Buy German Registered Driving License
Purchase a German registered driving license is a procedure that takes some time and effort. However, the process is much simpler for those who are who are from countries that have reciprocity agreements with Germany.
These countries include South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. The residents of these countries can swap their US driving license to a Class B German license without having to take the theory or practical exam.
Requirements
Getting a German driving license could allow you to rent cars in the country, and it may even be necessary for some jobs. However, there are a number of requirements to be met before one is able to obtain an official license in Germany. Depending on the type of license you want it could take several months to complete the process. This is why it's crucial to start planning early. The first step is to book an appointment at the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle. During the appointment the German Road Traffic Licensing Department examines your documents and determines whether or not you are able to proceed.
The next step is passing the theory test. The cost of this test could vary. It is usually conducted by a driving instructor. The test is able to be repeated in some instances. However, there must be a minimum of two weeks between each test.
In order to obtain an driving license in Germany you must pass an actual driving test. This is a more difficult test and the examiner will look for indicators of unsafe driving, such as speeding, or ignoring safety regulations. The examiner will tell you if you passed or failed the test. If you fail, you can retake the exam within two weeks.
After you have passed both the theory and practical driving tests, you'll need to obtain a "Fuhrerschein". This document is required for those who wish to drive in Germany. This document will contain the date, time and results of your test. This document will also include your personal information. You can purchase a Fuhrerschein at your local office, or online via UK Express Documents.
The steps involved in obtaining the driving license in Germany are quite complex and the requirements differ between cities and offices. The cost of the process can be expensive however there are several methods to reduce the cost. You could, for instance employ a translation service to help you prepare documents. This will help you save money and time and anxiety of translating your documents on your own.
Costs
If you want to buy a German driving licence you'll need to pay for a number of things. The theory test costs around EUR25 while the driving test in practice costs approximately EUR120. You will also be required to pay for the preparation and notarisation of other documents. This includes an eye test. The total cost will be somewhere between EUR200 to EUR300.
expressdeutschekartes.com is also important to complete a training course on first aid ("Erste Aide"). It will cost around EUR7, and it is required if you plan to drive vehicles in categories C (lorries) and D (buses). It is also necessary to have your eyes tested by an optician or ophthalmologist ("Sehtest"). These tests are offered at many pharmacies, such as ASB or Johannitern.
Citizens of certain countries, such as the USA and Mexico benefit from a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. This means that they can exchange their driving licenses without the need to pass any German driving tests. Citizens of other countries must pass both a theory test and a practical driving test.
The cost of getting ready for your test is different according to where you are in Germany. It is less expensive to prepare for the test in East Germany compared to West Germany. Additionally, you will need to pay for insurance and complete the required documentation. If you are a foreign citizen you should contact your insurance company for assistance.
The cost of obtaining a German driver's licence can quickly increase. Some expats spend up to a few thousand Euros on their license. There are many ways to cut costs. You can save a significant amount of cash by buying a used, cheap vehicle.
Moreover, there are many other ways to reduce the cost of your insurance. Allianz Direct, for example provides affordable insurance for vehicles. If you're new to the country or an experienced motorist, Allianz Direct has an affordable option for every driver. Their policies for insurance on vehicles cover many events including theft and accidents.
Time
If you reside in the European Union (EU), Andorra or Monaco, San Marino or Switzerland and you own cars in Germany for a period of up to 6 months, you do not have to change your driving license. You'll still need to pass both a theoretical and practical test. Additionally, you'll require having your license from another country translated. A translation service, like the one offered by ADAC, is typically used to do this. It typically costs between 55 to 85 euros.
After passing the theory exam, you will be required to undergo driving lessons under an instructor with a license. The cost of these lessons can vary, depending on the area where you reside and your proficiency in the language. The majority of driving schools offer English and German classes. Farschule-123 lets you search for the nearest driving school by filtering it according to the type of vehicle. Some driving schools offer 2-week crash course.
In Germany the process to obtain an driving license generally takes between 3 and five months. In the majority of cases, you'll have to pass both an oral and a written exam, and also the practical driving test. The theoretical classes last about 90 minutes, while the practical tests can last for up to 5 hours. The cost of these tests differs across the country. However, most schools are open about their costs and display it on their premises.
The Boston Consulate does not provide any driving instruction, nor does it provide advice on which license you should obtain. It is suggested that you get in touch with your local driving licensing authority in Germany. It is important to keep in mind that a foreign driver's license is only valid in Germany for a maximum of one year. After that, you will have to convert it into a German driver's license in order to continue driving legally in the country.
If your foreign license is stolen or taken away, you'll have to notify the local police to get it replaced. You must provide proof of your identity, a statement in writing explaining the circumstances of its loss, and a promise to return it if it is discovered.
Legality
If you're a citizen of a non-EU state and you want to drive in Germany you must switch your license from a foreign country to one that is a German one. The exact procedure is dependent on the country you reside in. However, it typically requires completing a few forms and passing a practical or theory test. It is also possible to obtain additional documents, such as a health certificate or notarized translation. The process usually takes four to six weeks.
If your licence is not from the EU / EFTA, you must exchange it at the local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). This must be done within six months from the date of your first police registration and before your current driving license expires. The Fuhrerscheinstelle may ask for identification proof, a passport photograph and a signed statement that you are releasing your license. They will then issue the German licence for you.
The cost of this service varies widely from office to office, however, it is usually around 24 euros. The new license will be centrally printed, so it may take up to four weeks to receive it. In some cases the original license will be sent to the Federal Printing Office of the German government in Berlin to be verified by the Fuhrerscheinstelle. This step can increase the processing time, but is not required in all cases.
In some instances, you could be able to skip the practical and theory test and have your driving record from your home country transferred. This is usually the case for those who are from countries that have bilateral agreements with Germany. Some states require drivers to pass a written exam before they can transfer their licenses to Germany.
If you're planning to relocate to Germany you should look into the reciprocity agreement between your state and Germany. If you intend to stay less than a year, you can continue to drive with your US license until the end of the first six months in Germany. You must take your US driving license to the local office for driving licences and inform them that you'll be departing before the six-month period is over.
