Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you are a holder of a driver's licence from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without having to pass any tests.
The procedure for exchanging licenses is the same in all federal states (Lander). You'll need to submit an explanation in writing of the reason to exchange 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 respected document that demonstrates not only the ability of driving, but also independence, freedom and responsibility. Obtaining a Fuhrerschein can be difficult but it is a must for anyone wanting to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ based on the type of license and the applicant. Generally speaking applicants must be over the age of 18 and possess an active 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 don't have to take either an exam in writing or a test of the practical.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for those who have committed serious traffic or criminal infractions. In these cases, your driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to get it back until a particular time period has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a number of stipulations that ensure their safety as well as the safety of other road users. There are also stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders that include an insurance minimum as well as the requirement to wear a seatbelt, as well as the prohibition on using electronic devices while driving. The holders of a driver's license must also keep an excellent standard of driving and not drink and operate a vehicle.
If you're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is important to remember that your driving license from your home country may be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, you'll need to obtain an German driving license to continue driving. You will be fined and suffer other consequences if you do not.
To avoid any issues, it is recommended to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as you can. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city where you reside. To complete the process, you will be required to submit a photocopy of your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each state. While laws are formulated at the national level, individuals states interpret them differently. Always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in the local office of the citizens') to see what the procedure is.
Before you apply, you will need to ensure that the original licence you obtained is valid and that it was issued by a country which is part of the EU or EEA or a country that has a an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have resided in the same country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle, they will check that you're eligible for the program by scrutinizing your documents. Then you will take an Sehtest which is a straightforward vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driving. If you are required, you can use corrective lenses to pass the test.
After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application was approved. This document is crucial, as you'll need it to pick up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document contains the confirmation of the license fee of approximately EUR35. Once you have paid the fee, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't a simple process, and it will most likely take you some time to complete. We can make the process as simple as we can by providing a step-bystep guide and helping you gather the required documents. We can also assist you with the German driving test if necessary. For more information about our services, please contact us. We look forward hearing from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and plan to drive here in the future, you'll need to swap your license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than just swapping your international driver's license to a German one, as you will need to take the driving test and theory here (or at least attempt). It's still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein to a full driving licence starts with enrolling in a "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will assist you with the paperwork and guide you through the theoretical and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to have your car insured and it's a great idea to attend a few additional driving lessons for practice.
After you've completed all of these steps, you'll receive a letter informing you that your application has been successful. This document is called Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until the new license 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'll also need to bring your Fuhrerschein along with any other relevant documents.
You will receive your new driving license within four weeks after you've applied. Once you've received it you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't want wait for your license to arrive in the mail You could pay a little more to have it produced at the Burgeramt. This will save you time, but it's not cheap, and the quality of your licence will be different.
You can technically get away with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022, but after that you'll run into problems if you're stopped by a cop. Plus, you'll probably have to pay more in insurance for your vehicle. If you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, you should obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. This thorough guide will help you understand how to obtain your German driving license.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driver's licence from a country that is part of the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), you can continue to use it up to six months following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this or when your driving license has expired, however, you will need to exchange it to a German licence. This is legally required and the only way you can renew your license beyond the expiry date of your original license. If you have certificates attesting your eyesight or health or eyesight, an exception can be granted. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable without the requirement of an exam in theory or practice. It is more difficult for drivers who don't have a reciprocal agreement with Germany. However in this situation, it is possible to pass all the steps required without the need to take an entire testing and training procedure.
führerschein kaufen in deutschland in converting your driver's license from another country to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the required documents to your local driving licence office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process of converting 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 find out more about the specific requirements in your region.
You'll need to submit proof of your identity as well as an official driver's license and a medical certificate attesting your good health and vision. You'll also have to pay the relevant fees. It is advised to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at a minimum, well before your driving license from another country expires, so that you can receive your Fuhrerschein before that date. It is recommended to also keep your old driving licence until you receive your new one since it could be useful to identify yourself.