Buy German Driving License Online
It doesn't have to be a burden to get your German driving license. There are plenty of resources available to help you through the process.
Expats with a license from an EU / EEA country can usually exchange it without taking any tests, either theoretical or practical, depending on the reciprocity agreement. Otherwise, it will be required to pass both tests.
What is what is a German driver's license?
A German driver's license is a piece of paper that serves as proof that you're able to drive a car. It is the most important method of transport for Germans and an emblem of their national pride. It is also a popular choice throughout Europe which makes it a valuable asset when traveling across the globe.
In Germany the driver's license is issued by a local authority, called the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle. This office can be located in the city hall, county courthouse, or in a municipal building. The process is fairly straightforward however, it could take several weeks. The first step is to set an appointment. You'll need your current license, a valid form of ID, and a passport-style photo.
The next step is passing both a written and a practice driving test. The written test consists of multiple choice questions and includes a short essay. The practical test is more difficult since you will be asked to perform a variety of maneuvers. You will need to know the correct response to all scenarios and adhere to strict traffic rules in order to pass.
After passing both the practical and written tests After passing both the written and practical exams, you'll receive a temporary license. This permits you to drive legally until your real German driver's license is received in the mail, which can take up to six weeks. During this period, you must practice with friends or family who have a valid license.
You'll need to renew your driver's license each 15 years. The renewal process is straightforward however you should begin the process prior to when your current license expires. You will need to provide an official written statement, a copy your birth certificate or other official document that proves your identity, as well as an image of your passport that is biometric.
If you're a citizen of the EU, EEA or a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Germany you can exchange your license to obtain a German driver's license without needing to take any additional tests. You'll need to translate prior to exchanging your license. This can be done by a company such as Lingoking or visit a certified translator in the Burgerburo (citizen's office). You'll need to pass a theoretical test and the practical test if are not an EU citizen.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
There are a few options to obtain an German driver's license. You can swap your current license for the German driver's license. If your country or state already has a reciprocity deal with Germany, this is the simplest method to go about it. Here you can find a list of states and countries that have reciprocity agreements. You can also enroll in a Driving School (Fahrschule). This can take anywhere between 20 and forty hours of theory and driving lessons and cost between a few hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros. But, it's the only way to pass both the practical driving test as well as the theoretical written test.
If you're not sure whether your country or state has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany it is best to get in touch with your local Strassenverkehrsamt (driving department). They'll examine your situation and inform you what steps to take.
To be able to exchange your foreign license for a German one, you must meet three simple requirements:
First you must have been in the country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 days during the past two years. This is to prevent people from taking their license for a vacation and then changing it to one with a German licence when they move to Germany.
The second requirement is that you have a solid record of driving in your country of origin. This will help you pass the driving test since the examiner can verify that you're able to drive on German roads. Finally, you must have an active passport and a valid visa.
If you've got all these documents, you are able to apply to exchange your foreign driving license to an German driving licence at the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need to bring your current license along with an updated passport photo. The process can take four to six weeks.
If you're not sure how to translate your driving records or passport to German the best option is to employ an expert. You can find one on Lingoking, or search for a licensed translator in your area. Be sure to verify their credentials prior to hiring them!
What are the prerequisites to get the German driving license?
In Germany there are five categories of driving licences. Each has their own age limitations. Additionally, there are special licenses for taxis, forklift trucks, passenger transport vehicles, and fire brigade vehicles. You must pass a written test and an exam in the practical area to get one of these licences. You can also meet the requirements for health and eyesight by providing an medical certificate or doctor's report. You also need to purchase mandatory car insurance from an insurance company such as DA Direkt.
Anyone who plans to drive in Germany must pass the practical and theory tests and possess an active driver's license. You must be 15 years old for the theory test and have completed 12 driving lessons to take the practical test. You can prepare for the test in many ways, including with online books and courses.
You can swap your EU or EEA driving license to a German one without having to take the theory and practical tests. However, you must apply for the German licence before your current licence expires. You can usually do this at your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
The process to exchange a foreign driver's licence varies depending on the state of federal government you reside in. You must still schedule an appointment with the Fuhrerscheinstelle where you'll be required to bring your passport, driver's license from the home country and some form of identification. You will then have to wait between four and six weeks for the Fuhrerscheinstelle to process your application.
You can find the address of your closest Fuhrerscheinstelle using this website. Click here to make an appointment. Enter your details. After that, you will be called by the Fuhrerscheinstelle to book your appointment. Once you have passed the oral and practical tests and have passed the exam, you can collect your licence a few weeks later. You may have to surrender your foreign license based on the country you're in.
How do I exchange my foreign driver's license for an German driver's license?
If you wish to drive in Germany You'll have to exchange your driver's license from abroad for a German license. This process is called 'Umschreibung einer auslandischen Fahrerlaubnis' (exchange of an abroad driver's licence). The requirements and procedure vary between federal states. However, a good place to start is at your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle), which can usually be found in your city's government building or town hall.
You will need to submit the following documents in general:
The requirements for documents vary from countries to countries, but in most instances, you'll need to submit a photocopy of your driving license, your passport, and proof of identification. You might be required to translate your driving permit into German if needed. We suggest that you use a translation service like Lingoking that provides quick and precise German translations.
Once führerschein kaufen deutschland 've completed the required paperwork after which the Fuhrerscheinstelle will send you a formal confirmation of your application. Then you will be able transfer money (Uberweisung), to the account on the document. After this is completed, you can pick up the new German driver's license.
Take note that if exchanging your EU licence to a German one the license will no longer be valid in other countries anymore after 2022. If you are stopped by police in a different European nation, they won't recognise your license and you may be punished. It is recommended to complete the exchange as quickly as possible so that you are protected in the future.
If you don't have the proper documents, the Burgeramt usually allows you to drive on your foreign license for up to six months. This is only a temporary fix and you must complete the transfer within this time frame. In the event that you don't, you'll have to apply for a German license once you've registered your address and been issued an Burgerschein (residency permit). At this point you are able to drive legally on the road or rent a car using your foreign license. The Burgeramt employee cannot verify the authenticity of the license.