get a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary depending on the country from which your license was issued. In the US, each state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance, in Massachusetts, people who have a valid German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses amended.
If you plan to stay in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as a resident, it is advisable to pick up an international driver's license while in the USA. In the event that you need to visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to hand over your American license in exchange for an German license.
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 includes the list of states and countries where a driver's license from that country can be transferred without having to retake 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 state or country which is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking an alternative class of license, you'll have to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This includes taking a driving course and taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to operate a car. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons can range from a few hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also need to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices can vary from one company to another. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.