Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you have an driver's license from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without having to pass any tests.
The procedure for exchanging licenses is the same in all federal states (Lander). You must submit an explanation in writing of the reason for the exchange of 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 esteemed document that embodies not just the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence, and responsibility that come with it. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is difficult but it is a must for anyone who wants to live and work in Germany.
The requirements and rules for a Fuhrerschein vary depending on the type of license and the person applying for it. Candidates must have an active driving license from their country of origin or a different country with reciprocity to Germany. If you decide to exchange your driving license, you don't need to pass the written test or a practical test.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious criminal or traffic infractions. In these cases, the driving license will be confiscated and you will not be able to obtain it back until a specific time has elapsed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a variety of rules that ensure their safety as well as the safety of other road users. There are also rules for holders of Fuhrerschein which include the requirement for a minimum amount of insurance, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, as well as the ban on using electronic devices when driving. resource for this article must also maintain a high standard of driving, and never drink and operate a vehicle.
If you're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and are moving to Germany it is important to note that your driving permit from your home country may be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, you will need to obtain an German driving license to continue driving. You will be penalized and face other penalties if you do not.
It is recommended to apply for your Fuhrerschein right away to avoid issues. You can apply by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as a resident. To complete the process, you'll need to provide a photocopy your current license and proof of identity.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process for getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each state. While laws are set at the national level, individuals states interpret them differently. It is recommended to always consult your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle which is usually located within your local citizens' office) to find out how things work.
Before you apply, you'll need to ensure that your original license is valid and it was issued by a country that is a member of the EU / EEA or a country with an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have lived in the same country that issued your licence for a minimum of the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you are eligible. Then, you will be asked to take the Sehtest. It is a straightforward test of vision that verifies your eyesight is up to the minimum standards for a safe driver. If needed, you may make use of corrective lenses to pass the test.
If you pass the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle an acknowledgement that your application was accepted. This document is vital since you'll require it to get your new German license. Within 2 to 3 weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes a confirmation and invoice for your licence fee of around EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
Obtaining a Fuhrerschein is not a simple process, and it will most likely take you some time to complete. However, we can help to make it as simple as possible by providing the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in gathering the required documents. We can also help with the German driving test, if required. Please contact us for more information about our services. We would love to hear from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you intend to drive in Germany, you will need to exchange your international driver's license to a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than just swapping your existing international driver's license for one German one, because you'll need to pass the driving test and theory here (or at the very least, attempt). It is, however, feasible.
The process to upgrade 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 will also need to have your car insured and it's a great idea to take a few extra driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed all these steps, you'll receive a letter that confirms that your application was approved. The document is referred to as Bescheinigung, and you should keep this until you receive your new license in the post.
You are able to complete the final step of the process by visiting the local office for your driving license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You will also need to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other relevant documents.
Once you've completed your application after submitting your application, it'll take about four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. Once it's in your mailbox you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a small fee to have your licence produced at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. It will speed up the process however the quality of the license will be different.
You can drive in Germany with an international license until January 2022. However, you'll encounter problems if stopped by the police. Additionally, you'll probably need to pay a lot more in car insurance. If you plan to stay in Germany for more than six months, you must get your German driving license as soon as you can. This extensive guide will teach you how to get your German driving licence.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA licence for a German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving license from a country 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 are planning to stay longer than this or if your driving licence is expired, you will have to exchange it to a German licence. This is an obligation of law and the only method to renew your license beyond the expiry date of your original license. If you have a certificate attesting to your good health or eyesight the possibility of an exception could be made. For more information, call your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, such as Australia and Canada, or the USA could be transferred to Germany without a theory test or practical test. The process is more complex for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, but even in these instances, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without undergoing an entire driving education and testing.
To convert your foreign driving licence to Fuhrerschein, or a Fuhrerschein to be eligible, you need to complete an application and submit all required documents to the local driving licence office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process of converting licenses may differ depending on the federal state. It is therefore advisable to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the specific requirements in your region.
You'll need to submit evidence of your identity, a photo and a valid driving licence as well as a completed certificate that confirms your good health and vision. You'll also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is advisable to apply for the transfer as early as you can and at a minimum, well before your foreign driving licence expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein prior to that time. It is also recommended to keep your old licence until you get your new license since it could be useful to prove your identity.