Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you hold an driver's license from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without having to pass any tests.
The process of exchanging a licence is largely the same in each federal state (Lander). You will need to provide an explanation of the reasons for the exchange of your passport and licence. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving permit that gives individuals the legal right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly-regarded document that represents not only the capability to drive but also independence, freedom and accountability. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is difficult, but it is essential for anyone wanting to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements of a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of applicant and the individual. In general applicants must be above the age of eighteen and possess a valid driver's license from their country of origin or another that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity usually means that you don't need to pass an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you change your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious criminal or traffic offenses. In these cases your driving license will be taken away and you won't be able retrieve it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers are keeping their safety and the safety of the other road users in mind, there are also numerous stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear a seat belt at all times, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. It is also essential for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain an excellent standard of driving and never drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and you are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to know that your driving license from your home country will remain valid in the country for up to six months. After six months, however, you will need to obtain an German driving license to continue driving. You will be fined and suffer other penalties if not.
It is recommended to apply for your Fuhrerschein as soon as possible to avoid problems. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. You will need to provide proof of your identity, a copy 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 state. While laws are made at an international level, different states interpret them differently. To learn more about how things work it is best to contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually within your local Citizens Office.
Before you apply, you will have to confirm that the original licence you obtained is valid and that it was issued by a country that is a member of the EU or EEA or a country with an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. You must also have resided in the country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine if you are eligible. You will then be asked to take an Sehtest. This is a straightforward test of vision that confirms your eyesight meets minimum standards for a safe driver. If needed, you may make use of corrective lenses to pass the test.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application has been accepted. This document is vital, as you'll need it to get your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within a couple of weeks. The document is an acknowledgement of your license fee of approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can pick up your new German licence.
It is not an easy task to get a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. But, we can make it as smooth as possible by providing a step-by-step guide and assisting you with completing the required documents. We can also assist with the German driving test if needed. Please contact us for more information about our services. We would love to hear from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you are planning to drive in Germany you'll need to exchange your international driver's license to the German Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just swapping your international driver's license for one that is a German driver's license, because you'll need to pass the driving and theory tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). But it is still possible.
Enrolling in a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step to upgrading your Fuhrerschein into a full driving license. They will help you with your paperwork and guide through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. You'll also need to get your vehicle insured, and it's a good idea to take some extra driving lessons for practice.
After you have completed all these steps, you will be sent a letter to confirm that your application was approved. This document is referred to as a Bescheinigung and you should keep it until your new licence arrives in the mail.
You are able to complete the final step by visiting your local driving license office after you have received your Bescheinigung. You will also need to bring your Fuhrerschein along with any other documents that are required.
You will get your new driving license in the mail around four weeks after you've applied. After you have received your new driving license you are legally able to drive in Germany.
You can pay a fee to have your licence produced at the Burgeramt if you don't wish to wait. It will speed up the process however the quality will be different.
You're technically allowed to drive by driving with an international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll have issues if you're pulled over by a police officer. Additionally, you'll probably need to pay more in car insurance. If you're planning to remain in Germany for longer than six months, you should get your German driving license as soon as you can. This extensive guide will teach you how to get your German driving license.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA license 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 following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this or the license is due to expire, you will need to exchange it to a German licence. This is an obligation of law and the only way to renew your licence beyond the expiry date of your original license. If you have certificates attesting your eyesight or health, an exception may be made. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany for example, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the need to pass the passing of a practical or theory test. It is more difficult for drivers who do not have an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. However even in this scenario, it is possible to complete all the necessary steps without having to undergo an entire driving test and training process.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's license into a Fuhrerschein is to fill out an application form and the required documents to your local driving licensing office which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure to exchange your licence varies by federal state (Land). To find out about führerschein kaufen 400 euro for your region, it is best to contact or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You must provide evidence of your identity, a photo and a valid driving licence and a certificate attesting to your health and vision. You'll also need to pay the relevant fees. It is advisable to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at a minimum, well before your foreign driving licence expires, so that you can receive your Fuhrerschein prior to the expiration date. It is advised to keep your old driving license until you receive your new one. This is for identification to identify you.