Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you have a driver's licence from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without having to pass any tests.
The procedure for exchanging licenses is the same in all federal states (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your passport and license photos. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives 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 accountability that comes with it. Obtaining a Fuhrerschein can be an arduous process however it is vital for anyone who wants to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ based on the type of applicant and the individual. Generally speaking applicants must be over the age of eighteen and possess an active driver's license from their country of origin or another that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you do not need to pass a written or practical driving test when you change your license.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by those who have committed serious traffic violations or criminal offenses. In such cases your driving license will be revoked and you won't be able return it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers keep their safety as well as the safety of the other road users in mind, there are many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also stipulations for holders of Fuhrerschein which include the requirement for a minimum amount of insurance as well as the requirement to wear a seatbelt, and the prohibition of using electronic devices when driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain an excellent standard of driving and not drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to be aware that your driving license from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, you will have to get a German driving license to continue driving. Otherwise, you will be subject to penalties and fines.
To avoid these issues, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as you can. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. You'll need proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license and other documentation to complete the procedure.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for obtaining a Fuhrerschein differs in each state. While laws are made at the national level, individuals states interpret them in a different way. To learn more about what the process is, you should always contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually within your local citizens office.
You must confirm whether your original license is valid and was issued in a nation that belongs to the EU/EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have lived in the same country that issued your license for at least 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will determine if you're eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. Then, you'll take the Sehtest, a simple vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driving. You can also use corrective glasses to pass the test if needed.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle an acknowledgement that your application was accepted. This document is important, as you'll need it to pick up your new German license. Within 2 to 3 weeks, you will receive an Abgabensbescheid which includes a confirmation and invoice for your licence fee of approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee you can collect your new German license.
It's not an easy task to get a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by giving you a a step-by-step guide and assisting you with completing the required documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test if needed. Please contact us for more details on our services. We would love to hear from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and plan to drive here, you will eventually need to swap your license for the Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than simply swapping your current international driver's license to one that is a German one, because you'll have to take the driving test and theory here (or at the very least, attempt). It is still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein to a fully-fledged driving license begins with registering in a "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theory and practical classes and assist you with the paperwork. You'll also have to insure your car and take additional driving lessons to get used to.
When you have finished all of these steps you'll receive a letter that informs you that your application has been successful. This document is called Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until your new license is received in the post.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you'll need to visit your local driver's license office to complete the last step of the procedure. You will also need to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other documents that are required.
After you've applied and received your application, it takes about four weeks to get your new driving licence in the mail. Once it's in your mailbox, you can begin to 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 however it's not cheap, and the quality of the licence will differ.
You are able to drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you will be in trouble if stopped by the police. You'll also need to pay more for insurance on your car. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, it's recommended to obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. And the best way to do that is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving license from a country within the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) you are able to continue to use it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this, or if your driving licence is due to expire, you will have to exchange it for a German licence. This is a legal requirement and also the only method to renew your licence beyond its original expiry date. If you have certificates attesting your good health or eyesight the possibility of an exception could be granted. For more information, contact the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, for example, Australia and Canada or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without having to pass a theory or practical test. The process is more complicated for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to complete the necessary steps without undergoing the entire driving instruction and testing.
führerschein kaufen in deutschland in changing your foreign driver's license into a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving license office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure for exchanging your licence varies by federal state (Land). It is therefore advised to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more about the specific requirements in your area.
You'll need to provide evidence of your identity, valid driver's license as well as a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay the applicable fees. It is best to apply as early as you can and at a minimum before your foreign driving licence expires to ensure you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is also recommended to keep your old licence until you receive your new one because it could be useful for identification purposes.