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 here without any test.
The procedure to exchange licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You will need to provide an explanation in writing of the reason for exchanging your passport and license. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a type of driving license that grants individuals the legal authority to drive vehicles in Germany. It is a highly sought-after document that symbolizes not only the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence and responsibility that come with it. It's a long and difficult process to obtain a Fuhrerschein but it's essential for everyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The specific requirements and rules for the Fuhrerschein differ based on the kind of license and the individual. Applicants must have an active driving license from their country of origin or a different country that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you do not need to pass an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you change your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious criminal or traffic violations. In these instances, your driving license will be taken away and you won't be able get it back until a specific period of time (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of stipulations that ensure their safety and that of other road users. There are also rules for Fuhrerschein holders which include an insurance minimum and the requirement to wear a seatbelt and the ban on using electronic devices while driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders, to maintain a good standard of driving, and to never drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU country or EEA and 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 six months. After six months, however, you will have to get an German driving license to continue driving. review will be fined and face other penalties if you do not.
To avoid these problems, it's best to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as you can. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. To complete the process, you will require a photocopy of your current license as well as proof of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for obtaining Fuhrerscheins differs in each state (Land), as laws are formulated on a national level but states interpret them differently. You should always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in your local citizens' office) to find out what the procedure is.
You must ensure that your original license is valid and was issued in a country that is part of the EU/EEA, or a country that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You should also have lived in the same country that issued your licence for a minimum of the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will determine if you are eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. Then, you'll take the Sehtest which is a basic test that checks if your eyesight meets the minimum standards required for safe driving. You can also use 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 accepted. This document is crucial, as you'll need it to obtain your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2-3 weeks. This document contains a confirmation of your license fee that is around EUR35. After this fee is paid, you can pick up your new German license.
It is not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein, and you will need some time. However, we can help to make it as simple as possible by providing you with an easy-to-follow guide and helping you in obtaining the necessary documents. We can also help with the German driving test if you need it. Contact us for more details on our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you intend to drive in Germany it is necessary to swap your international driver's license for a Fuhrerschein. It's more complicated than simply swapping your international license for the German driver's license, since you'll have to pass both the theory and driving tests here (or at least attempt). It's still possible.
Enrolling at a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards making your Fuhrerschein an official driving license. They will assist you with your paperwork and guide you through the theoretical and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to insure your vehicle and it's a good idea to take a few extra driving lessons to practice.
Once you've completed all of these steps you'll receive a letter confirming that your application has been successful. This document is called Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until your new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you'll need to visit your local driving licensing office to complete the final stage of the process. You'll also need to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other relevant documents.
After you've submitted your application and received your application, it takes about four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. Once it's there, you can begin to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't wish to wait for your licence to arrive in the mail You can pay a little extra to have it made at the Burgeramt. This will save you some time however it's not cheap and the quality of your licence will be different.
You're technically able to get away by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll run into issues if you're stopped by a police officer. You'll also have to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to staying in Germany for more than six months, it's recommended to obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. This thorough guide will help you understand how to obtain your German driving license.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA license in exchange for a German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving licence from a country that is part of the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) you are able to continue to use it up to six months after your move to Germany. If you plan to stay longer, or if your licence has expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German licence. This is both an obligation under the law as well as the only way to renew your driving license after its original expiry date. Some exceptions can be made when you have a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, like Australia and Canada or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without having to pass a theory or a practical test. The process is more complicated for drivers who come from countries that do not have this arrangement, but even in these situations, it is possible to pass the necessary steps without undergoing an entire driving education and testing.
The first step to convert your foreign driver's license to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the required documents to your local driving license office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process for converting licenses may differ depending on the federal state. To learn more about the requirements in your area, it is best to contact or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You must provide proof of your identity, a photo and an original driving licence and a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You will also need to pay the applicable fees. It is advised to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at the very least before your driving license from another country expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein before that date. It is recommended to also keep your old license until you receive your new licence because it could be useful to prove your identity.