How to Buy a Real German Driving License
Some lucky American expats can walk into their local Fuhrerscheinstelle to get a German driver's licence without needing to pass the written and practical tests.
The requirements can vary greatly between offices (and even city to city) and can be extremely strict. Here's the information you require.
Legality
A genuine German driving license is a legal proof of your skills and knowledge. It is a valuable asset to have for any job interview, or for traveling within Europe. It isn't cheap to get one. The total cost could be in the thousands of Euros, depending on the type of license and the duration. The tuition cost could include as well as lessons, driving sessions and fees for authorities and exams. Driving schools typically have their own prices that can differ from school to school.
There are several ways to get a German driving license. The most popular method is to purchase an driver's license from an online private company or through a driving school. The price varies, but most providers offer a package that includes both the license and the training. These packages are available to motorists of both motorbike and car. You can pick a package based on your requirements and budget.
Non-EU citizens can also exchange their licenses to German ones without taking the theory or practical tests. The rules vary depending the country you're from and the extent to which Germany has reciprocity in full or part with your country. Some countries, such as Australia and the US have full reciprocity. Certain countries, such as Canada and a few American states, only have partial reciprocity.
The license you hold in your home country will be valid in Germany up until it expires for EU members. After six months, you will have to transfer your license to a German one in order to continue driving legally. You should also register the license with the local authorities.
The normal permit for regular vehicles, such as vehicles and vans, is valid for 15 years. To renew it, you have to visit your local authority (Fuhrerscheinbehorde) and submit a written statement or theft report and a passport photo. The process can take up to a few weeks.
There are also deutschen führerschein online kaufen permits for certain vehicles like taxis and fire brigade cars. You must take a special training course with an instructor to get a special permit. This course will teach you about the regulations and laws applicable to this particular vehicle. You must also pass an exam in writing and driving to obtain the license.
Requirements
There are many ways to obtain a German driving license. Depending on where your license was issued, you may be able to exchange it for one that is a German one without taking a practical or theoretical test. However, you should note that you must have an up-to-date eye test and have completed a first aid course (Erste Hilfe) before doing this. Taking a driving lesson course (Fahrschule) in Germany is also an option, and these are generally offered through your car rental company. But, it is important to know that the lessons will be conducted in manual transmission vehicles, and you will need to have at least 12 hours of theory lessons before passing your test.
Another option to obtain a driving license in Germany is to get an international driver's permit (IDP). You can drive in Germany with an IDP, whether you are visiting or living there. It won't replace a US or other driving licence which is why you'll still require these documents. You can obtain an IDP through your national auto club in the USA (AAA) or the German Embassy.
If you want to buy a real German driving license, it's best to go through a Fahrschule that has worked with foreigners before. They can help you with the paperwork required in obtaining a driving license and assist you with the written and driving test practice. They can also help you identify a first aid course, which is required in Germany.
The process of getting a driver's license in Germany isn't as simple as it appears. The practical exam is quite difficult, and you'll have to pass it to receive your license. The test should last around 45 minutes, and you'll be informed immediately if you passed or failed. If you fail the test, your instructor is likely to insist that you attend additional lessons before you attempt the test again.
There are a lot of other requirements you'll need to be able to meet to obtain an official driving license in Germany. For example, you'll need to present your passport and an ID document that is valid when applying for your driving licence. You'll also need to take an examination for medical necessity and provide a fingerprint.
Documents
For those who live outside of Germany getting the German driving license, also referred to as Fuhrerschein, Fuhrerschein is an important step. Whether you need to make an appointment with the local driving licence authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle), or simply visit the office in person, it is important to have all of the right documents ready. You'll also have to bring a recent passport photograph and proof of insurance and an eye test.
While the EU recognizes foreign driving licenses however, it is highly recommended that you get a German license to ensure that you can drive legally in Germany. Driving without a valid license is illegal. It is best to do this before your current permit expires.
Before making an appointment, it is important to confirm with your local Fuhrerscheinstelle the procedure for obtaining a German driving license. The office will go over your documents to determine if they are eligible for the process. It could be located in the city's offices for citizens or in the county courthouse.
Once you've been deemed accepted, the office will schedule the driving test with a driving teacher. You will be evaluated by an examiner in a practical driving test. You must pass both the written test and the driving test before you can drive in Germany. You will then be given the certificate that allows you to drive in Germany while your German driving license is being processed, which could take up to four weeks.
You'll need a valid passport or identity card, proof of insurance, a test of eyes and a photo to submit to the Fuhrerscheinstelle. It may seem difficult however, the process to get your new German driving license is actually quite simple. Once you've met all the requirements the license to drive in Germany will be valid for 15 years.
Expats who are moving to Germany from other EU countries or EEA members enjoy full reciprocity and are able to exchange their driver's license for one in German one. Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to translate your licence, but this is not always necessary.
Payment
It is essential to transfer your license as soon as you can if you are an EU expat. This can be done at the local driving license office, which is located in your town or district. This office can be found in the courthouse, or the citizen service office. This process is quick and simple if you are from a country that has reciprocity with Germany. You might need to pass a written exam and a road test, however.
There are also non-EU citizens who can obtain an license in Germany without taking an exam for driving or theory. This includes citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan and Korea. However, you'll have to take a driving course at a Fahrschule. These classes can cost anywhere from several thousand euros. They usually instruct you on how to drive a manual car which requires a basic understanding of how to operate an automatic clutch and a five-speed transmission.
A German driving licence does not expire. If you obtain a Fuhrerschein, it will be valid for 15 years. Your license will also only expire if and when you move to another EU country. You'll have to renew it prior to the expiration date.
You must be 16 years old and have a valid German passport to get a driving license in Germany. You'll also need a certificate of physical fitness and a vision exam. You must also prove you have no addiction or mental health issues.
There are a myriad of ways to obtain a German driver's license, however the most popular method is to attend the driving school. The cost of this can be quite expensive but it's worth the money. Driving lessons will teach you the German laws of the road and the safest way to drive. You will also learn the meaning behind different road signs and how to give first aid in the event of an accident.