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 process for exchanging licenses is similar to all federal states (Lander). You'll need to submit a letter explaining the reason to exchange your passport and license. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving permit that grants people the legal authority to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that symbolizes not only the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence and responsibility that comes with it. It's a long and difficult process to get an Fuhrerschein, however it's essential for anyone who wants to reside and work in Germany.
The specific rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ based on the kind of license and the individual. Candidates must have an official driving license from their country of origin or another country that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you do not need to pass a written or practical driving test when you change your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for people who have committed serious traffic or criminal violations. In these instances, your driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to get it back until a particular time period has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a variety of conditions that guarantee their safety and the safety 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. Fuhrerschein holders must also maintain an excellent standard of driving and not drink or operate a motor vehicle.
If you're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is important to remember that your driving license from your home country may be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After that, however, you will need to get a German license to continue driving. You could be fined and suffer other penalties if you do not.
It is recommended to apply for your Fuhrerschein right away to avoid any problems. You can do this by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city where you are registered as a resident. To complete the process, you will need to provide a photocopy your current license as well as proof of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each federal state. While laws are made at an international level, different states interpret them differently. To find out the procedure you must always get in touch with your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually located in the local office of your citizens.
Before you apply, you'll need to ensure that your original licence is valid, and that it was issued by a nation which is part of the EU / EEA or a country that has a an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have lived in the country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 days.
The documents you submit will be reviewed by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine if you are eligible. Then, you'll take the Sehtest which is a straightforward vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards for safe driving. You can also use corrective glasses to pass the test if necessary.
If you pass the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application has been accepted. This document is vital because you'll need it to obtain your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2-3 weeks. This document will contain a confirmation of the license fee that is around EUR35. After you have paid the fee you can collect your new German licence.
It's not an easy task to obtain a Fuhrerschein, and you will need some time. However, we can help to make it as simple as possible by providing an easy-to-follow guide and helping you in gathering the required documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test if you need it. Contact us for more information on our services. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you are planning to drive in Germany, you will need to swap your international driver's license to one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than changing your international license to the German driver's license, because you'll need to take both the driving and theory tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It is, however, feasible.
Enrolling in a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards changing your Fuhrerschein to an official driving license. They will help you with your paperwork and guide through the theory and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to insure your vehicle 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 successful. This document is called Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until your new license is delivered to you.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you can visit your local driver's license office to finish the final step in the procedure. You will also need to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other relevant documents.
Once you've completed your application, it will take around four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. Once you've received it you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a fee to have your license issued at the Burgeramt If you don't want to wait. This will save you some time however it's not cheap, and the quality of the license will be different.
You can technically get away by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll run into issues if you're stopped by a cop. Plus, you'll probably have to pay a lot more in car insurance. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, it's best to obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. This thorough guide will help you understand how to obtain your German driving license.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to a German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driver's license from a nation that is within the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) You can continue to use it for up to six months after your move to Germany. If you plan on staying longer than this or if your driving licence is due to expire you'll need to exchange it to the German licence. This is a legal requirement and also the only way you can renew your license past its original expiry date. Some exceptions can be made if you have certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. For more information, contact the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the need for an exam in theory or practice. The process is more complex for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these instances, it is possible to pass the necessary steps without going through a full driving training and testing.
The first step to convert your foreign driver's license to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving license office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for exchanging licenses may differ depending on the federal state. führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland is therefore recommended to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more about the requirements specific to for your particular area.
You'll need to submit proof of your 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 any applicable fees. It is recommended to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at the very least before your driving license from another country expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein prior to that date. It is advised to keep your old driving license until you get your new one. This can be used for identification to identify you.