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 in Germany without having to pass any tests.
The process for exchanging licenses is similar to all federal states (Lander). You'll need to submit an explanation in writing of the reason for exchanging your passport and licence. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives 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 responsibility that comes with it. It can be a complicated process, but it is essential for anyone who wants to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements of a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. Generally speaking, applicants must be over the age of 18 and possess a valid driver's license from their home country or a different nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you do not need to pass an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you exchange your license.
It is also important to note that a Fuhrerschein cannot be used by people who have committed serious traffic violations or committed criminal offenses. In such cases, your driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to retrieve it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of conditions that guarantee their safety and that of other road users. There are also stipulations for wie kann ich meinen führerschein kaufen of Fuhrerschein, such as a minimum level of insurance and the requirement to wear a seatbelt, as well as the prohibition on using electronic devices while driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to a high standard of driving and not drink and operate a vehicle.
If you're a resident of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to remember that your driving permit from your home country may be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, you'll have to get an German driving license to continue driving. Otherwise, you will be liable to penalties and fines.
To avoid these problems, it's best to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as you can. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. 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 Fuhrerscheins is different in each federal state (Land) because laws are set on the national level, however individual states tend to interpret them in different ways. You should always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within your local Citizens' Office) to see what the procedure is.
Before you apply, you'll be required to verify that your original license is valid and it was issued by a nation which is part of the EU or EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have resided 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 determine if you're eligible to apply by looking over your documents. Then, you'll take the Sehtest which is a straightforward test that checks if your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards for safe driving. If needed, you may use 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, since you will have to present it when you pick up your new German license. Within a couple of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid which includes an acknowledgment and an invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is around EUR35. Once you have paid the fee, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
It's not an easy process to get a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by providing an easy-to-follow guide and helping you with completing the required documents. We can also assist with the German driving tests if required. Please contact us for more details on our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and plan to drive here you'll eventually have to swap your license for the Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than just swapping your international driver's license to one that is a German one, since you'll have to take the driving test and theory here (or at least attempt). However, it is feasible.
Enrolling in a driving class or "Fahrschule" is the first step to upgrading your Fuhrerschein into an official driving license. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical lessons and help you with the documentation. You'll also need to get your vehicle insured and it's a great idea to take some extra driving lessons for practice.
After you have completed all these steps, you'll be sent a letter to confirm that your application was successful. This document is known as Bescheinigung, and you must keep this until you receive your new license in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you will need to visit your local driver's license office to complete the final step in the procedure. You'll also have to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other documents that are required.
Once you've completed your application, it will take around four weeks to get your new driving licence in the mail. Once you receive your new driving licence you are able to legally drive in Germany.
If you don't want to wait for your license to be delivered by mail or in the mail, you may pay a bit more to have it printed at the Burgeramt. This will save you some time, but it's not cheap, and the quality of the license will differ.
You're technically able to get away by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll run into issues if you're pulled over by a cop. You'll also have to pay more for car insurance. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, you should obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. This comprehensive guide will show you how to get your German driving licence.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's licence was issued by a nation located in the EU or the EEA, which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway it is possible to use it for a period of up to six months following your move to Germany. If you intend to stay longer than this, or when your driving license is due to expire you'll have to exchange it to a German licence. This is a legal requirement and the only way to renew your driving license following the expiry date of its original. Exceptions may be made in the event that you have proof that prove your good health and vision. For more information, contact the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licenses issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, for example, Australia and Canada or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without a theory test or a practical test. The process is more complex for drivers who come from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to pass the necessary steps without going through the entire driving instruction and testing procedure.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's licence into a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the required documents to your local driving licensing office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for transferring your licence can vary by federal state (Land). To find out about the requirements in your area, it is best to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll need to submit evidence of your identity with a photo, a valid driving licence along with a completed certificate attesting to your good health and eyesight. You'll also have to pay the relevant fees. It is best to apply as soon as possible and at least before your foreign driving license expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is advised to keep your old driving license until you receive your new one. This is for identification purposes.