Buying a German Driving License
To get the German driving license takes a lot of time and money. It also requires a lot of nerves. Big mistakes can cost you your license (and an enormous amount of money) while small mistakes could make your experience on the road to zero.
The good news is, citizens of certain countries have reciprocity with Germany. They are able to easily exchange their licenses. The process varies from country to country.
1. Get Führerschein Motorrad A1 und A2 kaufen must first get a passport before you consider purchasing a German driving license. There are many ways to do this and the method you select will depend on your individual situation and goals. The most basic steps are applying for a visa, gathering the necessary documents and passing any required citizenship and language tests. It is recommended to seek the advice of an expert in immigration who can help you navigate the process.
It can be an arduous process however it's an essential first step to legally living and working in Germany. The cost of a passport is around EUR90, and you'll need to submit several official documents to have your application processed. You will need, for example an ID that is valid (e.g. driver's license or passport) as well as evidence of your identity, proof of insurance, and a birth or marriage certificate. In certain situations you may have to take a medical exam and submit a biometric passport photo.
In some instances the process of obtaining a passport may be lengthy and complex especially for people with a criminal record or a history of violent crimes. In these situations it is advisable to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer who will provide guidance and support throughout the process.
If you're a citizen of the EU / EEA or a country with a reciprocal driver's license agreement with Germany, you may be able to exchange your license from another country for a German one fairly easily, without taking a theoretical or practical driving exam. It will differ from one country to the next and even within one city.
You'll need to make an appointment to determine if your international license is able to be exchanged for a German license at the Strassenverkehrsamt in your city. Check the list of requirements before you go. They can vary from one country to the next. You may also have to have your foreign driving license translated, which will make this process more time-consuming.
2. German Visa
It is essential to be aware that if you are not an German (or EU) citizen and you hold an driving license from your home country, you can only use it for six months after becoming an resident of Germany. The procedure to exchange the foreign driving license may vary depending on the state or local authorities in Germany. However it is generally required to pass both the theoretical and practical driving test. You may also have to translate your license. The automobile club ADAC offers this service for between 55 and85 euros.
If you plan to remain in Germany or apply for a driving permit, you'll need a German visa. Make sure you have one before you arrive. You can obtain a tourist visa from the German consulate or embassy, or you can apply for a business visa for working in Germany or self-employment visas if you are planning to establish your own company.
Once you have the visa, it will be possible to start the process of obtaining a driving license at the local Verkehrssamt (driving licensing office). You will be required to bring your original driving licence along with proof of insurance and an eye test certificate. In most instances, you'll require a translation of the driving licence into German - we recommend using Lingoking for quick and affordable online translations of documents.
It is not allowed to buy a driving license from another country while on holiday. This is referred to as "licensing tourist" and could have serious implications for our roads. For this reason, most cities require that you have resided in the country that issued your license for 185 days or more.
There are a few non-traditional methods to avoid this, for instance, buying a fake licence however, it's not worth the risk. In addition, you'll be hit with a fine in case you are stopped by police. If you do choose to do this we recommend that you go through a Fahrschule which specializes in teaching foreigners - they can assist you in navigating the bureaucracy and find a first-aid course if necessary.
3. German Residence Permit
A German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is a legal document that authorizes you to live in Germany. Getting one requires meeting certain criteria, such as having lived in Germany for a minimum of three years, and possessing a basic understanding of German (level C 1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). You must be able to pay for your living expenses without assistance from the government. Contributing to the statutory insurance fund is mandatory as is being able to provide for yourself and your family members financially.
If you hold a driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country, you may be eligible to exchange it for a German licence. It depends on the specifics of your particular situation and the requirements in your city or state. Your local Strassenverkehrsamt will be able to assist you on this. You will also need proof of your good health and vision if you plan to transfer your license.
As with most bureaucratic matters the rules for obtaining licenses vary from one federal state to the next. Therefore, it's best to consult your local Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle if you have any questions, particularly since the process is time-consuming.
In general foreign drivers seeking to obtain a German licence must first pass both the road test and the theoretical written test. Those who have a driver's license issued by their home countries and do not have any points on their records are usually in a position to skip these tests, but it is best to check with your Strassenverkehrsamt to find out the exact requirements in your region.
To avoid having to pass both the theory and road test, it is recommended to go through a Fahrschule which has experience working with expats. For a small fee they can assist you in understanding the German licensing system and provide you with a teacher who will guide you through the course. These companies can assist you with the German licensing system and can provide you with a teacher who will coach you through the course. You will find a list of accredited Fahrschules in your area on the website of the Bundesministerium for Bildung und Arbeit.
4. Get a German Driver's License
The process of obtaining the German driver's license is a crucial step for expats moving to Germany. It will let you navigate the roads with ease and allow you to drive in any kind of vehicle. You must be at the age of 18 to apply, pass both the theoretical and practical exam, take an initial aid course, and pass an eye test. The exact requirements will differ depending on the type of license you want to get However, you can expect to spend approximately 1500 euros, which includes registration fees, lesson costs, and the exam.
Most foreign drivers won't need to take the test again to obtain the German licence. If your driving licence was issued by a country that is part of the EU/EEA or has a reciprocal arrangement with Germany you can exchange it for an German Fuhrerschein without having to take any tests. Drivers who are driving within the EU/EEA region or in a state with an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany can exchange their driving license for the German Fuhrerschein (driver's license) without having to take any tests.
If you're not eligible to transfer your license, or if you want to get a motorcycle driver's license (C1) or C1), it might be easier and quicker to begin from scratch and complete the German driving test(s). In these instances, you will still have to pass both theory and practical lessons. The first step is to go to an official Fahrschule (driving school) which has worked with foreign students and will guide you through the formalities of obtaining your driver's license. They can also help you find a first-aid course (required) and find an eye doctor to take the eye exam.
A reputable Fahrschule might charge a modest fee, but it's well worth the convenience of having someone else handle the paperwork. It's worth investing the time and effort required to obtain your license. Once you've obtained your license you can explore Germany at your leisure.