Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand, then you have full reciprocity with Germany and are able to drive here without any test.
The procedure for exchanging licenses is the same in all federal states (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining why you are exchanging your licence and passport photos. German proficiency is highly recommended, as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a document that grants 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. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is difficult, but it is essential for anyone who wants to live and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements of the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. Candidates must have an official driving license from their country of origin or a different country that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you do not have to take a written or practical driving test when you exchange your license.
führerschein kaufen in deutschland is also important to note that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by those who have committed serious traffic violations or other criminal offences. In these instances, your driving license will be confiscated and you will not be able to get it back until a specific period of time has passed (called the Sperrfrist).
To ensure that all drivers keep their safety as well as the safety of others on the road in mind, there are many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also requirements for holders of Fuhrerschein, such as an insurance minimum, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, as well as the ban on using electronic devices while driving. The holders of a driver's license must also keep a high standard of driving, and not drink and operate a vehicle.
If you are a resident of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is important to be aware that your driving licence from your home country can be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, however, you will require a German driving license to continue driving. If you don't, you could be penalized with fines and other consequences.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein right away to avoid any problems. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. You'll need proof of your identity, a copy of your current license, and other documents to complete the process.
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 in a different way. To find out what the process is it is best to contact your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually located in the local office of your citizens.
Before you apply, you will have to confirm that the original licence you obtained is valid and it was issued by a nation that is a member of the EU / EEA or a country that has a a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You will also need to have resided 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 an Sehtest. It is a simple test of your vision that will confirm your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driver. If needed, you may opt for corrective lenses to pass the test.
After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application was approved. Keep this document as you will need to present it when picking up your new German license. Within a couple of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid which includes a confirmation and invoice for your license fee of approximately EUR35. Once this is paid and received, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
Obtaining a Fuhrerschein is not an easy process, and it is likely to take some time to complete. We can help make the process as simple as possible for you by guiding you through the process step-by-step and assisting you in obtaining the required documents. Additionally, we can assist with the German driving tests if needed. Please contact us for more information on our services. We look forward hearing from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and are planning to drive here in the future, you'll need to swap your license for a Fuhrerschein. It's a little more complicated than simply swapping your current international driver's license for one that is a German one, because you will need to take the driving test and theory here (or at the very least, attempt). It's still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein into a full driving license begins with registering in a "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical lessons and help you with the documentation. You'll also need to insure your car and take extra driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed all these steps, you will receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. This document is known as Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until your new license arrives in the mail.
You can complete the final step of the process by visiting the local office for your driving license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein, a photo and a proof of identification, along with any other relevant documents.
After you've applied and received your application, it takes about four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. Once it's there, you can begin to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a small fee to have your licence produced at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. This will save you time however it's not cheap, and the quality of your licence will differ.
You're technically able to get away by driving with an international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll run into issues if you're stopped by a cop. In addition, you'll likely have to pay a lot more in insurance for your car. If you plan to stay in Germany for more than six months, you must get your German driving license as soon as you can. And the best way to do that is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's licence was issued by a country within 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 following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this, or the license is expired, you will have to exchange it for one that is a German licence. This is a legal requirement as well as the only method to renew your driving license after its original expiry date. If you have a certificate attesting to your eyesight or health or eyesight, an exception can be made. For more information, call the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licenses from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany, such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, can be transferred without the requirement of an exam in theory or practice. The process is more difficult for drivers who come from countries that do not have this arrangement, but even in these cases it is possible to complete the necessary steps without undergoing an entire driving education and testing procedure.
To change your foreign driving license into Fuhrerschein, you must first apply for a Fuhrerschein, you must complete an application and submit all required documents to the local driving licence office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for converting licenses can differ from state to federal state. It is therefore recommended to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the requirements specific to in your region.
You will be required to submit evidence of your identity, a valid driver's license, as well as a certificate proving your health and vision. You'll also have to pay any applicable fees. It is best to apply as soon as possible and preferably before your foreign driving license expires, to ensure that you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is recommended that you keep your old driving license until you receive your new one. It can be used for identification purposes.