Buying a German Driving License
The process of getting a German driver's license takes many hours and money. It also requires a lot nerves. Major mistakes will cost you your license (and the world!) while small mistakes could cut your time on the road to zero.
The good news is that citizens of certain nations have reciprocity with Germany and are able to exchange their licenses. The procedure varies from country to country.
1. Get an ID card
Before you can even think about buying a German driver's license, you must get your passport. This can be done in different ways according to your personal situation and goals. However, the basic steps are to apply for a visa (if necessary) collect the required documents and pass any language tests and citizenship assessments. It is recommended to seek out the help from an immigration specialist who can guide you through this process.
The process for getting an identity card is lengthy but it's an essential first step to legally working and living in Germany. The cost of a passport is around $90 and you'll need to provide a number of official documents to process your application. For example, you will require an ID card valid (e.g. driver's licence, driver's permit or passport) as well as a proof of identity and proof of health insurance and a valid birth or marriage certificate. In some instances you may have to take a medical exam and submit a biometric passport picture.
In some instances, the passport process can be lengthy and complicated particularly for those with a criminal record or a history of violent crimes. In these cases, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer who will offer assistance and guidance throughout the entire process.
If you're a resident of the EU / EEA or a country that has an exclusive reciprocal driving license agreement with Germany and Germany, you might be eligible to exchange your license from another country to a German one fairly easily, without taking a formal or practical driving test. However, this can vary from country to nation and even from office to office within the city.
To determine if you can exchange your foreign license to one a German one You'll need to make an appointment at the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in your city. Go through the list of requirements prior to you go. They can vary between countries. You may also have to have your driving license translated, which will add time to this step.
2. Get deutschen führerschein online kaufen
If you're not a German citizen (or EU citizen) and possess a driving licence from your country of origin It is important to be aware that it is only valid for up to six months after you become a resident in Germany. The process for exchanging a foreign driving licence may vary depending on the federal state or local authorities in Germany. However it is common to pass both the theory and practical driving test. You may also have to translate your license. The car club ADAC offers this service for between 55 and85 euros.
You'll need a visa in order to stay in Germany and also to apply for your driving license, so ensure you have this before you arrive. You can apply for tourist visas at a German consulate or an embassy, or business visas to work in Germany.
Once you have an entry visa, it will be possible to begin the process of obtaining a driving license at the local Verkehrssamt (driving licensing office). You'll have to bring your original driver's license, together with proof of insurance and an eye test certificate. You'll have to translate your driving license into German in most cases. We recommend Lingoking as a quick and inexpensive online translator for documents.
It is not allowed to purchase a driving licence from a different country during a holiday, as it is considered to be a form of "licensing tourism" and could lead to grave consequences for our roads. The majority of cities require that you have lived in the same country where your license was issued for a minimum of 185 days.
It is not worth the risk of buying fake licenses. In addition, you'll be hit with a hefty fine if you are stopped by the police. If you decide to do this, we recommend going to a Fahrschule that is specialized in teaching foreigners - they can help you navigate the bureaucracy and help you find a first-aid course, if required.
3. German Residence Permit
A German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is legally binding document that permits you to live in Germany. You must satisfy certain requirements to be eligible for one, such as having lived in Germany for at least three years, and having a basic understanding of the language (level 1 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). You must also prove that you can cover your living costs without assistance from the public sector. Contributing to the statutory insurance fund is mandatory as is being able to provide for your family and friends financially.
You could be able to swap your driving license to one that is a German one if you hold an driving licence issued by a country in the EU or EEA. This will depend on your particular circumstances and the requirements of your individual state or city. Your local Strassenverkehrsamt will be able to assist you on this. You will also need proof of your good health and vision if you intend to exchange your license.
As with most bureaucratic matters the rules for obtaining licenses differ from one state to the next. If you have any concerns regarding the licensing process, it is best to speak with your local Strassenverkehrsamt.
Foreign drivers who want to get a German license must pass the practical and written tests. If you hold an official German driving license with no points on your record, you can generally skip the tests. However, it is best to check with your Strassenverkehrsamt regarding the specific requirements for your region.
To avoid having to pass both the theory and the road test, it is suggested to enroll in an Fahrschule which has experience working with expats. For a small fee they will assist you in understanding the German licensing system and can provide you with a trainer who will coach you through the course. They will also be able to advise you on the best method to get your license, and they can recommend an English-speaking translator in the event of need. You can search for accredited Fahrschules in your area on the website of the Bundesministerium fur Bildung and Work.
4. Get a German Driver's License
The process of obtaining the German driver's license is a crucial step for expats who are moving to Germany. Getting your license will help you navigate the roads with ease and allow you to drive in any type of vehicle. You must be over the age of eighteen to apply, pass both the theoretical and practical examination, take an initial aid course, and pass an eye test. The exact requirements will vary based on the kind of license you're seeking, but you can expect to pay about 1500 euros for registration fees, tuition and the exam.
Foreign drivers don't have to take the test again to get the German license. If your driving licence was issued in a country that is part of the EU/EEA or in a state with a special reciprocal agreement with Germany and Germany, you can exchange it for a German Fuhrerschein (driver's license) without needing to retake any of the tests. Drivers who are driving in the EU/EEA area or in a state that has an agreement of reciprocity with Germany can exchange their driving license for a German Fuhrerschein (driver's license) without having to retake any tests.
If you're not able to transfer your license or if you're looking to obtain a motorcycle driving licence (C1) or C1), it might be quicker and easier to start from scratch and pass the German driving test(s). In these cases you'll have to pass both theory and practical tests. The first step is visiting an official Fahrschule with experience with foreign students. They can help you navigate the formalities involved in getting your license. They can also help you locate a first-aid training course (required) and find an eye doctor to take the eye exam.
A good Fahrschule may charge a small fee, but it's well worth the convenience of having someone else handle the paperwork. Getting your license is an important step to moving into Germany, so it's worthwhile to put in the time and effort into the process. Once you've got your license, you can travel around Germany at your own pace.