Getting a Driving License in Germany

Driven on the German Autobahn or want to drive it? You surely need a driving license. This guide will explain how to get a German driving license.

Quick Process to Get a German Driving License

You can exchange your foreign license with a German license if your country follows the reciprocity agreement. Here are the steps to follow;

• Get an appointment and visit the office.
• Take the necessary documents and submit them.
• Get your German license.

If your country doesn’t follow the reciprocity agreement, get admitted to a driving school, take a first aid course and eye test, and submit the necessary documents. Take the theoretical and practical exam after verification of your documents. If you pass the exams, you will get your license. 

Find The Best Driving School

As you will pay the costs for your driving school and exams, you must find the best option by checking the reviews on Google. Remember, if they offer services in English, inquire about the costs before enrolling.

German Driving License Costs

The cost of a German driving license is between 2500 to 3500 Euros.

However, the cost varies with the area. Cost is less for the northern part of Germany, but high for the southern part of Germany. Here is a rough estimate of the total cost.

• The application fees: 40€-50€
• Eye-sight test: 5€-8€.
• First aid course: 25€- 40€.
• Introduction to the theoretical exam: 55€ – 65€.
• Theoretical exam fee: 22.49€.
• The practical exam introduction fee: 145€ – 165€. 
• Practical exam fee: 91.75€

This breakdown does not include the fee for your chosen driving school.

Validity of A German Driving License

EU/EAA and Non-EU/EAA Countries

Germany accepts a person’s license from an EU/EAA country, and the validity is the expiry date of the driving license. Renewal of such permits isn’t possible in Germany.

Germany allows you to use your driving license for only six months if you are from a non-EU/EAA country. After six months you need to have your German driving license.

Countries that Follow Reciprocal Agreement

German driving license is exchangeable for licenses from countries that follow the reciprocal agreement. You do not need to take the lessons, tests, and exams. To get your German class B driving license, hand over your foreign license to the German authorities. Countries including Japan, Israel, Canada, Namibia, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, and many others follow the reciprocal agreement.

Driving License from the U.S. States

Germany will decide how to get your driving license if you are from the US. Some US states such as Florida, Indiana, Oregon, Mississippi, and Nebraska follow partial reciprocity. So, you will only have to take the theoretical exam. If you are from a US state with full reciprocity, i.e., Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Ohio, etc., exchange your old license for a new one. For US states that don’t follow the reciprocal agreement, take a driving exam (theoretical and practical) to get your license.

The Process to Get a German Driving License

Here are the two ways to get your license;

Exchange Your Foreign License Under Reciprocity Agreement

Book Your Appointment to Visit The Driving License Office

Book an appointment at the driving license office (Führerscheinstelle) to apply for an exchange of your current license. For a non-EU/EAA license, book an appointment for the Umschreiben eines ausländischen Führerscheins (Non-EU). To get an appointment in your registered city office, call via phone or use their online service.

Collect Documents For Exchange Process

Here is the list of documents that you need to prepare before applying for the license.

• 35 x 45cm biometric photograph
• Valid foreign driving license
• German-translated version of your license
• Proof of the period since you got your current driving license if it is unavailable on your license.
• Latest eye-test certificate (according to the reciprocity agreement, it is two years).
• German ID card (for German citizens)
• Passport (for non-German citizens)

Visit The Office at Appointment Day

Get your documents in hand and visit the office on your appointment day. Submit your application to the office and get your German driving license. If you must hand over the current license, give it to the authorities. You will get your license in almost 4 to 6 weeks.

Get a German Driving License Without Reciprocity Agreement

In such a scenario, you need to take the driving exam and follow the steps below;

Find the Best Driving School to Enroll

Enrol yourself in a certified German driving school (Fahrschule) to get the proper education and take the driving test.

Take The First Aid Course and Eye Test

The duration of the first aid course is 9 x 45 minutes. Classes are usually conducted on Saturdays. Driving school can suggest the best local first aid course provider and you can find it yourself too. An eye test is also necessary, and you can take it on the same day by visiting an optician who can give you an eye test certificate.

What if you have weak eyesight?

No worries! You can get your driving license, but you must wear glasses while driving a car.

Book Your Appointment and Collect Documents For The Application Process

Book your appointment with the driving license office either via phone or online. Here is the list of documents that you need to get your license without reciprocity.

• German ID card (for German citizens)
• Passport (for non-German citizens)
• 35 x 45cm biometric photograph
• Eye-test certificate. 
• Proof of the period since you got your current driving license if it is unavailable on it.
• First aid course certificate
• Translation of your license if a license is not in English.
• Valid foreign driving license

Visit the German Road Traffic Licensing Department along with your documents. The department will verify your documents before proceeding with the application. If your application request is approved, the department will inform TUV who will conduct your driving exams in Germany.

Prepare for The Theory and Practical Test

You can take the theory test in English. It is necessary to pass the theory test about traffic rules in Germany. These rules are very detailed so, prepare yourself with complete devotion. Use a web app or mobile app to participate in the theory exam.

Driving lessons are not compulsory but are suitable for preparing for the practical exam. Authorities can ask you a few questions before your exam for example;

1. If an emergency arises, what button in the car is required to press to give an indication?
2. Are the brake lights working correctly or not?

Answer these questions correctly. Your practical exam lasts 45 minutes, during which your examiner will observe and give you instructions. You will be informed about the results after 45 mins of the exams. If you pass, you will get the certifying slip and proof of eligibility to drive in Germany.

Is there any specific mobile application that can help you take the theory exam?

Several mobile applications are available in the market. Fahrschulcard App is one of them.

What if you couldn’t pass your driving exam?

You can appear for your driving exam again. You can attempt as many times as you want to, but remember it will take costs each time you apply and take exams.

Take a German Driving License from The Office

After a prosperous exam, you can get your license within a few weeks (usually 2 to 6 months). At this time, you need to hand over your current license to get the new one. You will be in the category of first-time license holders in Germany as your country does not follow a reciprocity agreement.

Conclusion

Getting a driving license is easy if you follow the steps. This is expensive but compulsory if you want to drive in Germany. Follow the steps for your safety and buy a new car. Happy driving!