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 having to pass any tests.
The procedure for exchanging a license is the same in each federal state (Lander). You must submit an explanation of the reasons for the exchange of your passport and licence. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly regarded 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 an Fuhrerschein, however it's essential for everyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The specific rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of license and the person applying for it. Generally speaking applicants must be above the age of 18 and have an official driver's license issued by their home country or a different nation that has reciprocity with Germany. When you exchange your driving license, you do not have to take either an exam in writing or a test of the practical.
conversational tone is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein can't be used by people who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal offenses. In these instances, your driving license will be confiscated and you will not be able to get it back until a specific period of time has passed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a number of conditions that guarantee their safety and that of other road users. There are also requirements for Fuhrerschein holders which include an insurance minimum, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt and the ban on using electronic devices when driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain a good standard of driving and not drink and drive.
If you are a resident of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is important to note that your driving permit from your home country can be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, however, you will require a German driving license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other penalties if not.
To avoid such problems, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as you can. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. To complete the process, you'll need to provide a photocopy your current license and proof of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting a Fuhrerschein is different 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 - usually housed within the local office of the citizens') to see how things work.
You must confirm whether your original license is valid and was issued in a nation which is part of the EU/EEA or a nation that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You should also have lived in the same country that issued your license for a minimum of 180 consecutive days.
Your documents will be examined by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you are eligible. You will then be asked to take the Sehtest. This is a straightforward test of your vision that will confirm your eyesight meets minimum standards for safe driver. You can wear corrective glasses to pass the test if needed.
Once you have passed the Sehtest You will then receive a notification from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been accepted. This document is vital because you'll need it to pick up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within a couple of weeks. This document will contain a confirmation of your license fees of approximately EUR35. Once you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
It's not an easy process to get a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by giving you a the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you with completing the required documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test, if required. Contact us for more information about our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and plan 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 the German driver's license, since you'll need to pass the theory and driving tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It is still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein to a fully-fledged driving license begins with registering in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theory and practical instruction and assist you with the paperwork. It is also necessary to insure your vehicle and it's a good idea to take some extra driving lessons to get used to.
Once you have completed all these steps, you will receive a letter that confirms that your application was successful. This document is referred to as Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until your new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you can visit your local driver's license office to complete the final stage of the procedure. You will also need to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other documents that are required.
After you've applied and received your application, it takes about four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. Once it's there you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't wish to wait for your license to be delivered in the mail or in the mail, you can pay a little extra to have it printed at the Burgeramt. It will speed up the process however the quality of the license will be different.
You're technically allowed to drive with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll have problems if you're stopped by a cop. You'll also have to pay more for insurance on your car. If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than six months, you must get your German driving license as soon as you can. This comprehensive guide will show you how to get your German driving license.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA licence for an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving license from a nation that is within 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 intend to stay longer than this or when your driving license has expired, however, you will have to exchange it for one that is a German licence. This is both a legal requirement as well as the only way to renew your driving licence following the expiry date of its original. Exceptions may be made when you have a certificate that prove your good eyesight and health. For more information, call the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable without the need to pass an exam in theory or practice. It is more difficult for drivers who don't have a reciprocal agreement with Germany. However, even in this case it is possible to complete all the necessary steps without having to undergo a full testing and training procedure.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's licence to 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 for exchanging your licence can vary by federal state (Land). It is therefore advised to call ahead or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more details about the specific requirements in your region.
You'll need to show proof of your identity and valid driver's license along with a certificate proving your health and vision. You'll also need to pay the appropriate fees. It is recommended to apply for the transfer as soon as possible and at a minimum, well before your driving license from another country expires, so that you can receive your Fuhrerschein before that date. It is recommended to also keep your old licence until you receive your new one since it could be useful to identify yourself.