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 taking any tests.
visit here to exchange licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your licence and passport photographs. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a type of driving license that grants individuals the legal right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly-regarded document that represents not only the ability to drive, but also independence, freedom and responsibility. It's a long and difficult process to obtain an Fuhrerschein, however it's essential for everyone who wants to live and work Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. The applicant must possess an official driving license from their country of origin or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you do not have to take the written or practical driving test when you exchange your license.
It is also important to know that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by those who have committed serious traffic violations or other criminal offenses. In these cases your driving license will be revoked and you won't be able to retrieve it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of rules that ensure their safety as well as the safety of other road users. These include a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear an appropriate seat belt at all time, and the ban of using electronic devices while driving. The holders of a driver's license must also keep an excellent standard of driving, and never drink or operate a motor vehicle.
If you're a resident of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is crucial 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 a German driving license to continue driving. Otherwise, you will be subject to penalties, fines and other sanctions.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein immediately in order to avoid any issues. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. To complete the process, you will need to provide a photocopy your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting Fuhrerscheins differs in each federal state (Land), as laws are set on a national level but individual states tend to interpret them differently. To find out the procedure, you should always contact your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually within your local Citizens Office.
Before you apply, you will need to ensure that your original licence is valid and it was issued by a nation which is part of the EU / EEA or a country with a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have resided in the same country that issued your license for at least the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you are eligible to apply by looking over your documents. You will then be asked to take the Sehtest. It is a straightforward test of vision that confirms your eyesight is up to the minimum standards for safe driver. You can wear corrective glasses to pass the test if necessary.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application has been accepted. Keep this document, as you will need to show it when you pick up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document will contain the confirmation of the license fee that is around EUR35. Once this is paid you can collect your new German license.
It is not an easy task to get a Fuhrerschein and you'll need time. However, we can to make it as simple as possible by providing the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in gathering the required documentation. We can also assist with the German driving test if necessary. Contact us for more information about our services. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and intend to drive in Germany you'll eventually have to exchange your license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just swapping your international license for the German driver's licence, as you'll need to take both the driving and theory tests here (or at least attempt). It's still possible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a fully-fledged driving license starts by enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theory and practical lessons and help you with the paperwork. It is also necessary to have your car insured, and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons to get used to.
Once you have completed all these steps, you will receive a letter that confirms that your application was successful. This document is called Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until the new license is delivered to you.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you'll need to go to your local driving license office to complete the final stage of the process. You will also need to bring your Fuhrerschein along with any other relevant documents.
Once you've completed your application and received your application, it takes about four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. After you have received your new driving license you are able to legally drive in Germany.
You may pay a small amount to have your license issued at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. It will speed up the process, but the quality will be different.
You're technically able to get away with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll face issues if you're pulled over by a police officer. You'll also need to pay more for insurance on your car. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, you should obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. This comprehensive guide will show you how to obtain your German driving licence.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA licence in exchange for an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving license from a nation that is within 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 are planning to stay longer than that or if your driving licence has expired, however, you will have to exchange it for the German licence. This is an obligation of law and the only method to renew your license past the expiry date of your original license. If you have certificates attesting your good health or eyesight, an exception may be granted. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany for example, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable without the requirement of a theory or practical test. It is more difficult for drivers who do not have an agreement that is reciprocal with Germany. However in this situation, it is possible to pass all the necessary steps without having to pass a full driving test and training procedure.
The first step to convert your foreign driver's licence to a Fuhrerschein is to fill out an application form and the required documents to your local driving license office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for exchanging licenses may differ depending on the federal state. It is therefore advisable to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the requirements specific to for your particular area.
You will be required to provide evidence of your identity, a valid driver's license, along with a certificate attesting your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay the appropriate fees. It is best to apply as soon as possible and at a minimum before your foreign driving licence expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is recommended to keep your old license until you receive your new one since it could be useful to identify yourself.