Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand You have full reciprocity with Germany and are able to drive in Germany without any test.
The process for exchanging a license is generally the same in each federal state (Lander). You'll need a letter stating the reason for exchanging your licence and passport photographs. German is also highly recommended.
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 of driving but also independence, freedom and responsibility. It can be a complicated process but it is a must for anyone wanting to live and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein vary depending on the type of license and the individual. In general, applicants must be over the age of 18 and possess an active driver's license from their country of origin or another that has reciprocity with Germany. When you exchange your driving license, you don't need to pass the written test or a practical test.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for those who have committed serious criminal or traffic violations. In these cases, your driving license will be confiscated and you will not be able to obtain it back until a specific period of time has passed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of conditions that guarantee their safety and that of other road users. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear a seat belt at all times, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. It is also essential for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain a good standard of driving and not drink and drive.
If you're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is important to note that your driving licence from your home country may be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, you'll need to obtain a German driving license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other penalties if you do not.
To avoid these issues, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as you can. You can do this by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as a resident. You will need to provide proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license and other documents to complete the procedure.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for obtaining Fuhrerscheins is different in each federal state (Land) because laws are formulated on a national level but individual states tend to interpret them in different ways. To find out the procedure it is best to contact your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually within the local office of your citizens.
You must ensure whether your original license is valid and was issued in a nation which is part of the EU/EEA or a country with a reciprocal agreement with Germany. You should also have lived in the same country that issued your licence for a minimum of the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle, they will check that you are eligible to apply by examining your documents. Then, you'll be asked to take the Sehtest, a simple vision test which verifies that your eyesight meets the minimum standards required for safe driving. If you are required, you can use corrective lenses to pass the test.
If you pass the Sehtest and passed the Sehtest, you will receive a notification from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been approved. Keep this document in mind, as you will need to show it when you get your new German licence. Within 2 to 3 weeks, you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes a confirmation and invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is around EUR35. Once this is paid, you can pick up your new German license.
It's not an easy task to get 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 assisting you in obtaining the required documents. We can also help with the German driving test if necessary. Please contact us for more details on our services. We would love to hear 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 to the German Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just swapping your international driver's license for one that is a German driver's license, since you'll need to take both the driving and theory tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It's still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein to a fully-fledged driving license begins with registering in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theory and practical lessons and help you with the paperwork. You'll also need to insure your car and take extra driving lessons to improve your skills.
Once you have completed all these steps, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application was approved. This document is called a Bescheinigung and you should keep it until the new license arrives in the mail.
You can complete the last step of the process by visiting the office of your local driver's license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll 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 receive your new driving license in the mail. Once it's in your mailbox you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't want to wait for your license to be delivered by mail, you could pay a little more to have it produced at the Burgeramt. führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland will help you save time, but it's not cheap and the quality of the licence will be different.
You are able to drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you will have problems if you are arrested by the police. 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, you should obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. This thorough guide will help you understand how to get your German driving license.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you hold 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 intend to stay longer, or if your licence has expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German licence. This is legally required and the only way to renew your license past its original expiry date. There are exceptions in the event that you have proof that prove your good eyesight and health. For more information, contact your local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany, such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable without the requirement of an exam in theory or practice. The process is more complex for drivers who come from countries that do not have this arrangement, but even in these instances, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without having to undergo the entire driving instruction and testing procedure.
To convert your driving licence from another country to Fuhrerschein, you must first apply for a Fuhrerschein, you must submit an application along with all necessary documents to the local driving license office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure for exchanging your licence can vary by federal state (Land). It is therefore advisable to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the requirements specific to in your area.
You must provide proof of identity, a photo and an official driving license along with a completed certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You will also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is best to apply as soon as possible and at a minimum before your driving license from another country expires, to ensure that you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is recommended to also keep your old license until you receive your new one because it could be useful to prove your identity.