Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you are a holder of a driver's license from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without any tests.
The process for exchanging a license is generally identical in every federal state (Lander). You must submit a letter explaining the reason for exchanging your passport and license. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that not only demonstrates the capability to drive but also freedom, independence and accountability. It's not an easy process to obtain an Fuhrerschein, however it's essential for everyone who wants to reside and work in Germany.
The specific rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein vary depending on the type of license and applicant. 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. If you decide to exchange your driving license, you do not have to pass either a written test or a test of the practical.
It is also important to note that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by people who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal violations. In these instances, your driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to get it back until a specific period of time has passed (called the Sperrfrist).
To ensure that all drivers have their safety as well as the safety of other motorists in mind, there are many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also requirements for holders of Fuhrerschein that include a minimum level of insurance, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, as well as the ban on using electronic devices while driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders, to maintain an excellent standard of driving and never drink and drive.
If you are a resident of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is important to be aware that your driving permit from your home country may be used in Germany for up to 6 months. However, after that point you will have to obtain a German license in order to continue driving. You will be penalized and face other penalties if not.
To avoid these issues, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you can. You can apply by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as a resident. To complete the process, you will need to provide a photocopy your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process for getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state. While laws are made at a national level, individual states interpret them differently. Always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in your local citizens' office) to learn more about what the procedure is.
Before you apply, you'll be required to verify that the original licence you obtained is valid, and that it was issued by a nation that is a member of the EU or EEA or a country that has a a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You should 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 examined by your Fuhrerscheinstelle in order to determine if you qualify. Then, you'll be asked to take an Sehtest which is a basic vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards required for safe driving. If needed, you may opt for corrective lenses to pass the test.
After passing eu führerschein kaufen erfahrungen will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application was accepted. This document is vital since you'll require it to pick up your new German license. Within 2 to 3 weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid, which contains an acknowledgment and an invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is approximately EUR35. Once this is paid you can collect your new German license.
It is not an easy process to get a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. We can make the process as simple as it can be for you by guiding you through the process step-by-step and helping you gather the required documentation. In addition, we can help with the German driving test if you need it. For more information about our services we invite you to contact us. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you are planning to drive in Germany it is necessary to swap your international driver's license for a Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just swapping your international license for a German driver's license, because you'll need to take both the driving and theory tests here (or at least attempt). It is still possible.
Enrolling in a driving class or "Fahrschule" is the first step to changing your Fuhrerschein to a full driving license. They will assist you with your paperwork and guide through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. It is also necessary to get your vehicle insured and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons to practice.
When you have finished all of these steps you'll receive a letter informing you that your application was successful. The document is known as a Bescheinigung and you should keep it until the new license is delivered to you.
You can complete the final step by visiting the office of your local driver's license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You will need to present your Fuhrerschein, a photograph and a proof of identification, along with any other documents that are relevant.
After you've applied, it will take around four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. Once it's in your mailbox, you can begin to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't wish to wait for your licence to arrive in the mail You could pay a little more to have it printed at the Burgeramt. This will help you save time however it's not cheap and the quality of the licence will be different.
You are able to drive in Germany with an international license until January 2022. However, you'll be in trouble if pulled over by the police. In addition, you'll likely 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 should get your German driving license as soon as possible. And the best way to get it is by following this comprehensive step-by-step instruction.
How do I convert my driving licence from the EU/EEA to a German Fuhrerschein?
If you hold a driver's license from a country within the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), you can keep it for up to six months after your move to Germany. If you intend to stay longer, or if your license has expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German licence. This is legally required and the only method to renew your driving licence following the expiry date of its original. If you have documents attesting your eyesight or health or eyesight, an exception can be made. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the requirement of the passing of a practical or theory test. The process is more difficult for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these situations, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without undergoing a full driving training and testing procedure.
To convert your driving licence from another country into Fuhrerschein, or a Fuhrerschein one, you must complete an application and submit all required documents to the local driving licence office (also called Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for exchanging licenses can differ from state to federal state. It is therefore advised to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more details about the specific requirements for your particular area.
You will need to provide proof of identity, a photo and an original driving licence and a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also have to pay the applicable fees. It is recommended to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at the very least before your driving license from another country expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein in time for that date. It is recommended to keep your old license until you get your new license, as it can be useful to identify yourself.