How to Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
The process is fairly simple if you possess a valid driving license from Australia, Canada or the USA. However, you will still need to take a theory and practical driving test.

The standard German driving licence (fuhrerschein) that is a plastic card is a legal document that complies with EU law. It is required to be presented whenever you drive an automobile. It is valid for a duration of 15 years.
You must have a valid driver's license
If you plan to drive a car in Germany you must have a valid driver's licence. This is the case regardless of regardless of whether you're a newcomer to the country or an EU citizen who has an existing driving license from your home nation. The process of getting a German driving license is different based on your nationality, and whether or the country you are from has a reciprocal arrangement with Germany to exchange drivers' licences. In some instances you might need to pass a theoretical and practical test to receive an German license.
Generally, you are able to use your current driving license from your home country for up to six months. After that, you will need to obtain a German license or convert your current one. You'll need your passport and proof of address. Also, you must submit a current driving certificate and medical certificate. Then, you must submit the documents to an Fuhrerscheinstelle. In the majority of cases, the procedure takes between two and six weeks to be completed.
In the majority of cases you will be able to drive if your license was issued in the EU or EEA, you can transfer it to one that is a German one without needing to take an exam in theory or practice. Exceptions are made for large buses and trucks that require an additional permit.
You can also obtain an German driving license if you are a citizen of an EU-based country. You will need to establish your residency in Germany. Usually, this is assumed if you live in Germany for at least 185 days a year for personal or professional reasons.
A German driver's license is a plastic card of the same size as credit cards. It contains your personal information and lists the kinds of vehicles you are permitted to drive. It is a European standard that can be used within the European Union as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
The cost of obtaining an German license may vary, but the majority of drivers will have to enroll in a German driving school. The cost of registering in a driving school can vary widely and the cost for practice hours can be expensive. To avoid this, choose a driving school that has a good reputation and provides high-quality lessons. This will ensure you get the best possible training and that driving schools do not profit from your situation.
You must pass your driving test
The driving test is an important milestone in the process of getting an German license. It is a written and practical test that tests your knowledge of traffic regulations as well as safety regulations and the ability to drive. You may need to attend various theory and practical classes according to where you live. It is important to practice and maintain confidence during the test. You will fail if you do not follow traffic laws or behave recklessly.
You will receive an interim license on paper when you pass the test. This temporary licence allows you to drive legally while waiting for your permanent licence, which usually comes within four weeks of passing the test. During this time, however, you are on probation, so if you get caught breaking any of the driving laws, your licence is suspended.
It is recommended to sign up for a driving school to prepare for the theory test. They can help you learn the fundamentals of driving in Germany and assist you to prepare for the test. Alternatively, you can study yourself or make use of some of the many online resources available. Once you've passed the theory test, it's time to take practical driving lessons with a qualified instructor. You'll then be able to take the practical driving test, which is just under an hour long and assesses your ability to deal with various traffic situations.
The laws governing driving licenses differ widely between states of the federal government and even within localities. For more information, call your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The office can be found in your city hall or the local citizens' office.
The process of obtaining your German driving license could be lengthy, especially when you're from another country that doesn't have full reciprocity with Germany. However, there are you could look here that almost all expats must meet: pass a driving test, surrender their foreign driver's license and provide all the necessary documents. A private driving school can assist you to accelerate the process by taking care of all documents.
You have to change your license
If you reside in Germany it's recommended to exchange your license as soon as you can. You'll be able to drive legally in the entire country. Find more information about this procedure on the German government's website. You may be required to pass a driving and written test depending on where you are moving from. But, this is usually faster than taking a full driver's course.
To exchange your license, you'll need to visit the local road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). There are several different regulations for exchanging licenses, so it's best to call ahead and set up an appointment. You will also need your passport and recent photo. If you've lost your license, you'll need to provide an explanation of what transpired, and that you will return it once it's discovered.
After you've submitted your documents, the Fuhrerscheinstelle will review your application. It could take anywhere from a few weeks. After they've approved your application, you'll receive a confirmation and invoice via mail. The invoice will contain a fee to transfer your license. You can pay the invoice using an online banking service or you can make a cash deposit at the Fuhrerscheinstelle.
While it is possible to rent a car in Germany, the cost can be prohibitive for expats on a budget. Public transportation is accessible in most cities and can be used for getting around. In reality, Germany is a great location to live without a car especially in cities like Hamburg, Berlin, or Munich.
Upgrade your license
You must be aware that driving in Germany is subject to strict regulations. You'll need to transfer your license, which may cost as much as 200 euros. The procedure will depend on where you are from and the length of time you been in the country for.
The first step is to contact your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to confirm that you're able to transfer your license. This usually requires submitting documents attesting your vision and health. In certain cases you'll also have to pass a written and practical test. Once you've done this you'll be eligible to drive legally in Germany.
It's important to keep in mind that your foreign license is valid only in Germany for six months following the time you have established your residency. This is applicable to EU and non-EU citizens. Furthermore, you are able to use your foreign license until it expires or if it is replaced by an German one. You must change your licence before it expires, or you'll be penalized.
If your driving licence was issued in a country that has full reciprocity with Germany You'll be exempt from both the practical and written test. The rules differ between states and some only have partial reciprocity. The process is simple but it's still worth contacting your local Fuhrerscheinstelle for more details.
The first step is to take your original driver's licence and a translation of your birth certificate to the local office. You'll also need to provide proof of your residency and any photo ID, such as a passport, national identity card or another form of identification. After submitting all of these documents and the Fuhrerscheinstelle will verify that you're eligible to transfer your license.
To obtain a German driving licence you must be at least 18 years old and have completed a safe driving training. In addition to these prerequisites, you should have an up-to-date first aid certificate and pass a practical and theoretical driving test. If you are planning to operate forklifts, taxis, or passenger transport vehicle, you will also need to complete a course of training. You can find a list of available courses online or in the local papers.