Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you hold an 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 a license is similar in every federal state (Lander). You'll need to submit an explanation of the reasons to exchange your passport and license. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly respected document that not only demonstrates the ability of driving, but also freedom, independence and accountability. It's not an easy process to obtain an Fuhrerschein, however it's essential for everyone who wants to reside and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements of the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of applicant and the individual. The applicant must possess an official driving license from their country of origin or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. If you are exchanging your driving license, you do not have to pass either a written test or a test of the practical.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for people who have committed serious traffic or criminal violations. In these instances your driving license could be taken away and you won't be able to return it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a variety of conditions that guarantee their safety as well as the safety of other road users. They include a minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear an appropriate seat belt at all times, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. Fuhrerschein holders must also maintain an excellent standard of driving, and never drink or operate a motor vehicle.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and are moving to Germany, it is important to be aware that your driving permit from your home country will remain valid in Germany for up to six months. After six months, however, you will need to obtain an German driving license to continue driving. You could be fined and face other penalties if not.
It is recommended to apply for your Fuhrerschein right away to avoid problems. You can do this by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as resident. To complete the process, you will require a photocopy of your current license as well as proof of identity.
How do I apply for an Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting Fuhrerscheins is different in each federal state (Land) since laws are set on a national level but states have the tendency to interpret them differently. Always check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within your local citizens' office) to find out how things work.
You will need to check whether your original license is valid and was issued in a country which is part of the EU/EEA or a nation with a reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You should also have lived in the same country that issued your license for at least 180 consecutive days.
When deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle, they will check that you're eligible for the program by looking over your documents. Then, you'll take an Sehtest, a simple test of vision that confirms that your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driving. If needed, you may make use of corrective lenses to pass the test.
If you pass the Sehtest, you will receive a Bescheinigung from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been approved. Keep this document, since you will have to show it when picking up your new German license. Within 2-3 weeks, you will receive an Abgabensbescheid which includes an acknowledgment and an invoice for your licence fee of approximately EUR35. Once you have paid your fee, you can collect your new German license.
It is not an easy process to get a Fuhrerschein and you'll need time. We can help make the process as simple as it can be for you by providing a step-by-step guide and helping you gather the required documentation. We can also assist with the German driving test if you need it. Contact us for more information about our services. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you are planning to drive in Germany it is necessary to change your international driver's licence to the German Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than simply swapping your current international driver's license to one that is a German one, since you will need to take the theory and driving test here (or at least attempt). However, it is possible.
Enrolling in a driving class or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards changing your Fuhrerschein to an official driving license. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical classes and assist you with the formalities. You'll also have to insure your vehicle and take additional driving lessons to practice.
Once you've completed all of these steps, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application has been successful. The document is known as a Bescheinigung and you should keep it until your new licence arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you can go to your local driving license office to finish the final step of the process. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein, a photo and a proof of identification together with any other relevant documents.
Once you've completed your application after submitting your application, it'll take about four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. Once you've received it you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't want to wait for your licence to be delivered in the mail You could pay a little more to have it printed at the Burgeramt. It will cut down on time however the quality will be different.
You can technically get away with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll run into issues if you're pulled over by a cop. In addition, you'll likely have to pay a lot more in car insurance. If you're planning to remain in Germany for longer than six months, you should obtain your German driving license as soon as possible. The best way to do that is by following this comprehensive step-by-step instruction.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA licence in exchange for a German Fuhrerschein?
If you hold a driver's license from a country within the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), you can keep it for up to six months after your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this, or when your driving license has expired, however you'll need to exchange it to one that is a German licence. This is both legally required as well as the only method to renew your driving licence after the date of expiration. Some exceptions can be made if you have certificates attesting to your good eyesight and health. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, such as Australia and Canada, or the USA can be transferred to Germany without a theory test or a practical test. It is more difficult for drivers who don't have an agreement that is reciprocal with Germany. However, even in this case it is possible to complete all the necessary steps without having to undergo an entire driving test and training process.
The first step to convert your driver's license from another country to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the required documents to your local driving license office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure to exchange your licence varies by federal state (Land). It is therefore advisable to call ahead or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more details about the specific requirements in your region.
You'll need to submit evidence of your identity along with a photograph and a valid driving licence and a certificate attesting to your eyesight and health. You'll also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is best to apply as soon as you can and preferably before your foreign driving licence expires, to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is recommended to keep your old license until you receive your new licence since it could be useful to prove your identity.