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 taking any tests.
The procedure for exchanging a license is the same in each federal state (Lander). You will need to provide a letter explaining the reason for exchanging your passport and license. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a type of driving license that grants individuals the legal authority to drive vehicles in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that embodies not just the ability to drive, but also the freedom, independence and responsibility that come with it. It can be a difficult process to obtain an Fuhrerschein, however it's essential for everyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The rules and requirements of a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. In general 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. If you decide to exchange your driving license, you don't have to take either a written test or a practical test.
It is also important to know that a Fuhrerschein cannot be used by individuals who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal offenses. In these instances, your driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to obtain it back until a certain 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. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear an appropriate seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders, to maintain a good standard of driving and never drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to remember that your driving license from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, you'll have to get an German driving license to continue driving. If you do not, you could be liable to penalties and fines.
It is advised to apply for your Fuhrerschein immediately to avoid issues. 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 as well as other documents to complete the procedure.
How do I apply for an Fuhrerschein?
The process of obtaining Fuhrerscheins differs in each state (Land) since laws are formulated on an international level, but individual states tend to interpret them in different ways. Always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within your local citizens' office) to see how things work.
Before you apply, you'll be required to verify that the original licence you obtained is valid, and that it was issued by a nation that is part of the EU or EEA or a country that has a an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. Additionally, you must have lived in the country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle in order to determine if you qualify. Then, you'll be asked to take a Sehtest which is a straightforward vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards required for safe driving. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if needed.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application has been accepted. Keep this document in mind, because you will need to present it when picking up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document contains an acknowledgement of the license fee that is around EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy task, and it will most likely take you some time to complete. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by giving you a the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in gathering the required documents. In addition, we can assist you with the German driving tests if required. Please contact deutschland für den kauf eines führerscheins for more information on our services. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and are planning to drive here, you will eventually need to exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein. It's more complicated than simply swapping your international license for the German driver's license, since you'll have to pass both the driving and theory tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). But it is still feasible.
Enrolling at a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step in changing your Fuhrerschein to an official driving license. They will assist you with the paperwork and guide you through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. It is also necessary to insure your vehicle and it's a good idea to take a few extra driving lessons for practice.
Once you have completed all these steps, you will receive a letter that confirms that your application was successful. This document is called Bescheinigung and you'll need to keep this until your new license arrives in the post.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you will need to go to your local driving license office to finish the final stage of the procedure. You will also need to bring your Fuhrerschein along with 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 you've received it you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't want wait for your license to be delivered by mail or in the mail, you may pay a bit more to have it printed at the Burgeramt. It will speed up the process however the quality of the license will be different.
You are able to drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you will be in trouble if pulled over by the police. Plus, you'll probably have to pay more in insurance for your vehicle. If you're planning to stay in Germany for more than six months, you should obtain your German driving license as soon as possible. This comprehensive guide will show you how to get your German driving license.
How do I convert my driving licence from the EU/EEA to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driving licence was issued by a nation within 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 after you move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than that or when your driving license is due to expire, you will need to exchange it to a German licence. This is an obligation of law and the only way you can renew your license beyond the date of expiration. If you have a certificate attesting to your health or vision the possibility of an exception could be granted. For more information, contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licenses issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, for example, Australia and Canada or the USA can be transferred to Germany without a theory test or practical test. 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 the entire driving test and training procedure.
The first step to convert your foreign driver's licence into a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the required documents to your local driving licensing office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for exchanging licenses may differ depending on the federal state. To find out about the requirements in your area it is best to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll need to submit evidence of your identity, a valid driver's license, as well as a certificate proving your health and vision. You'll also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is advisable to apply for the transfer as soon as possible, and at least well before your foreign driving license expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein prior to that time. It is also recommended to keep your old licence until you receive your new one since it could be useful to identify yourself.