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 any tests.
The procedure for exchanging a licence is largely the same in each federal state (Lander). You'll need a letter stating the reason for exchanging your license and passport photographs. Web Site 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 ability of driving, but also independence, freedom and accountability. It's a long and difficult process to obtain an Fuhrerschein, however it's essential for anyone who wishes to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements of the Fuhrerschein differ based on the type of applicant and the individual. In general, applicants must be over the age of 18 and possess a valid driver's license from their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you don't require the written or practical driving test when you exchange your license.
It is also important to know that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by people who have committed serious traffic violations or criminal violations. In these instances your driving license could be taken away and you won't be able to retrieve it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers have 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 that include a minimum level of insurance and the requirement to wear a seatbelt, as well as the prohibition on using electronic devices when driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to a high standard of driving, and never drink while operating a vehicle.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and you are planning to move to Germany, it is important to know that your driving permit from your home country will remain valid in the country for up to 6 months. However, after that point, you will need to obtain a German license in order to continue driving. You will be penalized and face other penalties if you do not.
It is advised to apply for your Fuhrerschein right away to avoid issues. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city where you reside. You'll need proof of your identity, a copy of your current license, as well as other documents to complete the procedure.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is different in each state (Land), as laws are set at an international level, but individual states tend to interpret them differently. To find out the procedure it is best to contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually located in the local office of your citizens.
Before you apply, you'll have to confirm 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 a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You will also need to have resided in the country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will verify that you are eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. Then you will take an Sehtest which is a straightforward test that checks if your eyesight meets the minimum requirements for safe driving. You can also use corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application was accepted. This document is crucial since you'll require it to get your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document contains the confirmation of the license fee, which is approximately EUR35. Once you have paid your fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
It's not an easy task to get a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. However, we can make it as smooth as possible by providing the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you with completing the required documents. We can also help with the German driving test if necessary. Contact us for more information about our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you intend to drive in Germany you'll need to swap your international driver's license for the German Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than just swapping your international driver's license to one that is a German one, because you'll need to pass the theory test and the driving test here (or at the very least, attempt). It's still possible.
Enrolling at a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards upgrading your Fuhrerschein into an official driving license. They will guide you through your theory and practical instruction and assist you with the documentation. You'll also need to secure your vehicle and take extra driving lessons to practice.
Once you've completed each step you'll receive a letter confirming that your application has been successful. This document is called Bescheinigung, and you should keep it until your new license is received in the post.
You can complete the last step by visiting the office of your local driver's license once you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll also have to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other documents that are required.
After you've submitted your application and received your application, it takes about four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. Once it's there you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't want wait for your license to arrive in the mail You can pay a little extra to have it made at the Burgeramt. It will cut down on time however the quality of the license will be different.
You can drive in Germany with an international license until January 2022. However, you'll encounter problems if stopped by the police. You'll also have to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to staying in Germany for longer than 6 months, it's best to get your German driving license as soon as you can. The best way to do that is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's 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 a period of up to six months after you move to Germany. If you plan to stay longer or if your license has expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German licence. This is a legal requirement and the only way to renew your license after the date of expiration. Some exceptions can be made in the event that you have proof that prove your good eyesight and health. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licenses issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, like Australia and Canada or the USA could be transferred to Germany without having to pass a theory or practical test. The process is more complicated for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to complete the necessary steps without having to undergo the entire driving instruction and testing procedure.
To convert your foreign driving licence into Fuhrerschein, you must first apply for a Fuhrerschein one, you must submit an application along with all necessary documents to the local driving licence office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process for converting a licence can differ by federal state. To learn more about the requirements in your area it is best to contact or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll be required to provide evidence of your identity, a valid driver's license, as well as a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay any applicable fees. It is best to apply as early as you can and at a minimum before your foreign driving license expires to ensure that you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is recommended to also keep your old licence until you receive your new licence because it could be useful for identification purposes.