Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand and New Zealand, then you are granted full reciprocity with Germany and are able to drive here without taking any tests.
The process for exchanging a license is identical in every federal state (Lander). You will need a letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your passport and license photos. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving permit that gives individuals the legal right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly respected document that demonstrates not only the ability to drive, but also independence, freedom and responsibility. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is difficult, but it is essential for anyone wanting to live and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. Generally speaking applicants must be over the age of 18 and have an active driver's license from their home country or a different nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you don't require an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you change your license.
It is also important to know that a Fuhrerschein can't be used by those who have committed serious traffic violations or criminal violations. In these cases, the driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to obtain it back until a particular time has passed (called the Sperrfrist).
To ensure that all drivers are keeping their safety and that of other motorists in mind, there are numerous stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also rules for Fuhrerschein holders which include the requirement for a minimum amount of insurance and the requirement to wear a seatbelt, and the ban on using electronic devices when driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders, to maintain a good standard of driving and not drink and drive.
If you are a resident of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is important to be aware that your driving permit from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, you'll have to get a German driving license to continue driving. You could be fined and face other penalties if not.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein as soon as possible in order to avoid any issues. You can apply by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city where you are registered as resident. You'll need proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license, and other documentation to complete the process.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for obtaining a Fuhrerschein is different in each state (Land), as laws are set on a national level but individual states tend to interpret them differently. To find out how things work, you should always contact your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually within the local office of your citizens.
You must ensure whether your original licence is valid and was issued in a country that is part of the EU/EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have resided in the same country that issued your licence for at least the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
Your documents will be examined by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you are eligible. Then, you will be asked to take the Sehtest. It is a quick test of vision that confirms your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for a safe driver. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if needed.
After passing the Sehtest and passed the Sehtest, you will receive a notification from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been accepted. Keep this document in mind, since you will have to show it when you pick up your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2-3 weeks. The document is an acknowledgement of the license fee, which is approximately EUR35. Once this is paid, you can pick up your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy task, and it will most likely take you some time to complete. But, we can make it as smooth as possible by giving you a a step-by-step guide and assisting you in obtaining the necessary documents. In addition, we can help with the German driving tests if required. Please contact us for more information on our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you plan to drive in Germany you'll need to exchange your international driver's license to the German Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than simply swapping your current international driver's license for a German one, since you will need to take the theory test and the driving test here (or at least attempt). It is, however, feasible.
Enrolling at a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step to making your Fuhrerschein a full driving license. They will guide you through your theory and practical classes and assist you with the documentation. You will also need to insure your vehicle, and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed all these steps, you will receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. The document is referred to as Bescheinigung, and you must keep this until your new license arrives in the post.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you'll need to visit your local driving licensing office to finish the final step in the procedure. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein along with a photo and a proof of identification together with any other documents that are relevant.
You will receive your new driving permit in the mail around four weeks after you have applied. Once it's there you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a fee to have your licence produced at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. fuhrerschein kaufen will save you some time but it's not cheap and the quality of the licence will be different.
You can technically get away with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll have issues if you're pulled over by a police officer. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to staying in Germany for longer than 6 months, you should get your German driving license as soon as you can. This comprehensive guide will show you how to obtain your German driving licence.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you hold a driver's licence from a country that is part of the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) you are able to keep it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you intend to stay longer or if your license has expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German license. This is both a legal requirement as well as the only way to renew your license after its original expiry date. If you have certificates attesting your good health or eyesight, an exception may be made. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licenses issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, such as Australia and Canada or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without a theory test or a practical test. The process is more difficult for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to complete the necessary steps without having to undergo a full driving training and testing.
To convert your driving licence from another country to Fuhrerschein, you must first apply for a Fuhrerschein to be eligible, you need to submit an application and all required documents to the local driving licence office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure for exchanging your licence can vary by federal state (Land). To find out about the requirements for your region it is recommended to contact or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You will be required to provide evidence of your identity, an official driver's license along with a certificate proving your health and vision. You will also have to pay any applicable fees. It is advised to apply for the transfer as early as you can, and at least well before your driving license from another country expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein before the expiration date. It is advised to keep your old driving licence until you receive your new one. It is for identification purposes.