Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand and New Zealand, then you are granted full reciprocity with Germany and can drive here without any test.
The procedure for exchanging a license is generally the same in each federal state (Lander). You'll need to submit an explanation of the reasons to exchange your passport and license. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that embodies not just the ability to drive, but also the freedom, independence, and responsibility that come with it. It's not an easy process to get a Fuhrerschein, but it's essential for anyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. Generally speaking, applicants must be over the age of eighteen and have an active driver's license from their country of origin or another that has reciprocity with Germany. If you are exchanging your driving license, you don't have to take either a written test or a practical test.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious traffic or criminal violations. In these cases your driving license will be revoked and you will not be able to get it back until a specific time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a number of rules that ensure their safety and that of other road users. There are also stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders, such as a minimum level of insurance, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, and the prohibition on using electronic devices while driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to a high standard of driving and not drink or operate a motor vehicle.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country and are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to know that your driving permit from your home country will remain valid in Germany for up to 6 months. After that, however, you will need to get a German license to continue driving. Otherwise, you will be subject to penalties and fines.
To avoid any problems, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as possible. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. To complete the process, you'll be required to submit a photocopy of 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 formulated at a national level, individual states interpret them differently. To find out what the process is, you should always contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually within your local citizens office.
Before you apply, you will need to ensure that the original licence you obtained is valid and that it was issued by a country that 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 same country that issued your license for at least 180 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will verify that you are eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. You will then be asked to take an Sehtest. This is a straightforward test of your vision that will confirm your eyesight meets minimum standards for safe driver. If necessary, you can use corrective lenses to pass the test.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle an acknowledgement that your application was accepted. Keep this document because you will need to show it when picking up your new German licence. Within führerschein kaufen erfahrungen of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid which includes a confirmation and invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is around EUR35. Once this is paid you can collect your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't a simple process, and it will most likely take you some time to complete. We can make the process as easy as we can by providing a step-bystep guide and help you gather the required documentation. We can also assist with the German driving tests if needed. For more information on our services we invite you to contact us. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you plan to drive in Germany it is necessary to exchange your international driver's license to a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than swapping your international license for the German driver's license, because you'll have to pass both the driving and theory tests here (or at least attempt). It's still possible.
Enrolling in a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards upgrading your Fuhrerschein into a full driving licence. They will guide you through your theory and practical lessons and help you with the paperwork. You will also need to insure your vehicle and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons for practice.
When you have finished each step, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application has been successful. This document is referred to as a Bescheinigung and you should keep it until the new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you'll need to visit your local driving licensing office to complete the final step of the process. You will need to present your Fuhrerschein along with a photo and a form of identification together with any other relevant documents.
You will receive your new driving license in the mail around four weeks after you've submitted your application. Once you receive your new driving licence, you can legally drive in Germany.
You can pay a small fee to have your licence produced at the Burgeramt If you don't want to wait. It will speed up the process however the quality will be different.
You can drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you'll encounter problems if arrested by the police. Plus, you'll probably have to pay a lot more for insurance for your car. If you're planning to stay in Germany for longer than six months, you must get your German driving license as soon as you can. And the most effective way to do this is to follow this thorough step-by-step instruction.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to 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 for up to six months after your move to Germany. If you intend to stay longer, or if your license is expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German license. This is an obligation of law and the only way to renew your licence beyond its original expiry date. If you have a certificate attesting to your health or vision or eyesight, an exception can be granted. For more information, contact your local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, such as Australia and Canada or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without having to pass a theory or practical test. The process is more complicated for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, however even in these instances, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without undergoing the entire driving instruction and testing procedure.
To convert your foreign driving licence to a Fuhrerschein, you must submit an application and all necessary documents to the local driving licensing office (also called Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for transferring your license can differ based on the federal state (Land). It is therefore advised to call ahead or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the requirements specific to for your particular area.
You'll be required to submit proof of your identity as well as valid driver's license along with a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay the appropriate fees. It is recommended to apply for the transfer as early as possible, and at least well before your foreign driving licence expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein before that time. It is recommended that you keep your old driving licence until you get your new one. It is for identification purposes.