How to Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
The process is fairly simple if you have a valid driving license from Australia, Canada or the USA. You will still have to pass a test of theory and an actual driving test.
The standard German driving license (fuhrerschein) conforms to EU law and is a card that needs to be presented when driving a car. It is valid for 15 years.
You must have a valid driver's license
You require a valid driver's license to drive in Germany. It doesn't matter if you are new to Germany or an EU citizen who already holds a driving license from their home country. However, the process for getting the German license differs depending on your nationality and if your home country has a deal with Germany regarding the reciprocal exchange of licenses for drivers. You may need to pass a test of theory and a practical test to obtain a German driving license.
In general, you are able to use the driving license of your country of origin for a period of up to six months. After that, you'll have to get a German license or convert your current one. You'll need to show your passport and proof of address. In addition, you must provide a valid driving license and medical certificate. Then, you need to submit the documents to a Fuhrerscheinstelle. In the majority of cases, this process takes two to six weeks to complete.
If your driving licence was issued within the EU or EEA you can usually transfer it to an German license without the need to pass the theory test or the practical test. There are exceptions for large buses and trucks, however they require an additional permit.
You can also get a German driving license if you are from a non-EU nation. However, you need to prove that you have your normal place of residence in Germany. It is generally assumed if you are in Germany for a minimum of 185 days per year for either personal or professional reasons.
The German driver's license is a credit card that is similar to a credit-card size. It contains your personal details and lists the types of vehicles you are able to drive. It is a European standard and can be utilized throughout the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The cost of getting the German license may differ however the majority of drivers will need to attend a German driving school. The cost of enrolling in a driving academy can vary greatly and the cost for practice hours can be high. Pick a driving school with an excellent reputation and offers high-quality instruction. This will ensure that you receive the best education possible and that driving schools don't profit from your situation.
You must pass a driving test
The driving test is a crucial milestone in the process of getting the German driver's license. It is a practical and written exam that evaluates your knowledge of traffic laws as well as safety regulations and driving abilities. Based on where you're from, you may be required to take several practical and theoretical classes prior to taking the test. It is also crucial to practice your test and to not lose your faith on the actual test since you're most likely to fail if you violate traffic laws or act recklessly.
You will receive temporary license on paper when you pass the test. The temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license, which is usually available within four weeks after passing the test. In this time you will be placed on probation. If you are found to be breaking any driving laws, then your licence may be suspended.
It is a good idea to enroll in driving schools to prepare for the theory test. They can teach you the basics of driving in Germany and assist you to prepare for the test. Alternately, you can learn yourself or make use of any of the numerous online resources available. Once you have passed the theory test, you can begin your driving lessons under the guidance of a certified instructor. After that, you'll be able to take the practical driving test which is less than an hour long and evaluates your ability to deal with various traffic situations.
The rules for driving licenses vary between federal states (Lande) and even within localities. For more information, contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). You can find this office in your town or city hall, or call your local citizens' office.
The process for obtaining an German driver's license is lengthy, especially for those who are from countries that do not have full reciprocity with Germany. However, there are three simple requirements that most expats can be able to meet: pass a driving test, surrender their foreign licenses and provide all the required documents. A private driving school can assist you to speed up the process by handling all documentation.
You need to exchange your license
It's a good idea to exchange your driving license as soon as you can when you reside in Germany. This way, you'll be able to legally drive around the country. You can find more details about this procedure on the German government's website. Depending on the country or state that you're moving to it is possible that you will need to take a written and driving test before you is exchanged. However, this is typically more efficient than completing a full driver's course.
To exchange your license, you'll need to visit the local road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). It is best to schedule an appointment and call ahead since there are different rules for exchanging your license. You'll also need a passport and a recent photo. If you've lost your driver's license, you'll have to submit an explanation of what happened and stating that you'll return it if it's discovered.
After you've submitted your documents, it'll take some time for the Fuhrerscheinstelle to process your application. After they've deemed your request acceptable you'll receive an acknowledgement and invoice by mail. The invoice will include a fee to transfer your license. You can pay the invoice via an online banking service or you can deposit cash at the Fuhrerscheinstelle.
Although it is possible to rent cars in Germany however, the cost could be prohibitive for expats on budget. Additionally, kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen is widely available and can be used to get around most cities. In fact, Germany is a great location to live without a vehicle especially in cities like Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.
You need to upgrade your license
You should be aware that driving in Germany is controlled by strict rules. You'll need to transfer your license, which can cost as much as 200 euros. The procedure varies based on the location you're from as well as the length of time you've been in the country.
First, check with your local Fuhrerscheinstelle if you are able to transfer your driving license. This usually involves submitting a certificate that confirm your eyesight and health. In some instances, you'll also have to pass a written test as well as a practical test. Once you've passed this test, you can legally drive in Germany.
It's important to note that your foreign license will only be valid in Germany for a period of six months after you have established your residency. This is applicable to EU and non-EU citizens. You are also able to use your license from another country until it expires, or in the event that you replace it with the German licence. In other words you have to change your license before it expires or you'll be subject to an additional fine.
If you have a driving licence from a nation with full reciprocity, then both the written and the practical test will be waived. However, the rules differ according to state, and some states have only partial reciprocity. The process is easy but it's still worth contacting your local Fuhrerscheinstelle for more information.
You'll need the original driver's license along with an original birth certificate that has been translated to your local office. You'll also have to show proof of your residency and an ID with a photo, such as a passport, national identity card or another forms of identification. The Fuhrerscheinstelle confirms that you are legally able to transfer your license once you have submitted all of these documents.
To obtain an German driver's license you must be at least 18 years old and have completed a driving course. In addition to these prerequisites, you should possess a current first aid certificate and pass a test of practical and theoretical driving test. If you're planning on driving taxis, forklifts, or passenger transport vehicles, you must be able to complete a further training course. You can find the list of courses on the internet or in local papers.