Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you are a holder of a driver's license from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without any test.
The process of exchanging a license is generally the same in each federal state (Lander). You must submit an explanation of the reasons for exchanging your passport and license. German is also highly recommended.
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 embodies not just the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence and responsibility that come with it. Obtaining a Fuhrerschein can be an arduous process but it is a must for anyone who wants to live and work in Germany.
The requirements and rules for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the kind of license and the person applying for it. Generally speaking, applicants must be over the age of 18 and possess a valid driver's license from their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. If you are exchanging your driving license, you do not need to pass an exam in writing or a practical test.
It is also important to note that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by those who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal offenses. In these cases your driving license will be revoked and you will not be able to retrieve it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a variety of conditions that guarantee their safety as well as the safety of other road users. These include a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear the seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. Fuhrerschein holders must also maintain a high standard of driving and not drink or operate a motor vehicle.
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country and are moving to Germany, it is important to be aware that your driving permit from your home country will be valid in the country for up to 6 months. After six months, you will have to get an German driving license to continue driving. You will be penalized and face other consequences if you do not.
It is recommended to apply for your Fuhrerschein immediately to avoid problems. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. To complete the process, you'll need to provide a photocopy your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process of obtaining Fuhrerscheins is different in each state (Land), as laws are formulated on a national level but states interpret them differently. It is recommended to always consult your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle typically located in your local Citizens' Office) to find out what the procedure is.
You must ensure whether your original license is valid and was issued in a country that is part of the EU/EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You should also have lived in the same country that issued your license for a minimum of 185 consecutive days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you qualify. Then you will take an Sehtest which is a straightforward vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards required for safe driving. If needed, you may make use of corrective lenses to pass the test.
If you pass the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application was accepted. Keep this document in mind, since you will have to present it when you get your new German licence. Within a couple of weeks, you will receive an Abgabensbescheid which includes an acknowledgment and an invoice for your license fee of approximately EUR35. After you have paid the fee you can collect your new German licence.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy process and is likely to take some time to complete. However, we can help to make it as simple as possible by providing the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in obtaining the necessary documentation. We can also assist with the German driving test if needed. For more information about our services, please contact us. We would love to hear from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and intend to drive in Germany you'll eventually have to swap your license for the Fuhrerschein. It's more complicated than simply changing your international license to one that is a German driver's license, since you'll need to take both the theory and driving tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It's still possible.
Enrolling in a driving class or "Fahrschule" is the first step to making your Fuhrerschein a full driving licence. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. You'll also need to insure your car and take extra driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed these steps, you'll receive a letter that confirms that your application was approved. The document is referred to as Bescheinigung and you'll need to keep it until your new license arrives in the post.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you'll need to visit your local driver's license office to complete the final step in the process. führerschein ohne prüfung kaufen 'll also have to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other documents that are required.
Once you've completed your application after submitting your application, it'll take about four weeks to receive your new driving licence in the mail. After you have received your new driving license you are legally able to drive in Germany.
You may pay a small amount 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're technically able to get away by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you'll face problems if you're stopped by a cop. You'll also need to pay more for insurance on your car. So if you're planning on staying in Germany for more than six months, you should obtain your German driving licence as soon as you can. And the best way to do that is to follow this thorough step-by-step instruction.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's licence was issued by a nation in the EU or the EEA which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, you can usually continue to use it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you plan on staying longer than this or when your driving license is due to expire, you will need to exchange it to the German licence. This is a legal requirement and the only method to renew your driving licence after the date of expiration. If you have a certificate attesting to your good health or eyesight the possibility of an exception could be granted. Contact your local driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, for example, Australia and Canada or the USA can be transferred to Germany without having to pass a theory or a practical test. The process is more difficult for drivers from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to pass the necessary steps without having to undergo an entire driving education and testing procedure.
To change your foreign driving license into Fuhrerschein, you must first apply for a Fuhrerschein one, you must submit an application and all necessary documents to the local driving license office (also called Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact procedure to exchange your licence varies by federal state (Land). To find out more about the requirements for your region, it is best to contact or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll need to submit proof of identity along with a photograph and an original driving licence and a certificate attesting to your eyesight and health. You'll also have to pay the appropriate fees. It is advisable to apply for the transfer as early as possible and at a minimum, well before your foreign driving license expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein before that date. It is recommended to also keep your old licence until you receive your new licence since it could be useful for identification purposes.