Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you have a driver's licence from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without having to pass any tests.
The process for exchanging licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You will need to provide a letter explaining the reason for exchanging your passport and licence. Web Site is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that demonstrates not only the ability of driving but also freedom, independence and responsibility. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is difficult, but it is essential for those who wish to live and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of applicant and the individual. 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. Reciprocity generally means that you don't have to take a written or practical driving test when you change your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for people who have committed serious criminal or traffic violations. In these instances your driving license will be revoked and you won't be able retrieve it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a variety of stipulations that ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear a seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain a good standard of driving and not drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU country or EEA and are moving to Germany it is important to note that your driving license from your home country may be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, you will need to obtain a German driving license to continue driving. If you do not, you could be penalized with penalties, fines and other sanctions.
To avoid any issues, it's best to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as possible. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a copy of your current license, and other documents to complete the process.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process for obtaining Fuhrerscheins differs in each state (Land), as laws are set at an international level, but states interpret them in different ways. To find out how things work it is best to contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually located in your local Citizens Office.
You must confirm that your original license is valid and that it was issued in a country that is part of the EU/EEA, or a country that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You must also have lived in the same country that issued your license for at least 180 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you're eligible to apply by examining your documents. You will then be asked to take the Sehtest. This is a straightforward test of your vision that will confirm your eyesight meets minimum standards for a safe driver. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if necessary.
Once you have passed the Sehtest You will then receive a notification from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application was accepted. Keep this document since you will have to show it when picking up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2-3 weeks. The document is the confirmation of your license fees, which is approximately EUR35. Once this is paid, you can pick up your new German licence.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy task and will most likely take you some time to complete. We can make the process as simple as it can be for you by guiding you through the process step-by-step and assisting you in obtaining the required documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test, if required. Please contact us for more details on our services. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you are planning to drive in Germany, you will need to change your international driver's licence for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a little more complicated than simply swapping your current international driver's license for one that is a German one, since you will need to take the theory and driving test here (or at the very least, attempt). However, it is possible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a full driving licence starts with enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. You'll also have to insure your car and take additional driving lessons to practice.
Once you've completed each step you'll receive a letter informing you that your application has been successful. This document is known as Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until you receive your new license in the post.
You can complete the final step in the process by visiting the office of your local driver's license once you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll also need to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other relevant documents.
Once you've completed your application, it will take around four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. Once you receive your new driving license, you can legally drive in Germany.
You can pay a fee to get your licence printed at the Burgeramt If you don't want to wait. It will speed up the process, but the quality will be different.
You can drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you'll be in trouble if arrested by the police. In addition, you'll likely have to pay more in insurance for your car. If you plan to stay in Germany for more than six months, you must obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. The best way to do that is to follow this thorough step-by-step instruction.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's licence was issued by a nation 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 than that or when your driving license has expired, however, you will need to exchange it to one that is a German licence. This is an obligation of law and the only method to renew your licence beyond the date of expiration. If you have a certificate attesting to your eyesight or health the possibility of an exception could be made. For more information, contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licenses from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany for example, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable without the requirement of a theory or practical test. The process is more complicated for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, but even in these cases it is possible to complete the necessary steps without undergoing an entire driving education and testing procedure.
The first step to convert your foreign driver's licence to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the required documents to your local driving licensing office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for exchanging a licence can differ by federal state. It is therefore advisable to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the specific requirements in your region.
You will be required to provide proof of your identity and valid driver's license as well as a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay the applicable fees. It is best to apply as soon as you can and preferably before your driving license from another country expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is recommended that you keep your old driving license until you get your new one. It is for identification purposes.