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 licenses is similar to all states that are federal (Lander). You will need a letter explaining why you are exchanging your license and passport photos. German proficiency is highly recommended, as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a document that grants the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly-regarded document that not only demonstrates the ability to drive but also independence, freedom and responsibility. It's a long and difficult process to get a Fuhrerschein, but it's essential for anyone who wants to work and live in Germany.
The specific requirements and rules for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of license and individual. Generally speaking applicants must be above the age of eighteen and have an active driver's license from their home country or a different nation that has reciprocity with Germany. If you are exchanging your driving license, you do not have to pass either the written test or a practical test.
It is also important to note that a Fuhrerschein can't be used by individuals who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or criminal offenses. In these instances your driving license could be taken away and you won't be able to return it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of rules that ensure their safety and that of other road users. There are also stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders, such as a minimum level of insurance, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. Fuhrerschein holders must also maintain a high standard of driving, and never drink while operating a vehicle.
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 licence from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, however, you will need to obtain a German driving license to continue driving. You could be fined and suffer other consequences if you do not.
It is recommended to apply for your Fuhrerschein as soon as possible to avoid any issues. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. To complete the process, you will be required to submit a photocopy of your current license and proof of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each state. While laws are made at a national level, individual states interpret them differently. Always check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in the local office of the citizens') to see what the procedure is.
Before you apply, you'll be required to verify that your original licence is valid, and that it was issued by a country that is a member of the EU or EEA or a country with a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You should also have lived in the same country that issued your license for at least the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
Your documents will be examined by your Fuhrerscheinstelle in order to determine if you qualify. Then, you'll be asked to take the Sehtest, a simple vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards required for safe driving. If necessary, you can use corrective lenses to pass the test.
If you pass the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application was approved. Keep this document, as you will need to present it when picking up your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document will contain a confirmation of your license fees of approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
It is not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. We can make the process as simple as we can by guiding you through the process step-by-step and helping you gather the required documentation. Additionally, we can assist you with the German driving tests if required. For more information about our services Contact us. 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'll eventually have to exchange your license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein. echten deutschen führerschein kaufen 's more complex than just swapping your international driver's license for a German driver's license, because you'll need to pass the theory and driving tests here (or at least attempt). It is still possible.
Enrolling at a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step to upgrading your Fuhrerschein into a full driving license. They will help you with your paperwork and guide through the theory and practical driving lessons. You will also need to have your car insured, and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed all these steps, you will receive a letter that confirms that your application was successful. This document is known as Bescheinigung, and you should keep it until you receive your new license in the post.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you'll need to go to your local driving license office to finish the final stage of the procedure. You'll need to bring your Fuhrerschein along with a photo and a proof of identification as well as any other relevant documents.
You will receive your new driving license within four weeks after you have submitted your application. 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 want to wait. This will save you time, but it's not cheap and the quality of your licence will differ.
You're technically able to get away with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll have issues if you're pulled over by a police officer. Additionally, you'll probably need to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to remain in Germany for longer than six months, you should obtain your German driving license as soon as possible. And the best way to get it is to follow this thorough step-by-step guide.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA license to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driver's licence from a country that is part of 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 are planning to stay longer than this, or if your driving licence is expired, you will have to exchange it to one that is a German licence. This is a legal requirement and also the only way to renew your driving license following the expiry date of its original. If you have a certificate attesting to your health or vision, an exception may be made. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licenses from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany for example, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, can be transferred without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The process is more complicated for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these situations, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without having to undergo an entire driving education and testing.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's licence to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving licensing office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process for converting licenses may differ depending on the federal state. To learn more about the requirements in your area, it is best to contact or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll need to submit evidence of your identity, a photo and an original driving licence along with a completed certificate that confirms your good eyesight and health. You will also need to pay the relevant fees. It is advisable to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at the very least before your foreign driving licence expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein in time for that date. It is suggested that you keep your old driving license until you get your new one. It can be used for identification purposes.