Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand and New Zealand, then you are granted full reciprocity with Germany and are able to drive here without any test.
The procedure for exchanging licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your license and passport photos. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving permit that gives individuals the legal authority to operate vehicles in Germany. eu führerschein kaufen is a highly regarded document that symbolizes not only the ability to drive, but also the freedom, independence and responsibility that comes with it. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is an arduous process but it is a must for anyone wanting to live and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein vary based on the type and individual. The applicant must possess an official driving license from their country of origin or a different country with reciprocity to Germany. When you exchange your driving license, you do not have to pass either a written test or a test of the practical.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by individuals who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or criminal offenses. In these cases your driving license will be taken away and you won't be able return it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers keep their safety as well as the safety of the other road users in mind, there are also many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders that include the requirement for a minimum amount of insurance, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, and the prohibition on using electronic devices while driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders to maintain an acceptable standard of driving, and to never drink and drive.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and you are planning to move to Germany, it is important to know that your driving license from your home country will be valid in the country for up to 6 months. But, after that, you will need to obtain a German license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other consequences if you do not.
It is recommended to apply for your Fuhrerschein immediately to avoid any issues. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city where you reside in. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a copy of your current license as well as other documents to complete the procedure.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each federal state. While laws are made at a national level, individual states interpret them in a different way. Always check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle which is usually located within your local Citizens' Office) to find out how things work.
Before you apply, you will have to confirm that the original licence you obtained is valid, and that it was issued by a nation which is part of the EU / EEA or a country with 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.
The documents you submit will be reviewed by your Fuhrerscheinstelle in order to determine if you qualify. Then, you'll be asked to take an Sehtest, a simple vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards for safe driving. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if needed.
After passing the Sehtest You will then receive a notification from the Fuhrerscheinstelle that your application has been accepted. Keep this document in mind, since you will have to show it when you get your new German license. Within 2 to 3 weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes a confirmation and invoice for your license fee of around EUR35. Once you have paid the fee, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
Obtaining a Fuhrerschein is not an easy process and will most likely take you some time to complete. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by giving you a the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in gathering the required documents. In addition, we can help with the German driving tests if required. 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 you'll need to change your international driver's licence for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than just swapping your international driver's license for a German one, since you'll have to take the driving test and theory here (or at least attempt). It's still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein to a full driving licence starts with enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will guide you through your theory and practical classes and assist you with the documentation. You'll also need to get your vehicle insured and it's a good idea to attend a few additional driving lessons for practice.
After you have completed these steps, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application was approved. This document is known as Bescheinigung, and you must keep this until you receive your new license in the mail.
You are able to complete the final step of the process by visiting your local driving license office once you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll also have to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other documents that are required.
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 you've received it, you can begin 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 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 run into issues if you're pulled over by a police officer. You'll also need to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to staying in Germany for more than six months, it's best to obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. The best way to get it is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I exchange my EU or EEA licence for an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving license from a nation that is within the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), you can continue to use it for up to six months after your move to Germany. If you plan to stay longer or if your license is expired, you will have to exchange it for the German license. This is an obligation of law and the only way you can renew your licence beyond the date of expiration. Exceptions may be made if you have certificates that prove your good health and eyesight. For more information, contact your local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany, such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the need for the passing of a practical or theory test. It is more difficult for drivers who don't have an agreement that is reciprocal with Germany. However in this situation, it is possible to pass all the steps required without the need to take the entire driving test and training process.
To convert your driving licence from another country into a Fuhrerschein, you must complete an application and submit all the required documents to the local driving licensing office (also called Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure to exchange 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 find out more details about the specific requirements in your area.
You will be required to submit evidence of your identity, valid driver's license and a medical certificate attesting your good health and vision. You will also need to pay the relevant fees. It is advised to apply for the transfer as soon as possible and at the very least before your foreign driving license expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein before that time. It is recommended to also keep your old license until you get your new license since it could be useful to prove your identity.
