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 any test.
The process of exchanging a licence is largely the same in each federal state (Lander). You will need a letter stating the reason for exchanging your licence 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-regarded document that represents not only the capability to drive but also freedom, independence and accountability. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is a complicated process, but it is essential for anyone wanting to work and live in Germany.
The requirements and rules for the Fuhrerschein differ based on the kind of license and the individual. Candidates must have an official driving license from their country of origin or another country with reciprocity to Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you don't require an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you exchange your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for people who have committed serious traffic or criminal violations. In such cases your driving license could be taken away and you won't be able to get it back until a specific period of time (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers are keeping their safety and the safety of other motorists in mind, there are various requirements for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also requirements for Fuhrerschein holders that include a minimum level of insurance as well as the requirement to wear a seatbelt and the prohibition on using electronic devices while driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders to keep a good standard of driving, and to never drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and you are planning to move to Germany It is crucial to be aware that your driving permit from your home country will be valid in the country for a period of up to six months. After six months, you will have to get an German driving license to continue driving. You could be fined and suffer other penalties if not.
blog is advised to apply for your Fuhrerschein right away to avoid any problems. You can apply by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as resident. To complete the process, you'll require a photocopy of your current license as well as evidence of identity.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process for obtaining Fuhrerscheins is different in each federal state (Land) since laws are formulated on an international level, but individual states tend to interpret them differently. To learn more about how things work it is best to contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually within your local citizens office.
Before you apply, you will need to ensure that your original license is valid, and that it was issued by a nation that is a member of the EU / EEA or a country with an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. You will also need to have lived in the country that issued your licence for at least 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle, they will determine if you're eligible for the program by examining your documents. Then, you'll be asked to take a Sehtest which is a straightforward test that checks if your eyesight meets the minimum requirements for safe driving. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if needed.
Once you have passed the Sehtest, you will be issued a Bescheinigung by the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application was accepted. Keep this document, as you will need to present it when picking up your new German licence. Within 2 to 3 weeks, you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes an acknowledgement and invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee and received, you will be able to pick up your new German licence.
Obtaining a Fuhrerschein is not an easy task and will most likely take you some time to complete. We can help make the process as simple as possible for you by providing a step-by-step guide and assisting you in obtaining the necessary documentation. We can also help with the German driving test if needed. For more information about our services Contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and are planning to drive here you'll eventually have to exchange your license in exchange for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than swapping your international driver's license for one that is a German driver's license, because you'll have to pass both the driving and theory tests here (or at least attempt). It's still possible.
Enrolling in a driving class or "Fahrschule" is the first step to upgrading your Fuhrerschein into a full driving licence. They will assist you with the paperwork and guide you through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. You will also need to insure your vehicle and it's a good idea to take some extra driving lessons to practice.
After you have completed these steps, you will be sent a letter to confirm that your application was approved. This document is referred to as a Bescheinigung and you should keep it until the new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you'll need to visit your local driving licensing office to complete the final stage of the process. You will need to present your Fuhrerschein, a photo and a proof of identity as well as any other documents that are relevant.
After you've applied, it will take around four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. Once you receive your new driving licence, you can legally drive in Germany.
If you don't wish to wait for your license to be delivered by mail, you can pay a little extra to have it printed at the Burgeramt. This will save you some time but it's not cheap, and the quality of the license will be different.
You're technically able to get away by driving with an international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll have problems if you're stopped by a cop. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for insurance on your car. If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than six months, it is recommended to get your German driving license as soon as possible. This extensive guide will teach you how to obtain your German driving license.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA license in exchange for an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving license from a nation that is within the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) You can keep it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you intend to stay longer, or if your license is expired, you will have to exchange it for a German license. This is an obligation under the law and the only way to renew your license following the expiry date of its original. If you have a certificate attesting to your health or vision, an exception may be granted. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the need for an exam in theory or practice. It is more difficult for drivers who do not have a reciprocal agreement with Germany. However, even in this case it is possible to complete all the necessary steps without having to pass an entire testing and training procedure.
The first step in changing your foreign driver's licence to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving licence office which is also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure for exchanging your licence can vary by federal state (Land). It is therefore recommended to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the specific requirements in your area.
You must provide proof of your identity along with a photograph and an original driving licence along with a completed certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You will also need to pay the applicable fees. It is best to apply as soon as you can and at least before your driving license from another country expires to ensure you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is advised to keep your old driving licence until you get your new one. This can be used for identification purposes.