Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you are a holder of an driver's license from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without having to pass any tests.
The process of exchanging a licence is largely identical in every federal state (Lander). You must submit a letter explaining the reason to exchange your passport and license. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein gives the right to drive in Germany. It is a highly respected document that not only demonstrates the ability to drive, but also freedom, independence and responsibility. Obtaining a Fuhrerschein can be a complicated process but it is a must for anyone who wants to live and work in Germany.
The specific requirements and rules for a Fuhrerschein vary depending on the type of license and the individual. Applicants must have an official driving license from their country of origin or a different country that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you don't need to pass a written or practical driving test when you change your license.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for people who have committed serious traffic or criminal infractions. In these cases, the driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to get it back until a certain time has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a variety of conditions that guarantee their safety as well as that of other road users. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear the seat belt at all times, and the prohibition of using electronic devices while driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders, to maintain a good standard of driving, and to never drink and drive.
If you're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to be aware that your driving licence from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, you'll require a German driving license to continue driving. You will be penalized and face other penalties if not.
To avoid such issues, it is a good idea to apply for a Fuhrerschein as quickly as possible. This can be done by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you're registered as a resident. You will need to provide proof of your identity, a photocopy of your current license, and other documentation to complete the procedure.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process for obtaining a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state (Land) because laws are set on the national level, however states have the tendency to interpret them differently. To find out what the process is it is best to contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) - which is usually located within the local office of your citizens.
You will need to check whether your original license is valid and that it was issued in a country which is part of the EU/EEA, or a country that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You must also have lived in the same country that issued your licence for a minimum of 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you're eligible to apply by scrutinizing your documents. You will then be required to take the Sehtest. It is a quick test of vision that confirms your eyesight meets minimum standards for safe driver. You can wear corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application was approved. Keep this document in mind, as you will need to show it when picking up your new German license. Within 2-3 weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid, which contains an acknowledgment and an invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is approximately EUR35. After this fee is paid you can collect your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy process, and it will most likely take you some time to complete. We can make the process as simple as possible for you by providing a step-bystep guide and assisting you in obtaining the required documentation. We can also help with the German driving tests if needed. Contact us for more details on our services. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're moving to Germany and are planning to drive here in the future, you'll need to exchange your license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than just swapping your existing international driver's license to one German one, because you will need to take the theory test and the driving test here (or at least attempt). But it is still possible.
Enrolling in a driving class or "Fahrschule" is the first step in changing your Fuhrerschein to a full driving license. They will guide you through your theoretical and practical instruction and assist you with the paperwork. You will also need to have your car insured and it's a good idea to take a few extra driving lessons to get used to.
When you have finished all of these steps You'll receive a confirmation letter informing you that your application was successful. This document is referred to as Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until your new license is delivered to you.
You are able to complete the final step of the process by visiting your local driving license office after you have received your Bescheinigung. You'll also need to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other documents that are required.
After you've submitted your application and received your application, it takes about four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. Once you receive your new driving license you are legally able to drive in Germany.
You can pay a fee to have your licence produced at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. This will save you time, but it's not cheap and the quality of the licence will be different.
You can technically get away with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll have problems if you're stopped by a cop. You'll also have to pay more for car insurance. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than 6 months, it's recommended to obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. And the most effective way to do this is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driver's licence from a country that is part of the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) You can continue 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 due to expire you'll have to exchange it for one that is a German licence. This is an obligation under the law and also the only way to renew your driving license following the expiry date of its original. There are exceptions when you have a certificate that prove your good health and vision. For more information, call your local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving Fuehrerscheinn issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, like Australia and Canada, or the USA could be transferred to Germany without the need for a theory test or a practical test. The process is more complex for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, but even in these situations, it is possible to pass the necessary steps without having to undergo an entire driving education and testing procedure.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's license to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the necessary documents to your local driving license office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure to exchange your licence varies by federal state (Land). It is therefore advised to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the specific requirements for your particular area.
You'll be required to show proof of your identity as well as an official driver's license along with a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is recommended to apply as soon as you can and preferably before your driving license from another country expires to ensure you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is recommended that you keep your old driving license until you receive your new one. It is for identification to identify you.