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 any tests.
The process for exchanging a license is similar in all federal states (Lander). You'll need to submit an explanation of the reasons for exchanging your passport and licence. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a document that grants the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly respected document that demonstrates not only the ability to drive, but also independence, freedom and responsibility. It's a long and difficult process to obtain a Fuhrerschein but it is essential for anyone who wants to work and live in Germany.
The specific requirements and rules for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of license and individual. Generally speaking, applicants must be over the age of 18 and possess an active driver's license from their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity usually means that you don't require a written or practical driving test when you exchange your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious traffic or criminal violations. In such cases your driving license could be revoked and you won't be able retrieve it until a certain time frame (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of rules that ensure their safety as well as that of other road users. There are also requirements for Fuhrerschein holders that include an insurance minimum as well as the requirement to wear a seatbelt, as well as the prohibition of using electronic devices when driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain an excellent standard of driving and never drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to be aware that your driving license from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. But, after that, you will need to obtain a German license in order to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other consequences if you do not.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein as soon as possible to avoid any problems. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. To complete the process, you will be required to submit a photocopy of your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each state. While laws are set at an international level, different states interpret them in a different way. It is recommended to always consult your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within your local Citizens' Office) to learn more about how things work.
Before you apply, you'll have to confirm that your original licence is valid and that it was issued by a nation which is part of the EU / EEA or a country that has an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany. Additionally, you must have lived in the country that issued your license for at least 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you are eligible to apply by examining your documents. Then, you'll take a Sehtest, a simple test of vision that confirms that your eyesight meets the minimum standards required for safe driving. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if necessary.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle an acknowledgement that your application was accepted. Keep this document, as you will need to show it when you get your new German licence. Within 2-3 weeks, you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes a confirmation and invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is approximately EUR35. Once you have paid your fee, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy process and will most likely take you some time to complete. However, we can help to make it as easy as possible by giving you a an easy-to-follow guide and helping you in gathering the required documents. We can also help with the German driving test if necessary. For more information on our services Contact us. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and are planning to drive here, you will eventually need to exchange your license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a little more complicated than simply swapping your current international driver's license for one German one, since you'll need to pass the theory test and the driving test here (or at the very least, attempt). But kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen is still feasible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a full driving licence starts with enrolling in a "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will help you with your paperwork and guide through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. It is also necessary to have your car insured and it's a great idea to take a few extra driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed these steps, you will be sent a letter to confirm that your application was approved. This document is known as Bescheinigung and you'll need to keep it until your new license arrives in the post.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you can visit your local driver's license office to finish the final step of the process. You will also need to bring your Fuhrerschein along with any other documents that are required.
You will receive your new driving license in the mail around four weeks after you have completed the application. Once you've received it, you can begin to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't want to wait for your license to be delivered in the mail, you could pay a little more to have it made at the Burgeramt. It will speed up the process however the quality will be different.
You're technically allowed to drive by driving with an international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll have problems if you're stopped by a police officer. Additionally, you'll have to pay more for insurance on your car. If you're planning to staying in Germany for more than six months, it's recommended to get your German driving license as soon as you can. The best way to get it is to follow this thorough step-by-step guide.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's licence was issued by a nation within the EU or the EEA, which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway You are able to use it for a period of up to six months following your move to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this, or if your driving licence is due to expire, you will need to exchange it to one that is a German licence. This is a legal requirement as well as the only way to renew your driving license after the date of expiration. If you have a certificate attesting to your good health or eyesight, an exception may be granted. Contact your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licenses issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, for example, Australia and Canada or the USA can be transferred to Germany without a theory test or practical test. It is more difficult for drivers who don't have an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. However in this situation, it is possible to complete all the necessary steps without the need to take a full testing and training procedure.
The first step in changing your foreign driver's licence into a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the necessary documents to your local driving license office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure for exchanging your license can differ based on the federal state (Land). It is therefore recommended to call ahead or go to the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more details about the specific requirements in your region.
You will need to provide proof of your identity with a photo, an original driving licence and a certificate attesting to your good health and eyesight. You will also need to pay the applicable fees. It is advised to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at the very least before your foreign driving license expires to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time for the expiration date. It is recommended to keep your old driving licence until you receive your new one since it could be useful to prove your identity.