Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you are a holder of an driver's license from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without any tests.
The process of exchanging a licence is largely identical in every federal state (Lander). You'll need to submit a letter explaining the reason for exchanging your passport and licence. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving license that gives individuals the legal right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that demonstrates not only the ability of driving, but also independence, freedom and accountability. It can be a difficult process to obtain a Fuhrerschein, but it is essential for anyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of license and person applying for it. In general, applicants must be over the age of eighteen and possess an official driver's license issued by their home country or a different nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you do not need to pass a written or practical driving test when you change your license.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein cannot be used by those who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal offences. In these instances, your driving license will be revoked and you will not be able to get it back until a specific time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of rules that ensure their safety and that of other road users. They include a minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear the seat belt at all times, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders to keep a good standard of driving and never drink and drive.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country and are moving to Germany It is crucial to be aware that your driving license from your home country will remain valid in Germany for up to six months. However, after that point you must obtain an German license to continue driving. You will be fined and face other penalties if you do not.
To avoid any problems, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as you can. You can do this by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you're registered as resident. 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 of getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state. While laws are made at an international level, different states interpret them in a different way. you can try this out is recommended to always consult the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in your local Citizens' Office) to learn more about how things work.
You must ensure whether your original license is valid and was issued in a country that is part of the EU/EEA or a nation that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You must also have lived in the same country that issued your licence for at least 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will determine if you're eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. Then, you will be asked to take an Sehtest. This is a simple test of vision that verifies your eyesight meets minimum standards for a safe driver. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if needed.
If you pass the Sehtest and passed the Sehtest, you will be issued a Bescheinigung by the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been approved. This document is crucial because you'll need it to pick up your new German license. Within 2-3 weeks, you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes an acknowledgement and invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can collect your new German license.
It's not an easy task to obtain a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. We can make the process as easy as we can by providing a step-by-step guide and help you gather the required documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test if needed. Contact us for more details on our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you plan to drive in Germany, you will need to change your international driver's licence for the German Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than simply swapping your current international driver's license to a German one, because you'll have to take the theory and driving test here (or at the very least, attempt). But it is still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein to a fully-fledged driving license starts by enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will assist you with your paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. You will also need to insure your vehicle and it's a good idea to take some extra driving lessons to get used to.
Once you've completed each step You'll receive a confirmation letter confirming that your application was successful. This document is referred to as Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until the new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you'll need to visit your local driver's license office to complete the last step in the procedure. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein, a photo and a proof of identification, along with any other relevant documents.
After you've submitted your application after submitting your application, it'll take about four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. Once it's in your mailbox, you can begin to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a fee to get your licence printed at the Burgeramt If you don't want to wait. It will save you time however the quality will be different.
You're technically able to get away by driving with an international license in Germany until January 2022, but after that you'll run into issues if you're pulled over by a cop. You'll also need to pay more for insurance on your car. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than 6 months, it's best to obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. The most effective way to do this is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA license to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's 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 intend to stay longer or if your licence has expired, you'll need to exchange it for a German license. This is legally required and the only method to renew your license beyond the expiry date of your original license. If you have documents attesting your eyesight or health or eyesight, an exception can be granted. Contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licenses issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, like Australia and Canada or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without a theory test or a practical test. It is more difficult for drivers who do not have an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. However, even in this case it is possible to pass all the necessary steps without the need to take an entire testing and training procedure.
To change your foreign driving license to a Fuhrerschein one, you must submit an application and all required documents to the local driving licensing office (also called Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure for exchanging your license can differ based on the federal state (Land). It is therefore advisable to call ahead or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the requirements specific to in your region.
You will be required to submit proof of your identity as well as valid driver's license and a medical certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You will also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is recommended to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at a minimum, well before your foreign driving license expires, so that you can receive your Fuhrerschein before that date. It is also recommended to keep your old license until you receive your new licence because it could be useful for identification purposes.