Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand You have full reciprocity with Germany and can drive here without any test.
The procedure for exchanging a license is generally the same in each federal state (Lander). You must submit a letter explaining the reason for the exchange of your passport and licence. German proficiency is highly recommended, as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a type of driving license that gives individuals 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 comes with it. It's not an easy process to get an Fuhrerschein, however it's essential for everyone who wishes to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of applicant and the individual. Generally speaking applicants must be above the age of 18 and have an active driver's license from their home country or a different nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you do not need to pass an exam for driving proficiency or a written test when you change your license.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein can't be used by people who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or criminal offences. In these instances your driving license could be taken away and you will not be able to return it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers are keeping their safety as well as the safety of other motorists in mind, there are also various requirements for Fuhrerschein holders. These include a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear an appropriate seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. It is also essential for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain a good standard of driving and never drink and drive.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country and are moving to Germany, it is important to know that your driving license from your home country will remain valid in the country for up to six months. But, after that, you will need to obtain a German license to continue driving. Otherwise, führerschein legal kaufen will be subject to penalties, fines and other sanctions.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein as soon as possible to avoid issues. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city where you reside in. To complete the process, you will need to provide a photocopy your current license as well as proof of identity.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each state. While laws are set at the national level, individuals states interpret them in a different way. You should always check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in your local Citizens' Office) to see how things work.
You must confirm whether your original license is valid and that it was issued in a nation which is part of the EU/EEA, or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You must also have lived in the same country that issued your licence for at least the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle, they will verify that you are eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. You will then be required to take a Sehtest. It is a quick test of your vision that will confirm your eyesight meets minimum standards for safe driver. If you are required, you can use corrective lenses to pass the test.
After passing the Sehtest You will then be issued a Bescheinigung by the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application was accepted. Keep this document in mind, as you will need to present it when you pick up your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2-3 weeks. The document is the confirmation of the license fee of approximately EUR35. Once you have paid your fee, you can collect your new German license.
It's not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. We can make the process as simple as we can by guiding you through the process step-by-step and assisting you in obtaining the required documents. We can also help with the German driving test if you need it. Please contact us for more information about our services. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you intend to drive in Germany it is necessary to swap your international driver's license for a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more complicated than changing your international license to one that is a German driver's license, because you'll need to take both the theory and driving tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It is still possible.
The process to upgrade 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 through the theory and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to secure your vehicle and take extra driving lessons to practice.
After you've completed each step You'll receive a confirmation letter informing you that your application was successful. The document is referred to as Bescheinigung, and you should keep this until you receive your new license in the mail.
You can complete the last step in the process by visiting the office of your local driver's license once you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein along with a photo and a form of identification as well as any other documents that are relevant.
Once you've completed your application after submitting your application, it'll take about four weeks to get your new driving licence in the mail. Once it's in your mailbox you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't wish to wait for your licence to be delivered in the mail, you could pay a little more to have it produced at the Burgeramt. This will save you time but it's not cheap, and the quality of your licence will be different.
You're technically allowed to drive with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll face issues if you're pulled over by a cop. Plus, you'll probably have to pay a lot more for car insurance. If you're planning to stay in Germany for more than six months, you must get your German driving license as soon as possible. The most effective way to do this is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step instruction.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to an German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's license was issued by a nation in the EU or the EEA, which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway You are able to use it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this, or if your driving licence is expired, you will have to exchange it to one that is a German licence. This is legally required and the only way to renew your driving licence after its original expiry date. If you have a certificate attesting to your good health or eyesight or eyesight, an exception can be granted. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licenses from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable without the requirement of a theory or practical test. It is more difficult for drivers who don't have a reciprocal agreement with Germany. However, even in this case it is possible to pass all the steps required without having to undergo an entire testing and training procedure.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's licence to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving licensing office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for exchanging a licence can differ by federal state. It is therefore advisable to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more about the requirements specific to in your area.
You will need to provide evidence of your identity, a photo and an original driving licence along with a completed certificate attesting to your good health and eyesight. You'll also need to pay the relevant fees. It is recommended to apply as early as you can and preferably before your foreign driving licence expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is recommended that you keep your old driving licence until you receive your new one. This is for identification purposes.