How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you're planning on driving in Germany you'll have to obtain a permit. The process can be expensive and lengthy. This could be a major obstacle for Americans to travel on the Autobahn.
There are ways to get around this. The first thing to do is contact a Fahrschule who is a partner for foreigners.
Requirements
If you are planning to move to Germany it is important to be aware of the requirement to exchange your foreign driving licence to the German Fuhrerschein (or "driver's license"). The rules differ based on whether or not you're a resident of an EU/EEA member country or a country with an agreement of reciprocity. If you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA, you might be required to sit for a theoretical as well as a practical test.
To get your Fuhrerschein, you must visit the local Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will require a valid passport or identity card, your driving license from your home country, and an up-to-date passport photo. You will have to pay a fee which varies from one authority to another. In some cases you may be required to provide an English translation of your driving license and other documents. However, this is not always the case. If you have any questions about the requirements you can contact either the Strassenverkehrsamt or the Fuhrerscheinstelle.
The next step is taking the test for the theory. This test will be administered by an approved driving school. The written theory test takes approximately 30 minutes. It covers areas like traffic laws, road signs and the rules of the road. After passing the theory test the practical test will be available. The practical test consists of several tasks like driving on city streets and motorways.
After passing the practical test, you can legally drive on German roads. However, you will still have to purchase mandatory car insurance and undergo a safety inspection every year.
You will also need to register your vehicle and purchase German license plates. If you are planning to stay in Germany for more than one year, your license from home will remain valid until the end your first six-month period of residence. If you plan to lease or purchase an automobile in the near future, you will need an German licence. This government website has more details. You can also use carpooling websites for long-distance trips.
The process
If you're a non-EU citizen, you might need to purchase an German driver's license. This isn't nearly as difficult as you think. The procedure can differ somewhat based on your home country and the agreement between Germany and it however, most of the time you can swap your license from another country for one that is a German one without having to take any additional tests.
To begin, set up an appointment with your local Fuhrerscheinstelle. Bring your current driving licence along with a recent passport photo and proof of your identity. Your Fuhrerscheinstelle will then go through your paperwork and determine whether or not you're able to transfer your licence. The process typically takes between about two to four weeks.
After you've completed your paperwork, you'll need to take a practical as well as a theory test. If deutschen führerschein online kaufen pass both, the Fuhrerscheinstelle will then print your new driver's license for you. When it's ready for pick-up you'll be notified. You can purchase mandatory car insurance through DA Direkt or other German companies once you have your license.
Some countries, like the USA, have reciprocal agreements with Germany and don't require additional documents or tests. Some countries, including Australia have reciprocal agreements with Germany that do not require any additional tests or documents.
Like many bureaucratic procedures in Germany, the way the process is carried out varies from state to state (Lander) to federal state. You should consult the Fuhrerscheinstelle in your area to determine what procedures are in place in the region you live in. Failure to do this could cost you a significant amount of money, not to mention time. You can also buy counterfeit German license, but it has its own set of problems. Besides, it's illegal. If you are stopped by the cops and they find out that it's not true. It's certainly not worth the risk. Use the official process unless you are in the midst of a rush. It's more beneficial in the long term for everyone.
Fees
A driving license in Germany is an expensive proposition. You will have to pay for not just the initial application fee but additionally for Fahrschule tuition as well as any additional driving lessons that you might require. In addition, you'll need to purchase mandatory insurance for your car. The cost will differ based on what type of vehicle you plan to drive, however the majority of them are reasonably priced. Be prepared to pay for both the theoretical test as well as the practical test.
If you're a citizen of a nation outside the EU, it may be possible to exchange your old license in exchange for an German one. However, this process is complicated and costly and requires proof of your residency in the country. In addition, you will need to undergo a medical exam and an eye test. In some instances, you will require proof that your previous license was valid when it expired in your country of origin.
You can also go to an local Fahrschule to prepare for your driving test. These classes will provide you with an enumeration of driving lessons that will enable you to pass the written and road tests. Additionally, you will be required to take a first aid course.
After having passed both the written and driving tests, you'll receive a temporary license. It's valid for three month or until you are issued an EU driver's license (whichever comes first). This license must be carried at all times when driving in Germany.
If you fail your driving test, you can take it again after some days. You should give yourself plenty of time to get ready for the test in the practical as it can be quite difficult. It's a great idea to review the German driving rules and practice with an instructor prior to taking the test. There are numerous sources to aid you in your preparation, such as official apps and websites, as well as driving schools.
Documents needed
If you're an expat living in Germany, it's important to be aware of the fees and process involved in getting a driving licence. You'll need to register your car, buy insurance and pass a driving test. It's also important to understand the different kinds of driving licenses that are available in Germany. You may want to consider enrolling in a driving class at an Fahrschule prior to taking your driving test. These courses can be expensive but they are necessary for a safe and secure transition to the German road system.
You can purchase German driving licenses in different ways, based on whether or not you are an EU citizen. Non-EU citizens can use their foreign drivers' license for up to six months after moving to Germany, but it is required to obtain or exchange a German driving license to continue to drive. The driver's license must be valid in all member states of the European Union.
The first step in obtaining a driving license is to visit the local Driving License Office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). You'll need your driving license from abroad along with a passport photo and an eye-sight test. It is a good idea to schedule an appointment four weeks prior to when your current license expires. This allows you to avoid having to take the driver's test or pay an annual renewal fee.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can bring them in to the Fuhrerscheinstelle. They will then check the information and send the information to the government. It usually takes between two and six weeks for the transfer to be approved by the government. The Fuhrerscheinstelle will give you the slip that permits you to drive while waiting for approval.
If your foreign license is lost or stolen then you must give the authorities a statement explaining what happened and stating that you will return it if you find it. You must also notify the police.
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is an international translation of your national driving license. It is valid in countries that recognize the IDP for a period of up to one year. You can obtain an IDP from Fahrschules Fahrschule or an automobile club in Germany at a cost of between 55 and 85 euros.