Buy German Driving License Online
Getting your German driving license doesn't need to be a hassle. There are a variety of resources to help you navigate the process.
Expats who have a permit from an EU or EEA country are usually able to swap it out without having to take any theoretical or practical tests depending on the reciprocity agreement. In other cases, it is required 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 most important method of transportation for Germans and is an expression of pride for the nation. It is also widely accepted all over Europe which makes it a valuable advantage when traveling across the globe.
In Germany, a local authority called the Strassenverkehrsamt (or Fuhrerscheinstelle) issues the driver's license. This office may be located in the city hall, county courthouse, or municipality building. The process is relatively simple but it can take several weeks. The first step is to make an appointment. You'll need your current license and ID as well as a passport-style photograph.
The next step is to pass an oral and a practical driving exam. The written test is comprised of multiple-choice tests and an essay. go to website for practical is more difficult, since you will be asked to perform a number of maneuvers. You will need to know the correct response to all scenarios and adhere to strict traffic rules to pass.
You will be issued a temporary driving license after passing both the written exam and the practical test. This allows you to legally drive while your German driver's license arrives in the post and could take up to six week. During this time, it is recommended to practice with friends or family who have a valid license.
You'll have to renew your driver's license every 15 years. Renewal is easy, but you must start the process prior to when your license expires. You'll need to submit a written declaration, a copy of your birth certificate or other official document that proves your identity, and the photo of your biometric passport.
If you are a resident of an EU, EEA or a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Germany you can exchange your license to obtain an German driver's license without having to pass any additional tests. You'll need to translate prior to exchanging your license. You can do this through a company like Lingoking or by going to an official translation service like Burgerburo. You must pass a test of theory and a practical test if you are not an EU citizen.
How do I get a German driver's license?
There are several ways to get an German driver's license. You can exchange your current license for a German driver's license. If your state or country already has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, this is the easiest way to do it. Here is a list with countries and states who have reciprocity agreements. The other way is to enroll in the driving school (Fahrschule). It can take between 20 to 40 hours of theory and driving lessons, and could cost between a few hundred and a couple thousand euros. This is the only way to pass both the written and the practical test.
If you're not sure whether your country or state has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, it's best to contact your local Strassenverkehrsamt (driving department). They'll assess your situation and advise you what steps to take.
To be eligible to exchange your license from another country to one that is German one you must satisfy three basic requirements:
First, you must have lived in the country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 days in the last two years. This is to stop people from taking their licences for a vacation and then changing it to one with a German license when they move to Germany.
The second requirement is that you have a solid record of driving in your country of origin. This will allow you to pass the practical driving test because the examiner will be able to see that you're competent to drive on German roads. You must also have a valid visa and passport.
Once you have these documents, you are able to exchange your driving license from abroad for a German licence at the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll be required to bring your current license along with an image of your passport from the last few years. The process can take anywhere from four to six weeks.
If you're unsure of how to translate your driving record or your passport into German it is best to find a professional translator. You can search for a translator in your locality on Lingoking or find one through Lingoking. Be sure to verify their credentials prior to hiring them!
What are the requirements to obtain a German driving license?
There are five major categories of driving licences in Germany, and each has its own age limit. In addition, there are special licenses for taxis forklift trucks as well as passenger transport vehicles and fire brigade vehicles. To obtain one of these licenses, you need to undergo a written as well as a practical test. There are also requirements for health and eyesight, which you can meet by undergoing a medical exam or by presenting certificates from your eye specialist. You should also buy mandatory car insurance through a company like DA Direkt.
Anyone who wants to be qualified to drive in Germany must pass both the theory and the practical test, and also have an official driving license. You must be at least 15 years old to take the theory test and have completed 12 driving lessons in order to take the practical test. There are several ways to prepare for the test including online courses and books.
You can swap your EU or EEA driving licence to an German one without having to take the theory test and the practical test. You must apply for an German license before the original one 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 which federal state you live in. You must still make an appointment with the Fuhrerscheinstelle where you'll need to submit your passport, driver's license from the home country and some form of identification. Then, you will have to wait between four and six weeks for the Fuhrerscheinstelle to review your application.
You can find the address of your nearest Fuhrerscheinstelle using this website. To make an appointment, click the link and fill in your information. You will then be contacted to schedule an appointment with the Fuhrerscheinstelle. Once you have passed the practical and oral examination, you can get your license within a few days. You may have to surrender your foreign licence based on the country you're in.
How do I exchange my driver's license from a foreign country for the German driver's license?
If you decide to move to Germany and you want to continue driving, you'll need to exchange your foreign license for one German one. 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 have to submit the following documents:
The requirements for documents vary from the country to the other However, in most instances, you'll need to provide a photocopy your driving license, passport, and proof of identification. In certain instances you may be required to translate your driving license into German in the event that it is required. We suggest that you use a translation service such as Lingoking which provides fast and precise German translations.
Once you have submitted the necessary documents and have been approved by the Fuhrerscheinstelle will send you a written confirmation of your application. Then you will be able transfer money (Uberweisung), to the account that is listed on the document. Once this is done you will be able to pick up the new German driver's license.
Take note that if exchanging your EU licence for a German one and it is not valid in other countries anymore after 2022. This means that if you are stopped by the police in another European country and they do not recognize your licence and you may be penalized. It is best to get the exchange completed promptly to ensure you'll be safe in future.
If you don't have the necessary documents, you may drive with a foreign license for up to six months. However this is temporary and you will need to get the exchange completed within this time frame. In the event that you don't, you'll have to apply for an German license once you've registered your address and given the Burgerschein (residency permit). During this process, you'll only be able to lease vehicles or drive legally on the street with your foreign driver's license, as your Burgeramt employee cannot verify the authenticity of your license.