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 procedure for exchanging a license is generally the same in each federal state (Lander). You will need to provide an explanation of the reasons for the exchange of your passport and licence. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a type of driving license that grants individuals the legal right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly sought-after document that embodies not just the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence, and responsibility that comes with it. It can be a difficult process to get a Fuhrerschein, but it's essential for everyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The rules and requirements of a Fuhrerschein vary based on the type and individual. Generally speaking applicants must be over the age of eighteen and have an official driver's license issued by their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. If you are exchanging your driving license, you don't need to pass the written test or a test of the practical.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for people who have committed serious criminal or traffic offenses. In these cases your driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to return it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers have their safety and the safety of other motorists in mind, there are also various requirements for Fuhrerschein holders. These include a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear the seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. It is also essential for Fuhrerschein holders, to maintain an acceptable standard of driving and never drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and are moving to Germany It is crucial to be aware that your driving license from your home country will remain valid in the country for up to 6 months. After six months, however, you will require an German driving license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other penalties if you do not.
To avoid any issues, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as you can. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a copy of your current license as well as other documents to complete the process.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein differs in each federal state. While laws are made at the national level, individuals states interpret them differently. To learn more about the procedure, you should always contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually located within your local citizens office.
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 will also need to reside in the country that issued your license for at least 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will verify that you're eligible for the program by examining your documents. Then, you'll be asked to take the Sehtest which is a straightforward test of vision that confirms that your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driving. You can wear corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
If you pass the Sehtest, you will be issued a Bescheinigung by the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application was accepted. Keep this document since you will have to show it when picking up your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2-3 weeks. This document contains the confirmation of your license fees, which is approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can collect your new German license.
It's not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein, and you will need some time. We can make the process as easy as we can by guiding you through the process step-by-step and assisting you in obtaining the necessary documentation. We can also help with the German driving test if needed. Contact us for more information about 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 change your international driver's licence to one called a Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just changing your international license to the German driver's licence, as you'll need to take both the theory and driving tests here (or at the very least attempt). It is still possible.
Enrolling in a driving class or "Fahrschule" is the first step in upgrading your Fuhrerschein into an official driving license. They will help you with the paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to insure your vehicle and take additional driving lessons to get used to.
Once you've completed each step you'll receive a letter that informs you that your application has been successful. This document is called Bescheinigung and you'll need to keep this until your new license is received in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you'll need to visit your local driver's license office to finish the final step of the procedure. You will also need to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other documents that are required.
You will receive your new driving permit within four weeks after you have submitted your application. Once it's there you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't wish to wait for your licence to arrive in the mail, you could pay a little more to have it produced at the Burgeramt. kann man einen führerschein kaufen will save you time, but it's not cheap, and the quality of your licence will differ.
You can drive in Germany with an international license until January 2022. However, you will be in trouble if pulled over by the police. You'll also need to pay more for car insurance. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, it's best to get your German driving licence as soon as you can. The most effective way to do this is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to a 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 can continue to use it up to six months following your move to Germany. If you plan to stay for longer or your license is expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German licence. This is legally required and the only way to renew your driving licence after its original expiry date. If you have documents attesting your eyesight or health the possibility of an exception could be made. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licenses from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable without the need to pass the passing of a practical or theory test. It is more difficult for drivers who do not have a reciprocal agreement with Germany. However even in this scenario, it is possible to pass all the steps required without having to pass an entire driving test and training procedure.
The first step in changing your foreign driver's license into a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the required documents to your local driving licensing office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for exchanging a licence can differ by federal state. It is therefore advised to call ahead or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more about the specific requirements in your region.
You will be required to show proof of your identity and an official driver's license and a medical certificate attesting your good health and vision. You'll also have to pay the applicable fees. It is best to apply as soon as possible and preferably before your foreign driving licence expires, to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is recommended that you keep your old driving license until you get your new one. This can be used for identification purposes.
