Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand, then you have full reciprocity with Germany and are able to drive here without any test.
The process for exchanging licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You'll need a formal letter stating the reason for exchanging your licence and passport photos. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a type of driving license that grants people the legal authority to drive vehicles in Germany. It is a highly esteemed document that represents not only the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence and responsibility that come with it. It's a long and difficult process to obtain an Fuhrerschein, however it is essential for anyone who wishes to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein vary depending on the kind of license and the applicant. Generally speaking applicants must be above the age of 18 and possess a valid driver's license from their country of origin or another that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you do not need to pass the written or practical driving test when you change your license.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by those who have committed serious traffic violations or criminal offences. In these cases, your driving license will 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 are keeping their safety and the safety of other motorists in mind, there are also many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. These include a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear a seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to an excellent standard of driving and not drink or operate a motor vehicle.
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country and are planning to move to Germany It is crucial to know that your driving license from your home country will be valid in Germany for up to six months. But, after that you must get an German license to continue driving. Otherwise, you will be subject to penalties and fines.
To avoid such problems, it's recommended to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as you can. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. To complete the process, you will be required to submit a photocopy of your current license and proof of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each state (Land), as laws are set at the national level, however states have the tendency to interpret them in different ways. It is recommended to always consult your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in your local citizens' office) to see what the procedure is.
You will need to check whether your original licence is valid and was issued in a country which is part of the EU/EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have resided in the same country that issued your license for a minimum of the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle in order to determine if you are eligible. You will then be asked to take the Sehtest. This is a straightforward test of your vision that will confirm your eyesight is up to the minimum standards for safe driver. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if necessary.
If you pass the Sehtest and passed the Sehtest, you will be issued a Bescheinigung by the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application was accepted. Keep this document in mind, because you will need to present it when picking up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within a couple of weeks. The document is an acknowledgement of your license fees that is around EUR35. After this fee is paid you can collect your new German licence.
It is not an easy process to get a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. We can make the process as simple as it can be for you by providing a step-bystep guide and assisting you in obtaining the required documents. We can also assist with the German driving test if necessary. For more information about our services we invite you to contact us. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you are planning to drive in Germany it is necessary to exchange your international driver's license to one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than simply swapping your current international driver's license for a German one, because you'll have to take the driving test and theory here (or at the very least, attempt). However, it is feasible.
Enrolling at a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards upgrading your Fuhrerschein into an official driving license. They will help you with the paperwork and guide you through the theoretical and practical driving lessons. It is also necessary to get your vehicle insured, and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons for practice.
Once you've completed each step, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. This document is known as Bescheinigung and you'll need to keep it until you receive your new license in the post.
You can complete the final step by visiting the local office for your driving license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll also need to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other documents that are required.
After you've applied and received your application, it takes about four weeks to get your new driving licence in the mail. After you have received your new driving license, you can legally drive in Germany.
If you don't want to wait for your licence to be delivered by mail You may pay a bit more to have it made at the Burgeramt. This will help you save time however it's not cheap and the quality of the license will differ.
You're technically allowed to drive by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll face problems if you're stopped by a police officer. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for car insurance. If Fuehrerscheinn on staying in Germany for more than six months, it's best to get your German driving licence as soon as you can. And the best way to get it is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step instruction.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If your driving licence was issued by a nation in the EU or the EEA which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway it is possible to use it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you intend to stay for longer or your license is expired, you'll need to exchange it for the German license. This is an obligation of law and the only way you can renew your license beyond the expiry date of your original license. If you have certificates attesting your eyesight or health the possibility of an exception could be granted. For more information, call your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany for example, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the requirement of the passing of a practical or theory test. The process is more complex for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these situations, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without undergoing a full driving training and testing.
The first step to convert your foreign driver's license to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving licence office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure for exchanging your licence varies by federal state (Land). It is therefore advised to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the requirements specific to for your particular area.
You'll be required to provide proof of your identity and an official driver's license as well as a certificate attesting your good health and vision. You will also need to pay the relevant fees. It is best to apply as soon as you can and at least before your driving license from another country expires to ensure that you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is also recommended to keep your old license until you receive your new one since it could be useful to identify yourself.