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 can drive here without having to pass any tests.
The procedure for exchanging a licence is largely similar in every federal state (Lander). You'll need to submit a letter explaining the reason to exchange your passport and license. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving license that grants individuals the legal right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that represents not only the ability to drive, but also independence, freedom and accountability. The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is a complicated process, but it is essential for those who wish to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements of a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. The applicant must possess an active driving license from their country of origin or another country that has reciprocity with Germany. If you are exchanging your driving license, you do not have to take either an exam in writing or a practical test.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious traffic or criminal offenses. In these instances, your driving license will be confiscated and you will not be able to get it back until a particular period of time has passed (called the Sperrfrist).
To ensure that all drivers have their safety and the safety of the other road users in mind, there are also numerous stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also requirements for Fuhrerschein holders which include the requirement for a minimum amount of insurance and the requirement to wear a seatbelt, as well as the prohibition of using electronic devices when driving. Fuhrerschein holders must also maintain an excellent standard of driving, and not drink and operate a vehicle.
If you are a resident of an EU country or EEA and are moving to Germany it is crucial to remember that your driving license from your home country may be used in Germany for up to 6 months. However, after that point, you will need to obtain a German license in order to continue driving. If you don't, you could be liable to fines and other consequences.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein immediately to avoid issues. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city where you reside. 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 for a Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for obtaining a Fuhrerschein differs in each federal state. While laws are made at a national level, individual states interpret them in a different way. To learn more about what the process is, you should always contact your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually located in your local Citizens Office.
Before you apply, you will be required to verify that your original licence is valid and that it was issued by a country that is a member of the EU or EEA or a country with an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany. You will also need to reside 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 scrutinizing your documents. Then, you will be asked to take the Sehtest. eu führerschein kaufen erfahrungen is a straightforward test of vision that verifies your eyesight is up to the minimum standards for safe driver. If needed, you may opt for corrective lenses to pass the test.
If you pass the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application was approved. Keep this document, since you will have to present it when picking up your new German licence. Within 2-3 weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid that includes an acknowledgement and invoice for your licence fee of approximately EUR35. Once you have paid your fee, you will be able to pick up your new German license.
It's not an easy task to get a Fuhrerschein and you'll need time. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by providing the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in gathering the required documentation. We can also help with the German driving test, if required. For more information about our services Contact us. We would love to hear from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you are planning to drive in Germany, you will need to change your international driver's licence for a Fuhrerschein. It's a little more complicated than just swapping your existing international driver's license to one that is a German one, because you'll need to pass the theory test and the driving test here (or at least try). But it is still possible.
The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a full driving license begins with registering in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. It is also necessary to insure your vehicle and it's a good idea to take some extra driving lessons for practice.
Once you have completed all these steps, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. The document is referred to as Bescheinigung, and you must keep this until your new license arrives in the mail.
You can complete the final step 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 relevant documents.
You will receive your new driving permit within four weeks after having completed the application. Once you've received it, you can begin to legally drive in Germany!
You can pay a small fee to have your license issued at the Burgeramt If you don't want to wait. It will save you time, but the quality will be different.
You can drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you will be in trouble if stopped by the police. In addition, you'll likely have to pay more for insurance for your car. If you're planning to stay in Germany for longer than six months, you should obtain 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 exchange my EU / EEA licence for a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's license was issued by a nation located in the EU or the EEA which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, you can usually continue to use it for a period of up to six months after moving to Germany. If you are planning to stay longer than this, or the license is due to expire, you will have to exchange it to a German licence. This is both an obligation under the law as well as the only method to renew your driving license after its original expiry date. Some exceptions can be made when you have a certificate attesting to your eyesight and health. For more information, contact your local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, can be transferred without the need to pass an exam in theory or practice. It is more difficult for drivers who don't have a reciprocal agreement with Germany. However in this situation, it is possible to complete all the necessary steps without having to undergo an entire testing and training procedure.
To change your foreign driving license into Fuhrerschein, or a Fuhrerschein to be eligible, you need to submit an application and all required documents to the local driving license office (also called Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure for exchanging your licence varies by federal state (Land). To learn more about the requirements in your area, it is best to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You will be required to submit proof of your identity as well as valid driver's license and a medical certificate proving your health and vision. You'll also have to pay the applicable fees. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible and at least before your foreign driving license expires to ensure you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is also recommended to keep your old licence until you receive your new licence since it could be useful to identify yourself.