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 having to pass any tests.
The procedure for exchanging licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You must submit a letter explaining the reason for exchanging your passport and licence. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein allows you to drive in Germany. It is a highly-regarded document that not only demonstrates the ability to drive but also freedom, independence and accountability. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is an arduous process but it is a must for anyone wanting to live and work in Germany.
The specific rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein vary depending on the type of license and the individual. Applicants must have an official driving license from their country of origin or a different country that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you don't require the written or practical driving test when you exchange your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for those who have committed serious traffic or criminal offenses. In these cases, the driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to obtain it back until a particular time period has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a number of rules that ensure their safety as well as that of other road users. These include a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear an appropriate seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. The holders of a driver's license must also keep an excellent standard of driving, and never drink and operate a vehicle.
If you are a citizen 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 six months. But, after that you will have to get a German license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other consequences if you do not.
It is advised to apply for your Fuhrerschein as soon as possible in order to avoid any problems. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. To complete the process, you'll require a photocopy of your current license as well as proof of identity.
How do I apply for an Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for obtaining a Fuhrerschein differs in each federal state. While laws are made at the national level, individuals states interpret them differently. You should always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within your local Citizens' Office) to find out what the procedure is.
Before you apply, you'll have to confirm that your original license is valid and it was issued by a country that is a member of the EU / EEA or a country that has a a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have resided in the same country that issued your licence for at least 185 consecutive days.
Your documents will be examined by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you are eligible. Then, you will be asked to take an Sehtest. This is a quick test of vision that verifies your eyesight is up to the minimum standards for a safe driver. If you are required, you can use corrective lenses to pass the test.
If you pass the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle an acknowledgement that your application was approved. This document is important, as you'll need it to pick up your new German license. Within 2 to 3 weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes an acknowledgment and an invoice for your license fee of approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
Obtaining a Fuhrerschein is not an easy process, and it will most likely take you some time to complete. However, we can make it as smooth as possible by giving you a a step-by-step guide and assisting you with completing the required documents. We can also assist with the German driving test if needed. For more information on our services Contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and plan to drive here, you will eventually need to exchange your license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than just swapping your existing international driver's license for a German one, because you will need to take the driving test and theory here (or at the very least, attempt). But it is still feasible.
Enrolling in a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards making your Fuhrerschein a full driving license. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical lessons and help you with the paperwork. You'll also have to insure your car and take additional driving lessons to improve your skills.
Once you have completed all these steps, you will receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. This document is called Bescheinigung and you'll need to keep this until your new license arrives in the post.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you'll need to visit your local driving licensing office to finish the final step in the procedure. You'll need to bring your Fuhrerschein, a photograph and a form of identification, along with any other relevant documents.
After you've applied after submitting your application, it'll take about four weeks to get your new driving licence in the mail. Once you've received it you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a fee to have your license issued at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. It will speed up the process however the quality will be different.
You can drive in Germany with an international license until January 2022. However, you'll be in trouble if arrested by the police. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for car insurance. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than 6 months, it's recommended to obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. This comprehensive guide will show you how to obtain your German driving license.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA license in exchange for an German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's license was issued by a country 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 after moving to Germany. If you intend to stay longer, or if your licence has expired, you'll need to exchange it for the German license. This is both a legal requirement and also the only method to renew your driving licence following the expiry date of its original. If you have a certificate attesting to your eyesight or health or eyesight, an exception can be granted. For more information, contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that 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 complicated for drivers who come from countries that do not have this arrangement, but even in these situations, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without going through a full driving training and testing.
The first step to convert your foreign driver's licence into a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the required documents to your local driving license office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for transferring your license can differ based on the federal state (Land). It is therefore recommended to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more about the requirements specific to in your area.
You'll be required to submit evidence of your identity, an official driver's license as well as a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay the appropriate fees. It is advisable to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at the very least before your driving license from another country expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein before that date. führerschein kaufen in deutschland is recommended to keep your old licence until you receive your new licence since it could be useful to prove your identity.