Buy German Driving License Online
Getting your German driving license doesn't need to be a nightmare. There are many resources to help you navigate the process.
Based on the reciprocity agreement, foreigners who hold a driving license from a country within the EU/EEA can exchange it without having to take any practical or theory tests. In other cases, it is necessary to pass both tests.
What is the German driving license?
A German driving license proves that you are able to drive a vehicle. It is the main method of transport for Germans and a symbol of their pride in their country. It is also a popular choice all over Europe, making it a significant asset when traveling abroad.
In Germany, a local authority called the Strassenverkehrsamt (or Fuhrerscheinstelle) issues the driver's licence. This office can be found in the city hall, county courthouse, or the municipal building. The process is quite simple however, it could take several weeks. The first step is to schedule 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 both a written test as well as a practical driving test. The written test is made of multiple-choice questions as well as a short essay. The practical test is more challenging, as you will be asked to perform a variety of maneuvers. You'll need to be aware of the right response for every situations and follow strict traffic rules to pass.
After passing both the practical and written tests If you pass both, you'll be issued a temporary license. This permits you to legally drive while your German driver's license is delivered in the post and could take as long as six weeks. During this time you are able to practice with family members or friends who have a valid driving license.
You'll have to renew your driver's licence every 15 years. It's easy to renew, but you must start the process prior to when the expiration date of your current license. You'll need to provide a signed statement and a copy of your birth certificate or another official document to prove that you are who you say you are. A biometric passport photo 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 license without having to take any additional tests. However, you'll require the translation of your previous license before you exchange it. This can be done by an agency like Lingoking or you can go to a certified translator at the Burgerburo (citizen's office). If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to take a theory and practical test in order to get an official license.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
There are a variety of options to obtain a German driver's license. You can swap your current license for a German driver's license. This is a simple process when your state or country has an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. Here is review with countries and states who have reciprocity agreements. The other way is to enroll in an instructor for driving (Fahrschule). It can take between 20 to 40 hours of theoretical and driving lessons, and can cost anywhere from a few hundred to two thousand euros. It is the only way you can pass both the written and the practical test.
If you're not sure whether your state or country has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany it is best to get in touch with your local Strassenverkehrsamt (driving department). They can check the specifics of your situation and advise you on what steps to take.
To be eligible to exchange your foreign license for 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 stop people from taking their licences on vacation and then switching it to an German licence after moving to Germany.
In addition, you should have a good record of driving in your country of origin. This will allow you to pass your practical driving test, because the examiner will determine that you have the required abilities to drive on German roads. Additionally, you must have an active passport and a valid visa.
Once you have all of these things, you can apply to exchange your foreign driving license to an German driving license at the Fuhrerscheinstelle. Bring your current license along with an image of your passport from the last few years. The process can take between four and six weeks.
If you're not sure how to translate your driving record or your passport into German it is best to hire an experienced translator. You can search for a translator in your locality on Lingoking or find one via Lingoking. Check their credentials before you hire them!
What are the prerequisites to get a German driving license?
There are five main types of driving licenses available in Germany, and each has its own age restriction. Additionally, there are special licenses for taxis, forklift trucks and passenger transport vehicles and fire brigade vehicles. You must pass a written test and a practical exam to obtain one of these licences. You can also meet the requirements for eyesight and health by giving an official medical certificate or doctor's report. Additionally, you need to purchase mandatory car insurance from a company like DA Direkt.
Anyone who wants to be able to drive in Germany must pass both the practical and theory test, and hold a valid driving license. You must be at least 15 years old to take the theory exam, and you must have 12 driving lessons before you are able to take the practical exam. You can prepare for the test in various ways, including with online classes and books.
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country, you can usually exchange it for a German licence without having to pass the theory and practical tests again. You will need to apply for a German license before your original one expires. You can usually do this at your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
The process of transferring a foreign driving licence depends on the state of federal government in the state where you reside. You must however make an appointment with the Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring a photocopy of your passport, driver's licence of your home country, and a form of identification. Then, you'll have to wait about 4 to 6 weeks after the Fuhrerscheinstelle has approved your application.
This website can assist you in finding the closest Fuhrerscheinstelle. Click here to schedule an appointment. Fill in your details. Then, you will be contacted to make an appointment by the Fuhrerscheinstelle. After you have passed your oral and practical exams you will be able to pick up your license a few days later. You may have to surrender your foreign license based on the country you're in.
How do I change my foreign driving license for the German driving license?
If you wish to drive in Germany, you will have to exchange your driver's license from abroad to the German license. This process is called 'Umschreibung einer auslandischen Fahrerlaubnis' (exchange of an abroad driver's licence). The process and requirements differ slightly between the different 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 need to send the following documents:
The requirements for documents vary from the country to the other however, in the majority of cases, you'll have to provide a photocopy of your driving license, your passport, and proof of identity. You may be required to translate your driving permit into German should you require it. We recommend using a translation service like Lingoking which can provide rapid and precise German translations.
After you have submitted the required documents, the Fuhrerscheinstelle will send you a written confirmation of your application. Then, you will be able to transfer money (Uberweisung) to the account number listed on the document. Once you have completed this, you can pick up your new German driver's license.
Be aware that if you're exchanging your EU licence to one that is a German one the license will no longer be valid in other countries after 2022. If you are stopped by police in another European country, they won't recognize your license and you may be fined. It is best to complete the exchange as quickly as possible so that you are safe in the future.
If you don't have the required documents The Burgeramt usually allows you to drive with a foreign license for up to 6 months. This is only a temporary fix and you must complete the transfer within this time frame. You'll need to apply for a German license once you have registered your address and received a Burgerschein. In this period you are able to legally drive on the roads or rent a vehicle with your foreign license. Your Burgeramt employee is not able to verify the authenticity of the license.