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 having to pass any tests.
The process for exchanging a license is similar in all federal states (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining why you are exchanging your passport and license photographs. 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 come with it. Obtaining a Fuhrerschein can be difficult, but it is essential for anyone who wants to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements of the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. Generally speaking applicants must be above the age of eighteen and possess an official driver's license issued by their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity usually means that you do not have to take an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you change your license.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by individuals who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or other criminal violations. In these instances your driving license will be revoked and you won't be able to return it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers are keeping their safety and the safety of others on the road in mind, there are many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also stipulations for holders of Fuhrerschein which include a minimum level of insurance as well as the requirement to wear a seatbelt, and the prohibition on using electronic devices while driving. Fuhrerschein holders must also maintain an excellent standard of driving and not drink and operate a vehicle.
If you are a resident of an EU country or EEA and are moving to Germany it is important to be aware that your driving licence from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, you will have to get an German driving license to continue driving. You could be fined and face other penalties if not.
To avoid any issues, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as possible. This can be done by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as a resident. You will need to provide proof of your identity, a copy of your current license as well as other documents to complete the procedure.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each federal state. While laws are made at a national level, individual states interpret them in a different way. It is recommended to always consult your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle which is usually located within your local citizens' office) to learn more about what the procedure is.
You will need to check whether your original licence is valid and that it was issued in a nation that belongs to the EU/EEA, or a country that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You will also need to have resided in the country that issued your licence for at least 185 days.
The documents you submit will be reviewed by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine if you are eligible. Then, you'll take the Sehtest which is a basic test that checks if your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards required for safe driving. You can also use corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
If you pass the Sehtest and passed the Sehtest, you will receive a notification from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application was accepted. Keep führerschein kaufen 400 euro in mind, since you will have to show it when you pick up your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document will contain an acknowledgement of your license fees that is around EUR35. Once this is paid, you can pick up your new German license.
Obtaining a Fuhrerschein is not an easy task and is likely to take some time to complete. However, we can to make it as easy as possible by giving you a the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in obtaining the necessary documentation. We can also help with the German driving test if you need it. Contact us for more information about our services. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and are planning to drive here, you will eventually need to exchange your license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just swapping your international license for a German driver's license, because you'll need to take both the driving and theory tests here (or at least attempt). It is still possible.
Enrolling at a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards upgrading your Fuhrerschein into a full driving licence. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. You'll also need to have your car insured, and it's a good idea to take some extra driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed these steps, you will be sent a letter to confirm that your application was successful. The document is known as 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 step in the procedure. You will need to present your Fuhrerschein along with a photo and a proof of identification together with any other documents that are relevant.
After you've submitted your application and received your application, it takes about four weeks to get your new driving licence in the mail. Once it's there, you can begin to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't want to wait for your license to be delivered in the mail or in the mail, you could pay a little more to have it made at the Burgeramt. This will save you some time, but it's not cheap, and the quality of the license will differ.
You can technically get away by driving with an international license in Germany until January 2022, but then 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 stay in Germany for longer than six months, you should get your German driving license as soon as possible. And the best way to do that is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA licence to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driving licence was issued by a country located in the EU or the EEA which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, you can usually continue to use it for a period of up to six months following your move to Germany. If you plan on staying longer than this, or if your driving licence is expired, you will have to exchange it to the German licence. This is legally required and the only way you can renew your license beyond the date of expiration. If you have certificates attesting your health or vision the possibility of an exception could be made. Contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the requirement of a theory or practical test. The process is more difficult for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to complete the necessary steps without going through a full driving training and testing procedure.
To change your foreign driving license into Fuhrerschein, or a Fuhrerschein, you must complete an application and submit all necessary documents to the local driving license office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for exchanging licenses can differ from state to federal state. It is therefore advisable to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the specific requirements in your area.
You'll need to show proof of your identity as well as an official driver's license as well as a certificate attesting your good health and vision. You'll also have to pay the applicable fees. It is advisable to apply for the transfer as early as possible, and at least well before your foreign driving licence expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein prior to that date. It is recommended that you keep your old driving licence until you get your new one. This can be used for identification purposes.