Buy German Driving License Online
Getting your German driving license doesn't need to be a nightmare. There are numerous resources available to guide you through the procedure.
Expats who have a license issued by an EU or EEA country are usually able to exchange it without taking any theoretical or practical tests in accordance with the reciprocity agreement. In other cases, it is necessary to pass both tests.
What is what is a German driver's license?
A German driver's license is a piece paper that proves that you are able to drive in a car. It is the primary mode of transport for Germans and is an expression of pride for the nation. It is widely accepted across Europe, making it a valuable asset when traveling abroad.
In Germany the driver's license is issued by a local authority known as the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle. The office is located in a city hall, county courthouse or municipal building. The process is fairly straightforward, but it may take several weeks. The first step is to schedule an appointment. You'll need your current license, a form of ID as well as a passport-style picture.
The next step is passing both a written test and the practical driving test. The written test consists of multiple choice questions as well as a short essay. The practical test is more difficult because you will be required to perform a variety of maneuvers. To pass, you'll need to be able be able to react appropriately to any situation and follow strict traffic rules.
After passing both the written and practical tests If you pass both, you'll be issued an interim permit. This permits you to drive legally until your real German driver's license arrives in the mail, which could take up to six weeks. During this period, you must practice with family members or friends who possess a valid license.
You'll need to renew your driver's license each 15 years. The renewal process is simple but you should begin the process well before your current license expires. You'll need to submit a written statement, a copy of your birth certificate or other official document that proves your identity, as well as an image of your passport that is biometric.
If you are a resident of an EU, EEA or a country which has a reciprocal arrangement with Germany you can exchange your license to obtain the German driver's license without needing to pass any additional tests. However, you will require a translation of your old license before you exchange it. You can do this through a company like Lingoking or by going to a certified translation at a Burgerburo. If you are not a EU citizen, you'll need to take a theory and practical test to obtain the license.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
There are a variety of ways to obtain the German driving license. understanding is to swap your license with a German one. If your state or country already has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, this is the simplest method to go about it. You can find a list of states and countries with reciprocity agreements here. You can also attend a Driving School (Fahrschule). It could take between 20 to 40 hours of theory and driving lessons, and can cost a few hundred to two thousand euros. However, it is the only way to pass both the driving test in practice as well as the theoretical written test.
If you're unsure if your country has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, contact your local Strassenverkehrsamt. They'll examine your situation and inform you what steps to follow.
To be able to exchange your license from another country to a German one you must satisfy three basic 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 license for a vacation and then changing it for one that is a German one after moving to a different country.
In addition, you should have a track record of driving in your home country. This will allow you to pass your driving test, because the examiner will be able to determine that you have the required abilities to be able to drive on German roads. You also need an active visa and passport.
Once you have all of these things, you can apply to exchange your foreign license for the German driving license at the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll be required to bring your current driving license as well as 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 into German, the best option is to employ an expert. You can find a translator in your locality on Lingoking or find one via Lingoking. Make sure you verify their credentials before hiring them!
What are the prerequisites to get a German driving license?
There are five major types of driving licenses available in Germany and each one has its own age restriction. In addition, there are special licences for taxis, forklift trucks as well as 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 licenses. There are also requirements for eyesight and health which you can satisfy through a medical examination or by presenting certificates from your eye specialist. Additionally, you need to purchase mandatory car insurance through a company like DA Direkt.
Anyone who plans to drive in Germany must pass the practical and theory tests, and also have an active driver's license. You must be at least 15 years old to pass 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 books and online courses.
If you have a licence from an EU or EEA country it is possible to trade it in to an German licence without having to pass the theory and practical tests again. You must apply for an German license before your original one expires. You can usually do this at your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
The procedure for exchanging the foreign driver's license differs depending on the state of federal government you live in. You still need to schedule an appointment with the Fuhrerscheinstelle in which case you have to present your passport, driver's license from the home country and a form of identification. Then, you will have to wait between four and six weeks for the Fuhrerscheinstelle to review your application.
This website will assist you in finding the nearest Fuhrerscheinstelle. To schedule an appointment, click on the link and input your information. You will then be contacted to book an appointment with the Fuhrerscheinstelle. Once you've completed the oral and practical exam, you can get your license a few days later. You may be required to surrender your foreign license depending on the country you are in.
How do I switch my foreign driving license for a German driving license?
If you plan to continue driving in Germany You will need to exchange your foreign driver's licence to a German license. This process is called 'Umschreibung einer auslandischen Fahrerlaubnis' (exchange of an abroad driver's licence). The procedure and requirements differ 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 documents can differ from country to country, but in most cases you will need to submit a photocopy of your driving license, your passport and proof of identity. In some cases, you may also be required to translate your driving license into German in the event that it is required. We suggest that you use an online translation service like Lingoking which offers fast and accurate German translations.
After you have submitted the necessary documents after which the Fuhrerscheinstelle will send you a letter of confirmation of your application. Then you will be able transfer money (Uberweisung), to the account on the document. Once this is done you will be able to pick up the new German driver's licence.
Be aware that if you're exchanging your EU licence for a German one and it is not valid in other countries anymore after 2022. If you're stopped by police in another European country, they will not recognize your license and you may be penalized. It is a good idea to have the exchange completed ASAP to ensure you'll be protected in the future.
If you don't possess the required documents, you may drive with your foreign license for up to six months. However it is only temporary and you'll need to get the exchange completed 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 granted an Burgerschein (residency permit). In this period, you can only legally drive on the roads or lease a car with your foreign license. Your Burgeramt employee will not be able verify the authenticity of the license.