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 are able to drive here without any test.
The process for exchanging a licence is largely the same in each federal state (Lander). You will need a letter explaining the reason 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 sought-after document that represents not only the ability to drive, but also the freedom, independence and accountability that comes with it. It can be a difficult process to obtain an Fuhrerschein, however it is essential for anyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The requirements and rules for a Fuhrerschein vary depending on the kind of license and the person applying for it. Generally speaking applicants must be over the age of eighteen and have a valid driver's license from their home country or a different nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you do not have to take an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you change your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious traffic or criminal infractions. In such cases 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 conditions that guarantee their safety as well as the safety of other road users. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear the seat belt at all time, and the ban of using electronic devices while driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to an excellent standard of driving and not drink while operating a vehicle.
If you're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is important to remember that your driving license from your home country can 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 fined and face other penalties if you do not.
To avoid these issues, it is a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein as soon as possible. This can be done by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as resident. To complete the process, you'll need to provide a photocopy your current license and proof of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting Fuhrerscheins is different in each state (Land) because laws are set at a national level but states have the tendency to interpret them differently. To learn more about how things work it is best to contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually located within the local office of your citizens.
You will need to check that your original license is valid and that it was issued in a nation that belongs to the EU/EEA or a nation that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You must also have lived in the country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle, they will determine if you are eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. Then you will take the Sehtest which is a basic test of vision that confirms that your eyesight meets the minimum requirements for safe driving. If necessary, you can opt for corrective lenses to pass the test.
If you pass the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application was approved. Keep this document in mind, as you will need to show it when picking up your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2-3 weeks. This document contains a confirmation of your license fee, which is approximately EUR35. Once you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy process and will most likely take you some time to complete. We can make the process as simple as it can be for you by providing a step-by-step guide and help you gather the required documentation. We can also help with the German driving test if needed. For more information on our services, please contact us. We would love to hear from you.
How do you can try this out upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and are planning to drive here you'll eventually have to exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein. It's a little more complicated than just swapping your existing international driver's license to a German one, because you'll have to take the theory and driving test here (or at least try). It is, however, feasible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a full driving licence starts with enrolling in a "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical classes and assist you with the documentation. You will also need to have your car insured, and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons for practice.
After Web Site have completed all these steps, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application was approved. The document is known as a Bescheinigung and you should 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 process. You will need to present your Fuhrerschein along with a photo and a form of identification, along with any other relevant documents.
You will get your new driving license in the mail approximately four weeks after you've submitted your application. Once you've received it, you can begin to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't want wait for your license to be delivered in the mail You could pay a little more to have it made at the Burgeramt. It will save you time however the quality will be different.
You can drive in Germany with an international license until January 2022. However, you'll be in trouble if stopped by the police. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to stay in Germany for more than six months, it is recommended to get your German driving license as soon as possible. The best way to do that is to follow this thorough step-by-step instruction.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's license was issued by a nation 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 after moving to Germany. If you intend to stay longer than this or when your driving license is due to expire you'll need to exchange it for one that is 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. Some exceptions can be made in the event that you have proof attesting to your good health and eyesight. For more information, call your local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, for example, Australia and Canada, or the USA can be transferred to Germany without the need for a theory test or a practical test. It is more difficult for drivers who don't have an agreement that is reciprocal with Germany. However, even in this case it is possible to complete all the necessary steps without having to undergo an entire driving test and training procedure.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's licence into 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 can differ from state to federal state. To find out more about the requirements in your area it is best to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll be required to provide evidence of your identity, an official driver's license as well as a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You will also need to pay the relevant fees. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible and at a minimum before your foreign driving license expires to ensure you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is recommended to keep your old driving licence until you receive your new licence, as it can be useful for identification purposes.