Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you hold 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 a license is similar in all states that are federal (Lander). You will need a letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your license and passport photographs. German proficiency is highly recommended, as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein allows you to drive in Germany. It is a highly sought-after document that embodies not just the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence, and accountability that comes with it. It can be an arduous process but it is a must for anyone wanting to live and work in Germany.
The requirements and rules for the Fuhrerschein differ based on the kind of license and the applicant. deutschland für den kauf eines führerscheins must have a valid driving license from their country of origin or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you don't need to pass a written or practical driving test when you change your license.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by people who have committed serious traffic violations or other criminal offenses. 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 are keeping their safety and that of others on the road in mind, there are various requirements for Fuhrerschein holders. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear an appropriate seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders to keep an acceptable standard of driving and not drink and drive.
If you're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and are moving to Germany it is crucial to be aware that your driving permit from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. However, after that point you will have to obtain an German license in order to continue driving. You could be fined and face other penalties if not.
To avoid any issues, it's recommended to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as possible. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. To complete the process, you'll be required to submit a photocopy of your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting Fuhrerscheins differs in each federal state (Land), as laws are formulated on the national level, however states have the tendency to interpret them in different ways. You should always check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle which is usually located within your local citizens' office) to see how things work.
Before you apply, you'll be required to verify that your original licence is valid and that it was issued by a nation that is part of the EU / 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 license for a minimum of 185 consecutive days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you are eligible. You will then be required to take the Sehtest. It is a simple test of vision that verifies your eyesight is up to the minimum standards for a safe driver. If necessary, you can make use of corrective lenses to pass the test.
Once you have passed the Sehtest You will then be issued a Bescheinigung by the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been approved. This document is vital because you'll need it to pick up your new German license. Within a couple of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid, which contains an acknowledgment and an invoice for your license fee of around EUR35. Once you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein isn't a simple process and is likely to take some time to complete. But, we can to make it as easy as possible by providing a step-by-step guide and assisting you in obtaining the necessary documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test if necessary. For more information about our services Contact us. We would love to hear from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you plan to drive in Germany it is necessary to swap your international driver's license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's more complex than just swapping your international driver's license for the German driver's license, since you'll have to pass both the theory and driving tests here (or at least attempt). It is, however, feasible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a full driving licence starts with enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will assist you with your paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. It is also necessary to insure your vehicle and it's a great idea to take a few extra driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed these steps, you'll be sent a letter to confirm that your application was successful. This document is referred to as Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until your new licence arrives in the mail.
You can complete the final step by visiting your local driving license office after you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein, a photograph and a proof of identity as well as any other relevant documents.
You will get your new driving license within four weeks after having applied. Once it's in your mailbox you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a small fee to have your licence produced at the Burgeramt if you don't wish to wait. This will help you save time however it's not cheap and the quality of the license will be different.
You can technically get away by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll face problems if you're stopped by a cop. You'll also need to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning on staying in Germany for more than 6 months, it's recommended to obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. This thorough guide will help you understand how to obtain your German driving licence.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to an German Fuhrerschein?
If your driving licence was issued by a nation located in the EU or the EEA which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, you can usually continue to use it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you plan to stay longer or if your licence has expired, you will have to exchange it for a German license. This is both an obligation under the law and also the only way to renew your driving license following the expiry date of its original. If you have certificates attesting your good health or eyesight the possibility of an exception could be granted. For more information, contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany for example, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, can be transferred without the requirement of an exam in theory or practice. 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 pass all the steps required without having to pass a full driving test and training procedure.
To change your foreign driving license into a Fuhrerschein, you must submit an application and all necessary documents to the local driving licensing office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure for exchanging your licence can vary by federal state (Land). It is therefore advisable to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more about the specific requirements for your particular area.
You will need to provide proof of your identity with a photo, an official driving license and a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay any applicable fees. It is recommended to apply as early as you can and at a minimum before your foreign driving licence expires, to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is suggested that you keep your old driving license until you get your new one. This is for identification to identify you.