Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand, then you have full reciprocity with Germany and can drive here without having to pass any tests.
The procedure to exchange licenses is similar to all federal states (Lander). You must submit an explanation of the reasons 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 right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that not only demonstrates the ability of driving but also freedom, independence and accountability. It's not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein, but it is essential for anyone who wants to reside and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein vary based on the type of applicant and the individual. In general applicants must be above the age of 18 and have an active driver's license from their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you do not require the written or practical driving test when you exchange your license.
It is also important to note that a Fuhrerschein can't be used by people who have committed serious traffic violations or criminal offences. In these instances your driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to retrieve it until a certain period of time (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers are keeping their safety and that of the other road users in mind, there are also many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders that include the requirement for a minimum amount of insurance as well as the requirement to wear a seatbelt, and the ban on using electronic devices when driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders to keep an acceptable standard of driving and not drink and drive.
If you are a resident of an EU country or EEA and are moving to Germany it is important to remember that your driving permit from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After that, however, you will need to get a German license to continue driving. You will be fined and face other consequences if you do not.
To avoid any problems, it's 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're registered as a resident. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a copy of your current license as well as other documents to complete the process.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for obtaining a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state (Land) since laws are formulated on an international level, but individual states tend to interpret them in different ways. It is recommended to always consult the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in your local citizens' office) to learn more about what the procedure is.
Before you apply, you'll need to ensure that your original licence is valid and that it was issued by a nation that is a member of the EU / EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You will also need to have resided in the country that issued your licence for at least 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you're eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. You will then be asked to take the Sehtest. It is a simple test of vision that confirms your eyesight is up to the minimum standards for safe driver. If necessary, you can use corrective lenses to pass the test.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application was approved. This document is vital because you'll need it to pick up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document contains an acknowledgement of your license fee, which is approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee and received, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't a simple process and will most likely take you some time to complete. But, we can to make it as simple as possible by giving you a the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in gathering the required documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test, if required. For more information on our services Contact us. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you are planning to drive in Germany it is necessary to swap your international driver's license for the German Fuhrerschein. It's a little more complicated than just swapping your existing international driver's license to one that is a German one, since you will need to take the theory and driving test here (or at least try). It is still possible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a full driving license begins with registering in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will assist you with your paperwork and guide you through the theoretical and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to secure your vehicle and take additional driving lessons to practice.
When you have finished each step, you'll receive a letter informing you that your application has been successful. This document is called a Bescheinigung and you should keep it until your new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you will need to visit your local driver's license office to complete the final stage of the process. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein, a photo and a proof of identification together with any other documents that are relevant.
After you've submitted your application, it will take around four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. When you receive your new driving license you are legally able to drive in Germany.
If you don't want to wait for your licence to arrive in the mail You may pay a bit more to have it made at the Burgeramt. It will cut down on time, but the quality will be different.
fuhrerschein-kaufen-ohne-vorkasse can technically get away by driving with an international license in Germany until January 2022, but after that you'll run into issues if you're stopped by a police officer. You'll also need to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to remain in Germany for more than six months, you must obtain your German driving license as soon as possible. This thorough guide will help you understand how to obtain your German driving license.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to an German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's licence 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 up to six months following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than that or when your driving license is due to expire, you will have to exchange it to a German licence. This is a legal requirement and also the only way to renew your licence beyond the expiry date of your original license. If you have certificates attesting your health or vision, an exception may be made. Contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the requirement of an exam in theory or practice. The process is more difficult for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, but even in these cases it is possible to pass the necessary steps without going through an entire driving education and testing.
The first step in changing your foreign driver's licence to a Fuhrerschein is to fill out an application form and the required documents to your local driving licensing office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process of converting licenses may differ depending on the federal state. To find out more about the requirements in your area, it is best to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll need to show evidence of your identity, an official driver's license as well as a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You will also have to pay any applicable fees. It is advised to apply for the transfer as soon as possible and at the very least before your foreign driving license expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein prior to that date. It is recommended that you keep your old driving license until you get your new one. This is for identification purposes.