Buy German Driving License Online
Getting your German driving license doesn't need to be a headache. There are plenty of resources available to help you through the process.
Expats with a license from an EU / EEA country are able to swap it out without having to take any tests, either theoretical or practical depending on the reciprocity agreement. If not, both tests will need to be passed.
What is a German driver's license?
A German driving license proves that you are able to drive a car. It is the primary mode of transport for Germans and is a symbol of national pride. It is widely accepted across Europe, making it an asset to travel across the globe.
In Germany the driver's license is issued by a local authority, called the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle. The office could be located in the city hall, county courthouse or municipality building. The process is relatively simple, but it may take several weeks. The first step is to make an appointment. You will need to bring your current license, a form of ID as well as a passport-style picture.
The next step is passing an oral and a practical driving test. The written test consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an essay. The practical test is more difficult, as you will be asked to perform a variety of maneuvers. You'll need to be aware of the right response for every scenarios and adhere to strict traffic rules in order to pass.
You will receive a temporary driving license after passing both the written test and the practical test. This allows you to drive legally until your actual German driver's license is received in the mail, which could take up to six weeks. During this time, you should practice with your family or friends who have a valid license.
Every 15 years, you'll need to renew the driver's license. The renewal process is straightforward however, you must begin the process before your existing license expires. You will be required to submit a written statement along with an original copy of your birth certificate or another official document that proves you are who you claim to be. are. A photo of your passport that is biometric is also required.
If you are a resident of an EU, EEA or a country with a reciprocal agreement with Germany you can exchange your license for a German driver's licence without having to pass any additional tests. You will need a translation prior to exchanging your license. You can do this by contacting a company like Lingoking or by going to an official translation service like Burgerburo. If you are not a EU citizen, you will have to pass a theory and practical test in order to get an official license.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
There are several ways to obtain the German driving license. One option is to swap your current license for a German one. This is a simple process when your state or country has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. Here is the list of countries and states who have reciprocity agreements. You can also go through an Driving School (Fahrschule). It can take between 20 and forty hours of theory and practical driving lessons and cost between a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros. It is the only way you can pass both the written and the practical test.
If you're not sure if your country has reciprocity agreements with Germany Contact your local Strassenverkehrsamt. They can check your situation and tell you the steps to take.
To be able to exchange your foreign license to a German one you must meet three simple requirements:
You must have been in the same country that issued your license for at least 185 of the last two years. This is to prevent people from taking their licence for a vacation and then changing it for one of a German one after they move to a different country.
The second requirement is that you have a track record of driving in your country of origin. This will allow you to pass your driving test, as the examiner will see that you have the necessary skills to be able to drive on German roads. Additionally, you must have an active passport and a valid visa.
Once you've got all these items, you can apply to exchange your foreign driving license for a German driving licence at the Fuhrerscheinstelle. Bring your current license as well as an image of your passport from the last few years. The process could take four to six weeks.
If you're not sure of how to translate your driving record or your passport into German It is recommended to hire a professional translator. You can find one on Lingoking, or search for a certified translator in your area. Just make sure to check their credentials before hiring them!
What are the requirements to get a German driving license?
In Germany, there are five categories of driving licences. Each has their own age limitations. There are also special licences for taxis and forklift trucks. To be eligible for one of these licenses, you need to undergo a written as well as a practical test. There are additional requirements for eyesight and health which you can satisfy with a medical examination or by presenting a certificate from your doctor or eye specialist. You must also purchase mandatory car insurance from an insurance company such as DA Direkt.
Anyone who would like to be legally able to drive in Germany has to pass both the practical and theory test, and have an official driving license. You must be at least 15 years old to take the theory exam and must complete 12 driving lessons before you are able to take the practical exam. There are a variety of ways to prepare for the test including books and online courses.
If you hold a licence from an EU or EEA country you are able to swap it for one of a German licence without having to undergo the test in the theory and practice again. But, you must apply for the German licence before your original licence expires. You can usually do this at your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
The process for exchanging the foreign driving license depends on the federal state in which you reside. You must however make an appointment with the Fuhrerscheinstelle and provide a copy of your passport, driver's license from your country of origin, and an identification document. Then, you'll have to wait around four to six weeks until the Fuhrerscheinstelle has approved your application.
This website will assist you in finding the closest Fuhrerscheinstelle. To schedule an appointment, click the link and input your information. Then you will be called by the Fuhrerscheinstelle to make an appointment. After passing the oral and practical tests and have passed the exam, you can collect your license a few weeks later. You may have to surrender your foreign license depending on the country you are in.
How do I exchange my foreign driver's licence to an German driver's license?
If you plan to drive in Germany You'll have to exchange your foreign driver's license for the German licence. This process is called 'Umschreibung einer auslandischen Fahrerlaubnis' (exchange of an abroad driver's licence). The process and requirements differ slightly between the various 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.
In general, you are required to submit the following documents:
The required documents may differ from the country to the other However, in most cases, you'll have to provide a photocopy your driving license, passport and proof of identity. You may be asked to translate your driving license into German if needed. We suggest that you use a translation service such as Lingoking which provides fast and accurate German translations.
Once you've submitted the required documents after which the Fuhrerscheinstelle will send you a written confirmation of your application. You will then be able to transfer money (Uberweisung) to the account number that is listed on the document, and once this has been done you can pick up your new German driver's license.
Be expressdeutschekartes that if you're exchanging your EU licence to one of German one, it will not be valid in other countries after 2022. This means that if you are stopped by police in another European country and they do not recognize your licence and you could be punished. It is best to complete the exchange as quickly as possible so that you are safe in the future.
If you do not have the proper documents The Burgeramt will usually allow you to drive with your foreign license for up to six months. However this is temporary and you will need to complete the exchange within this time frame. Otherwise, you will need to apply for an German license once you've registered your address and issued the Burgerschein (residency permit). During this time, you can only be legally driving on the road or rent a car using your foreign license. Your Burgeramt employee cannot verify the authenticity of the license.