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 can drive here without taking any tests.
The procedure for exchanging a license is similar in every federal state (Lander). You'll need to submit an explanation of the reasons for exchanging your passport and license. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly respected document that demonstrates not only the capability to drive but also freedom, independence and accountability. It can be difficult but it is a must for anyone wanting to live and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements of the Fuhrerschein vary based on the type and individual. The applicant must possess an active driving license from their country of origin or a different country with reciprocity to Germany. When you exchange your driving license, you don't have to take either the written test or a practical test.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for those who have committed serious criminal or traffic infractions. In these instances your driving license will be revoked and you won't be able to return it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers have their safety as well as the safety of other motorists in mind, there are numerous stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also führerschein ohne prüfung legal for holders of Fuhrerschein, such as an insurance minimum, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, as well as the prohibition 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 are a resident of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to remember that your driving permit from your home country may be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, however, you will require a German driving license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other consequences if you do not.
To avoid these problems, it's best to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as possible. This can be done by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city where you are registered as a resident. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license as well as other documents to complete the process.
How do I apply for an Fuhrerschein?
The process of obtaining Fuhrerscheins differs in each federal state (Land) since laws are set on the national level, however individual states tend to interpret them differently. To find out the procedure it is best to contact your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually located within the local office of your citizens.
You must ensure whether your original license is valid and that it was issued in a nation that belongs to the EU/EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You will also need to have lived in the country that issued your licence for at least 185 days.
Your documents will be examined by your Fuhrerscheinstelle in order to determine if you are eligible. führerschein kaufen 400 euro will then be required to take the Sehtest. It is a quick test of vision that verifies your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for a safe driver. You can also use corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
After passing the Sehtest, you will be issued a Bescheinigung by the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application was accepted. Keep this document in mind, because you will need to show it when picking up your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2-3 weeks. This document contains the confirmation of your license fees, which is approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
It's not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. However, we can make it as smooth as possible by giving you a an easy-to-follow guide and helping you with completing the required documents. We can also assist with the German driving test, if required. For more information about our services, please contact us. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and are planning to drive here you'll eventually have to exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than simply swapping your current international driver's license to one that is a German one, because you'll have to take the theory and driving test here (or at least attempt). It's still possible.
Enrolling in a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step to upgrading your Fuhrerschein into a full driving licence. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to insure your car and attend additional driving lessons to practice.
Once you have completed all these steps, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application was approved. This document is known as Bescheinigung and you'll need to keep this until your new license arrives in the mail.
You can complete the last step by visiting the local office for your driving license once you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll also have to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other documents that are required.
You will get your new driving license within four weeks after having completed the application. Once it's there you'll be able to legally 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. It will save you time however the quality of the license 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 issues if you're pulled over by a police officer. In addition, you'll likely have to pay more in car insurance. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, you should obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. The best way to get it is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA license to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving licence from a country that is part of the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) you are able to continue to use it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this or when your driving license is due to expire, you will have to exchange it for one that is a German licence. This is an obligation under the law and the only method to renew your driving licence following the expiry date of its original. Exceptions may be made when you have a certificate attesting to your good health and eyesight. For more information, contact the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries which have reciprocal agreements, for example, Australia and Canada, or the USA can be transferred to Germany without a theory test or practical test. The process is more difficult for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to pass the necessary steps without undergoing the entire driving instruction and testing procedure.
The first step in changing your foreign driver's licence to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the required documents to your local driving license office which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for exchanging licenses may differ depending on the federal state. To learn more about the requirements in your area it is recommended to contact or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You will be required to show proof of your identity as well as a valid driver's license, as well as a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You will also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is recommended to apply for the transfer as soon as possible and at a minimum, well before your foreign driving license expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein in time for that time. It is recommended to keep your old licence until you get your new license since it could be useful to prove your identity.