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 procedure for exchanging licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You will need to provide an explanation of the reasons for the exchange of your passport and license. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a document that grants the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly esteemed document that symbolizes not only the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence and responsibility that comes with it. It can be a complicated process but it is a must for those who wish to live and work in Germany.
The specific rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of license and the person applying for it. The applicant must possess a valid driving license from their country of origin or another country with reciprocity to Germany. When you exchange your driving license, you do not need to pass the written test or a test of the practical.
link home is not valid for those who have committed serious criminal or traffic violations. In these instances, your driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to get it back until a specific time period has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
To ensure that all drivers have their safety and the safety of other motorists in mind, there are also various requirements for Fuhrerschein holders. They include a minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear an appropriate seat belt at all time, and the ban of using electronic devices while driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to a high standard of driving, and not drink and operate a vehicle.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and are moving to Germany it is crucial to know that your driving license from your home country will be valid in the country for a period of up to six months. After six months, however, you will need to obtain an German driving license to continue driving. If you don't, you could be subject to penalties, fines and other sanctions.
To avoid such issues, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as possible. This can be done by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city where you are registered as a resident. To complete the process, you will be required to submit a photocopy of your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each state. While laws are set at the national level, individuals states interpret them differently. To learn more about how things work it is best to contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually located within your local citizens office.
You will need to check whether your original license is valid and that it was issued in a country which is part of the EU/EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. Additionally, you must reside in the country that issued your licence for at least 185 consecutive days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle in order to determine if you qualify. You will then be required to take a Sehtest. This is a quick test of your vision that will confirm your eyesight meets minimum standards for safe driver. You can also use corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
If you pass the Sehtest You will then be issued a Bescheinigung by the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been approved. Keep this document, because you will need to show it when you get your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within a couple of weeks. This document will contain the confirmation of your license fee, which is approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can pick up your new German licence.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't a simple process and is likely to take some time to complete. However, we can help to make it as simple as possible by providing you with a step-by-step guide and assisting you with completing the required documentation. We can also assist with the German driving test, if required. For more information about our services, please contact us. We look forward hearing from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you intend to drive in Germany you'll need to swap your international driver's license to a Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just swapping your international license for the German driver's license, because you'll have to pass both the driving and theory tests here (or at least attempt). But it is still feasible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a full driving license starts by enrolling in a "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. It is also necessary to get your vehicle insured and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons for practice.
After you have completed these steps, you will receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. The document is known as Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until your new license is delivered to you.
You can complete the final step by visiting the office of your local driver's license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll need to bring your Fuhrerschein, a photograph and a proof of identification together with 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 you've received it you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't wish to wait for your licence to be delivered by mail, you may pay a bit more to have it made at the Burgeramt. It will cut down on time, but the quality will be different.
You're technically allowed to drive by driving with an international license in Germany until January 2022, but after that you'll run into issues if you're pulled over by a cop. Plus, you'll probably have to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to remain in Germany for more than six months, you should get your German driving license as soon as you can. The best way to do that is to follow this thorough step-by-step instruction.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA license 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 can continue to use it up to six months following your move to Germany. If you plan on staying longer than this, or when your driving license is expired, you will have to exchange it to the German licence. This is both legally required and also the only method to renew your driving licence after the date of expiration. If you have a certificate attesting to your good health or eyesight, an exception may be granted. Contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licenses issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, for example, Australia and Canada, or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without the need for a theory test or a practical test. The process is more difficult for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these situations, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without having to undergo the entire driving instruction and testing.
The first step in changing your foreign driver's license into a Fuhrerschein is to fill out an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving licensing office which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure to exchange your licence varies by federal state (Land). To find out more about the requirements in your area it is recommended to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll be required to show proof of your identity and an official driver's license and a medical certificate proving your health and vision. You will also have to pay the applicable fees. It is recommended to apply as early as you can and preferably before your foreign driving licence expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is also recommended to keep your old license until you receive your new licence because it could be useful to identify yourself.