How to Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
The process is relatively simple if you possess an active driving license from Australia, Canada or the USA. However, you'll need to take an exam in the form of a theory and a practical driving test.
The standard German driving license (fuhrerschein) which is a card that can be used as a credit card, is a legal document that complies with EU law. It must be presented every time you use in a vehicle. It is valid for 15 years.
You need to have an official driver's license.
If you plan to drive a vehicle in Germany, you need to have a valid driver's licence. It doesn't matter if are a newcomer or an EU citizen who already holds an official driving license from their home country. However, the process of getting a German license varies based on your nationality and if your home country has an agreement with Germany on the reciprocal exchange of licenses for drivers. You may have to pass a theoretical test and a practical test to obtain the German driving license.
In general, you can get the driving license of your home country for up to six month. After that, you need to obtain an German one or convert your license. To get this done, you must present a valid passport and proof of your address. In addition, you must provide a valid driving license and medical certificate. Then, you need to submit the documents to the Fuhrerscheinstelle. führerschein kaufen deutschland takes between two and six weeks.
If your driving license was issued within the EU or EEA it is possible to transfer it to the German license without having to take a theory test or practical test. There are some exceptions for large trucks and busses, which require a separate permit.
You can also apply for the German driving license if you are a non-EU citizen. You must first establish your residency in Germany. This is usually assumed if you are in Germany for at least 185 days a year, for business or personal reasons.
A German driver's license is a plastic card of the same size as credit cards that holds your information and lists the kinds of vehicles that you are permitted to drive. It is an European standard that can be used within the European Union as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
The costs of obtaining a German license may differ, but the majority of people must enroll in a German driving school. The cost of registering in a driving academy can vary widely and the cost for practice hours can be costly. Pick a driving school with good reputation, and that provides high-quality instruction. This will ensure that you get the best possible training and that driving schools do not profit from your situation.
You must pass an exam for driving
The driving test is a crucial step in the process of obtaining an German driver's license. The driving test is a written-and-practical exam that tests your knowledge of traffic regulations and safety rules and also your driving abilities. Based on where you're from, you may have to attend several theory and practical classes prior to taking the test. It is important to practice and not lose confidence during the test. You'll fail if you disregard traffic laws or make rash decisions.
Once you pass the test, you will receive a temporary paper licence. The temporary license will allow you drive legally while waiting for your permanent licence, which usually comes within four weeks of passing the test. During this time, however, you are on probation, and should you violate any of the driving rules, your licence will be suspended.
It is recommended to enroll in driving schools to prepare for the theory test. They will teach you the basics of driving in Germany and also help you prepare for the test. You can also study online or on your own. After you pass the theory test, you can begin your driving lessons under the supervision of a certified instructor. You'll then be able to take the practical driving test, which is less than an hour long and evaluates your ability to manage different traffic conditions.
The rules for driving licenses differ between states of the federal government (Lande) and even within individual municipalities. For more information, call your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The office can be found at your city's hall or the local citizens' office.
The process of getting your German driving license could be lengthy, particularly when you're from another country that doesn't have full reciprocity with Germany. Most expats will be in a position to satisfy the three simple requirements: pass a driving exam and then surrender their foreign driving license, and provide all necessary documentation. This process can be made easier through private driving schools, that will take care of all documents on your behalf.
You must change your license
It's a good idea change your driving licence immediately should you reside in Germany. You'll be able drive legally across the entire country. Find more information about this procedure on the German government's website. You may have to pass a driving or written test based on the location you are moving to from. But, this is usually a much quicker process than completing a complete course of driver's education.
To exchange your license, you'll need to visit the local road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). There are many different rules to exchange licenses and it's recommended to call ahead and schedule an appointment. You'll also need to bring your passport and an up-to-date photo. If you have lost your license you will have to give an explanation of the circumstances and promise to return it when it is discovered.
Once you've submitted your documents, the Fuhrerscheinstelle will then review your application. This can take anywhere from a few weeks. You will receive a receipt and invoice via email once your application was accepted. The invoice includes a fee to transfer your license. You can pay the invoice using an online banking system, or you can deposit cash at the Fuhrerscheinstelle.
The cost of renting a vehicle can be prohibitive for those with a tight budget. In addition public transportation is readily available and can be used to get around most cities. In fact, Germany is a great location to live without a car especially in cities like Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.
Upgrade your license

If you're an expat in Germany You should be aware that the country has strict regulations regarding driving. You'll have to exchange your driving license, which can cost up to 200 Euros. The process depends on where you're from and the length of time you been in the country for.
The first step is to contact your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to confirm that you're able to transfer your license. This usually involves submitting a certificate that confirm your eyesight and health. In some instances, you'll also have take a written test and a practical test. Once you've done this, you'll be able to drive legally in Germany.
It is important to be aware that your driving license from a foreign country will be valid in Germany for the period of six months after the establishment of your residency. This is applicable to EU and non-EU nationals. Furthermore, you are able to use your foreign licence until it expires or if it's replaced with one that is a German one. Also you have to change your license before it expires or you'll face an additional fine.
If you have a driving licence from a nation with full reciprocity, both the written as well as the practical test will be waived. However, the rules vary by state, and certain states have only partial reciprocity. However, the process is not complicated, and it's worth checking with your local Fuhrerscheinstelle for more details.
You will need to bring the original driver's license along with an original birth certificate that has been translated to your local office. You will also need to show proof of residency as well as any photo ID, such as a passport national identity card, or other form of identification. The Fuhrerscheinstelle confirms that you're legally able to transfer your license once you submit all of these documents.
To obtain a German driving licence, you must be at minimum 18 years old and have completed a safe driving program. In addition to these requirements, you must possess a current first aid certificate as well as pass a practical and theoretical driving test. If you plan to drive taxis, forklifts or passenger transport vehicles, you should also complete an additional training course. You can locate the list of courses available online or in the local newspapers.