Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand You have full reciprocity with Germany and are able to drive in Germany without taking any tests.
The process of exchanging a license is similar in every federal state (Lander). You'll need to submit a letter explaining the reason to exchange your passport and license. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving license that grants people the legal authority to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly-regarded document that represents not only the capability to drive but also freedom, independence and responsibility. Obtaining a Fuhrerschein can be a complicated process, but it is essential for anyone wanting to live and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ based on the type of applicant and the individual. In general applicants must be above the age of 18 and have an active driver's license from their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. When you exchange your driving license, you do not have to take either a written test or a test of the practical.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein can't be used by individuals who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal violations. In such cases your driving license could be revoked and you won't be able return it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of rules that ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. There are also requirements for holders of Fuhrerschein which include an insurance minimum, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders, to maintain a good standard of driving and not drink and drive.
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country and are planning to move to Germany It is crucial to be aware that your driving permit from your home country will be valid in Germany for a period of up to six months. After six months, however, you will have to get a German driving license to continue driving. You will be fined and face other consequences if you do not.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein immediately to avoid any issues. This can be done by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as resident. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license, and other documents to complete the process.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each state. While laws are set at an international level, different states interpret them in a different way. Always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in your local citizens' office) to see what the procedure is.
You will need to check whether your original licence is valid and was issued in a nation which is part of the EU/EEA or a country with a reciprocal arrangement with Germany. Additionally, you must have lived in the country that issued your licence for at least 185 days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you're eligible for the program by looking over your documents. Then you will take an Sehtest which is a basic vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards for safe driving. You can wear corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
After passing the Sehtest and passed the Sehtest, you will receive a notification from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been approved. Keep this document in mind, since you will have to show it when picking up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within a couple of weeks. The document is an acknowledgement of the license fee, which is approximately EUR35. After this fee is paid, you can pick up your new German licence.
The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy task and is likely to take some time to complete. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by providing you with an easy-to-follow guide and helping you in obtaining the necessary documentation. We can also assist with the German driving test if necessary. For more information about our services, please contact us. We would love to hear from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and plan to drive here, you will eventually need to swap your license for the Fuhrerschein. It's more complicated than simply changing your international license to one that is a German driver's license, because you'll have to pass both the driving and theory tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It is still possible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a fully-fledged driving licence starts with enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theory and practical lessons and help you with the documentation. You'll also need to secure your vehicle and take extra driving lessons to practice.
When you have finished all of these steps You'll receive a confirmation letter that informs you that your application has been successful. This document is called Bescheinigung, and you should keep it until your new license arrives in the post.
Once knowing it have your Bescheinigung you will need to visit your local driving licensing office to complete the final step of the process. You'll need to bring your Fuhrerschein, a photograph and a proof of identification as well as any other relevant documents.
Once you've completed your application and received your application, it takes about four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. When you receive your new driving licence, you can legally drive in Germany.
You can pay a small fee to get your licence printed at the Burgeramt if you don't wish to wait. This will save you some time, but it's not cheap and the quality of the license will differ.
You are able to drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you will encounter problems if arrested by the police. In addition, you'll likely have to pay more for insurance for your vehicle. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, it's recommended to get your German driving license as soon as you can. And the most effective way to do this is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step instruction.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA license to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driving licence was issued by a nation within the EU or the EEA which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway You are able to use it for a period of up to six months after moving to Germany. If you plan to stay longer, or if your license has expired, you'll need to exchange it for the German licence. This is legally required and the only method to renew your licence beyond its original expiry date. If you have a certificate attesting to your health or vision or eyesight, an exception can be granted. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, like Australia and Canada or the USA can be transferred to Germany without having to pass a theory or practical test. The process is more complicated for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to pass the necessary steps without going through a full driving training and testing procedure.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's licence into a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the necessary documents to your local driving license office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process for converting licenses may differ depending on the federal state. It is therefore advised to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the requirements specific to for your particular area.
You must provide evidence of your identity along with a photograph and an official driving license and a certificate attesting to your health and vision. You'll also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible and at a minimum before your foreign driving license expires to ensure you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is also recommended to keep your old license until you receive your new licence since it could be useful for identification purposes.