Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you have a driver's license from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without any tests.
The procedure for exchanging a license is generally the same in each federal state (Lander). You'll need to submit an explanation in writing of the reason for exchanging your passport and license. German proficiency is highly recommended, as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein allows you to drive in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that demonstrates not only the capability to drive, but also freedom, independence and accountability. It can be a difficult process to get a Fuhrerschein, but it is essential for anyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. Applicants must have an active driving license from their country of origin or a different country with reciprocity to Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you don't need to pass an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you change your license.
It is also important to note that a Fuhrerschein cannot be used by those who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal offences. In these cases your driving license will be revoked and you will not be able to return it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of conditions that guarantee their safety and the safety of other road users. These include a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear the seat belt at all times, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain a good standard of driving, and to 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 be aware that your driving license from your home country will remain valid in the country for a period of up to six months. After that, however you will have to obtain a German license in order to continue driving. If you don't, you could be penalized with penalties and fines.
To avoid such issues, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as possible. This can be done by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as resident. You will need to provide proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license and other documents to complete the procedure.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each state. While laws are made at a national level, individual states interpret them differently. You should always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within your local Citizens' Office) to see what the procedure is.
Before you apply, you will be required to verify 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 exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany. Additionally, you must have lived in the country that issued your license for at least 185 days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you're eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. Then, you will be asked to take a Sehtest. This is a simple test of vision that confirms your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driver. If führerschein kaufen legal , you can opt for corrective lenses to pass the test.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle an acknowledgement that your application has been accepted. Keep this document, because you will need to present it when you get your new German license. Within a couple of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes a confirmation and invoice for your license fee of around EUR35. Once you have paid the fee, you can collect your new German license.
It is not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. However, we can help to make it as easy as possible by giving you a an easy-to-follow guide and helping you in obtaining the necessary documents. We can also assist you with the German driving tests if required. For more information about our services Contact us. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and are planning to drive here you'll eventually have to swap your license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than just swapping your international driver's license to one that is a German one, because you'll need to pass the theory and driving test here (or at least try). It is, however, possible.
Enrolling at a driving school 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 theoretical and practical driving lessons. You'll also have to secure your vehicle and take additional driving lessons to improve your skills.
After you've completed all of these steps you'll receive a letter informing you that your application was successful. The document is referred to as Bescheinigung, and you should keep it until your new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you can visit your local driver's license office to finish the final step in the process. You'll also need to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other documents that are required.
After you've applied and received your application, it takes about four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. When you receive your new driving licence you are legally able to drive in Germany.
You may pay a small amount to get your licence printed at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. This will help you save time, but it's not cheap, and the quality of your licence will differ.
You can technically get away by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll have problems if you're stopped by a police officer. Plus, you'll probably have to pay more for insurance for your vehicle. If you're planning to staying in Germany for more than 6 months, you should get your German driving licence as soon as you can. The most effective way to do this is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA licence in exchange for an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have 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 following your move to Germany. If you intend to stay for longer or your licence has expired, you'll need to exchange it for a German license. This is legally required and also the only way to renew your driving license following the expiry date of its original. Exceptions may be made when you have a certificate attesting to your health and vision. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany for example, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable 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, but even in these situations, it is possible to pass the necessary steps without undergoing a full driving training and testing.
To convert your foreign driving licence to a Fuhrerschein, you must complete an application and submit all necessary documents to the local driving license office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure for exchanging your license can differ based on the federal state (Land). It is therefore advisable to call ahead or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more about the specific requirements for your particular area.
You'll need to provide proof of your identity and an official driver's license and a medical certificate proving your health and vision. You'll also need to pay the relevant fees. It is recommended to apply as soon as you can and at a minimum before your driving license from another country expires to ensure you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is suggested that you keep your old driving licence until you get your new one. It is for identification purposes.