Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you are a holder of a driver's licence from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without any test.
The procedure to exchange licenses is similar to all states that are federal (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your passport and license photographs. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving permit that grants people the legal authority to drive vehicles in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that represents not only the ability to drive but also freedom, independence and accountability. It can be a difficult process to obtain a Fuhrerschein but it's essential for everyone who wishes to live and work Germany.
The specific rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the kind of license and the individual. Generally speaking applicants must be over the age of 18 and possess an official driver's license issued by their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. When you exchange your driving license, you don't have to pass either an exam in writing or a test of the practical.
It is also important to note that a Fuhrerschein cannot be used by individuals who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or criminal offences. In these cases, the driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to get it back until a specific time period has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of rules that ensure their safety as well as the safety of other road users. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear a seat belt at all times, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders to keep a good standard of driving and never drink and drive.
If you are a resident of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is important to note that your driving permit from your home country can be used in Germany for up to six months. However, after that point you will have to get a German license to continue driving. You will be penalized and face other penalties if not.
To avoid such issues, it's a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as you can. You can do this by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you're registered as a resident. To complete the process, you will need to provide a photocopy your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each state. While laws are made at the national level, individuals states interpret them differently. Always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle which is usually located within your local Citizens' Office) to find out how things work.
Before you apply, you'll be required to verify that the original licence you obtained is valid and that it was issued by a nation which is part of the EU or EEA or a country that has a a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You will also need to reside in the country that issued your license for at least 185 days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you qualify. You will then be asked to take the Sehtest. It is a straightforward test of your vision that will confirm your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for a safe driver. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application has been accepted. This document is crucial since you'll require it to obtain your new German license. Within a couple of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid, which contains an acknowledgement and invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is approximately EUR35. Once you have paid your fee, you can collect your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy process and is likely to take some time to complete. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by providing an easy-to-follow guide and helping you in gathering the required documents. Additionally, we can assist with the German driving tests if required. Please contact us for more information about our services. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you plan to drive in Germany it is necessary to exchange your international driver's license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a little more complicated than just swapping your existing international driver's license to a German one, because you'll have to take the theory and driving test here (or at the very least, attempt). It's still possible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein into a full driving licence starts with enrolling in a "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical classes and assist you with the paperwork. You will also need to have your car insured and it's a good idea to take some extra driving lessons for practice.
When you have finished all of these steps, you'll receive a letter that informs you that your application has been successful. This document is called Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until your new licence is delivered to you.
You can complete the last step of the process by visiting the office of your local driver's license once you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll also have to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other relevant documents.
You will receive your new driving license in the mail approximately four weeks after you have completed the application. Once you receive your new driving license you are legally able to drive in Germany.
You can pay a fee to get your licence printed at the Burgeramt if you don't wish to wait. It will cut down on time however the quality will be different.
You are able to drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you'll be in trouble if stopped by the police. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for car insurance. If führerschein kaufen deutschland planning to stay in Germany for longer than six months, you should obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. This comprehensive guide will show you how to get your German driving licence.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA licence in exchange for an German Fuhrerschein?
If you hold a driver's licence from a country that is part of the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) you are able to continue to use it up to six months following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this, or when your driving license has expired, however, you will need to exchange it to one that is a German licence. This is a legal requirement and also the only way you can renew your license beyond the expiry date of your original license. If you have a certificate attesting to your health or vision or eyesight, an exception can be granted. Contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licences issued by countries which have reciprocal agreements, such as Australia and Canada or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without having to pass a theory or practical test. The process is more difficult for drivers who come from countries that do not have this arrangement, but even in these cases it is possible to pass the necessary steps without undergoing an entire driving education and testing.
The first step in changing your foreign driver's license into a Fuhrerschein is to fill out an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving license office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process for converting licenses can differ from state to federal state. It is therefore advised to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the requirements specific to in your region.
You'll need to submit proof of your identity as well as valid driver's license along with a certificate attesting your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay any applicable fees. It is recommended to apply for the transfer as soon as you can and at a minimum, well before your foreign driving licence expires, so that you can receive your Fuhrerschein prior to the expiration date. It is also recommended to keep your old license until you get your new license, as it can be useful to identify yourself.