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 any tests.
The process for exchanging licenses is the same in all federal states (Lander). You'll need a formal letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your licence and passport photos. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a document that grants the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly respected document that demonstrates not only the ability of driving but also independence, freedom and responsibility. It's not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein but it's essential for anyone who wants to live and work Germany.
The rules and requirements of a Fuhrerschein differ based on the type of applicant and the individual. Applicants must have an active driving license from their country of origin or a different country that has reciprocity with Germany. If you are exchanging your driving license, you do not have to pass either the written test or a test of the practical.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for those who have committed serious criminal or traffic offenses. In these instances, your driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to get it back until a certain period of time has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
To ensure that all drivers keep their safety and that of others on the road in mind, there are also many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also rules for Fuhrerschein holders, such as a minimum level of insurance, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, and the ban on using electronic devices when driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to an excellent standard of driving and not drink and operate a vehicle.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and are moving to Germany, it is important to know that your driving permit from your home country will remain valid in Germany for a period of up to six months. But, after that you must obtain an German license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other penalties if not.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein immediately to avoid problems. link home can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city where you reside in. You'll need proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license and other documents to complete the procedure.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state. While laws are formulated at an international level, different states interpret them in a different way. 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 have to confirm that your original license is valid, and that it was issued by a country that is part of the EU or EEA or a country with a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. Additionally, you must reside in the country that issued your licence for at least 185 consecutive days.
The documents you submit will be reviewed by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine if you are eligible. Then, you will be asked to take a Sehtest. This is a quick test of vision that verifies your eyesight meets minimum standards for a safe driver. If needed, you may use corrective lenses to pass the test.
After passing the Sehtest and passed the Sehtest, you will receive a Bescheinigung from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application was accepted. This document is vital since you'll require it to get your new German license. Within 2-3 weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes a confirmation and invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is approximately EUR35. After this fee is paid and received, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
It is not an easy process to get a Fuhrerschein and you'll need time. We can make the process as easy as we can by providing a step-by-step guide and assisting you in obtaining the necessary documentation. We can also help with the German driving tests if needed. For more information on 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, you will need to exchange your international driver's license for a Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just changing your international license to the German driver's licence, as you'll need to take both the driving and theory tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It is, however, possible.
Enrolling in a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step to changing your Fuhrerschein to an official driving license. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical instruction and assist you with the documentation. You will also need to have your car insured and it's a great idea to attend a few additional driving lessons to get used to.
After you've completed each step, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application has been successful. This document is known as Bescheinigung, and you should keep this until you receive your new license in the post.
You can complete the last step by visiting the local office for your driving license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein, a photograph and a form of identification together with any other relevant documents.
You will receive your new driving permit in the mail approximately four weeks after having applied. Once it's in your mailbox you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a fee to get your licence printed at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. It will cut down on time, but the quality will be different.
You can drive in Germany with an international license until January 2022. However, you'll be in trouble if arrested by the police. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to staying in Germany for longer than 6 months, it's best to obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. And the most effective way to do this is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's license was issued by a country located in the EU or the EEA, which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway You are able to use it for a period of up to six months after moving to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this or if your driving licence is due to expire, you will need to exchange it for the German licence. This is both legally required and also the only way to renew your license after its original expiry date. If you have documents attesting your good health or eyesight, an exception may be granted. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany, such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the need to pass a theory or practical test. It is more difficult for drivers who do not have an agreement that is reciprocal with Germany. However even in this scenario, it is possible to pass all the steps required without having to undergo the entire testing and training procedure.
To convert your driving licence from another country to a Fuhrerschein one, you must submit an application and all the required documents to the local driving licensing office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for converting licenses can differ from state to federal state. To find out more about the requirements for your region, it is best to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll be required to provide proof of your identity as well as an official driver's license as well as a certificate proving your health and vision. You'll also need to pay the applicable fees. It is advisable to apply for the transfer as early as you can, and at least well before your foreign driving license expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein prior to that date. It is recommended to also keep your old driving licence until you receive your new licence because it could be useful to prove your identity.