Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you are a holder of a driver's licence from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without any tests.
The process of exchanging a license is similar in every federal state (Lander). You'll need to submit an explanation in writing of the reason to exchange your passport and license. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a type of driving license that grants people the legal authority to drive vehicles 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 can be a difficult process to obtain a Fuhrerschein, but it's essential for everyone who wants to work and live in Germany.
The specific rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ based on the type of license and person applying for it. In general applicants must be over the age of eighteen and have an active driver's license from their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you don't have to take an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you exchange your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious traffic or criminal infractions. In these instances, your driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to get it back until a certain period of time has passed (called the Sperrfrist).
To ensure that all drivers keep their safety as well as the safety of other motorists in mind, there are also many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear a seat belt at all time, and the ban of using electronic devices while driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders to keep an excellent standard of driving, and to never 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 remember that your driving permit from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, you will need to obtain a German driving license to continue driving. You could be fined and suffer other penalties if not.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to apply for a Fuhrerschein as soon as possible. You can do this by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as resident. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license as well as other documents to complete the process.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each state. While laws are set at an international level, different states interpret them differently. To learn more about what the process is, you should always contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually located in your local citizens office.
Before you apply, you will have to confirm that your original license is valid and that it was issued by a nation that is part of the EU / EEA or a country with an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. You must also 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 to apply by looking over your documents. Then, you will be asked to take a Sehtest. It is a simple test of vision that verifies your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driver. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if necessary.
After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application was accepted. This document is vital because you'll need it to get your new German license. Within a couple of weeks, you will receive an Abgabensbescheid, which contains a confirmation and invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is approximately EUR35. After this fee is paid you can collect your new German licence.
It's not an easy task to obtain a Fuhrerschein, and you will need some time. We can make the process as simple as we can by providing a step-by-step guide and helping you gather the necessary documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test if needed. For more information on our services we invite you to contact us. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and plan to drive here in the future, you'll need to exchange your license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein. It's more complicated than simply changing your international license to the German driver's licence, as you'll need to take both the driving and theory tests here (or at the very least attempt). However, it is feasible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a fully-fledged driving license starts by enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to get your vehicle insured and it's a good idea to take a few extra driving lessons for practice.
After you have completed all these steps, you'll be sent a letter to confirm that your application was approved. This document is called Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until your new licence arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you can visit your local driving licensing office to complete the final step in the process. You'll need to bring your Fuhrerschein, a photo and a proof of identification as well as any other relevant documents.
Once you've completed your application and received your application, it takes about four weeks to get your new driving licence in the mail. Once you receive your new driving licence you are legally able to drive in Germany.
You can pay a small fee to have your license issued at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. Fuehrerscheinn will save you time, but it's not cheap, and the quality of the license will differ.
You can drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you'll encounter problems if pulled over by the police. Plus, you'll probably have to pay a lot more for insurance for your car. If you plan to stay in Germany for more 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 convert my EU/EEA driving licence to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's license 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 due to expire you'll need to exchange it to one that is a German licence. This is a legal requirement and also the only way to renew your license beyond the date of expiration. If you have documents attesting your health or vision or eyesight, an exception can be granted. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany, such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, can be transferred 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 case it is possible to complete all the necessary steps without having to pass an entire testing and training procedure.
To convert your driving licence from another country to a Fuhrerschein, you must submit an application along with all the required documents to the local driving licence office (also called Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for transferring your licence can vary by federal state (Land). It is therefore recommended to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more about the specific requirements for your particular area.
You will need to provide proof of identity with a photo, an original driving licence and a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. You'll also have to pay the applicable fees. It is recommended to apply as soon as you can and at a minimum before your foreign driving licence expires to ensure you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is suggested that you keep your old driving license until you receive your new one. It can be used to identify you for purposes.