Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If you have a driver's licence from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without having to pass any tests.
The process of exchanging a license is generally similar in every federal state (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your licence and passport photographs. German is also highly recommended.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein allows you to drive in Germany. It is a highly sought-after document that embodies not just the ability to drive, but also the freedom, independence, and responsibility that come with it. It can be an arduous process but it is a must for anyone wanting to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of applicant and the individual. Generally speaking, applicants must be over the age of 18 and have a valid driver's license from their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. If you decide to exchange your driving license, you don't need to pass the written test or a practical test.
It is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by people who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal offenses. In these cases, your driving license will be taken away and you will not be able to obtain it back until a particular time has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a variety of conditions that guarantee their safety as well as the safety of other road users. There are also requirements for holders of Fuhrerschein that include a minimum level of insurance, the requirement to always wear a seatbelt, and the ban on using electronic devices while driving. It is also important for Fuhrerschein holders to keep an excellent standard of driving, and to never drink and drive.
If registrierten führerschein kaufen 're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is important to note that your driving licence from your home country may be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, however, you will have to get a German driving license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other consequences if you do not.
To avoid such problems, it's best to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as possible. You can do this by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as resident. To complete the process, you will need to provide a photocopy your current license and proof of identity.
How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting Fuhrerscheins differs in each federal state (Land) because laws are set on the national level, however states interpret them differently. Always check with the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within the local office of the citizens') to find out how things work.
You must ensure that 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 must also have resided in the country that issued your licence for at least 185 days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you are eligible to apply by looking over your documents. You will then be asked to take a Sehtest. This is a straightforward test of vision that verifies your eyesight meets minimum standards for a safe driver. If necessary, you can opt for corrective lenses to pass the test.
After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle an acknowledgement that your application was approved. Keep this document as you will need to show it when you get your new German license. Within a couple of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid, which contains an acknowledgment and an invoice for your license fee of around EUR35. After you have paid the fee and received, you will be able to pick up your new German licence.
It's not an easy task to get a Fuhrerschein and you will need some time. But, we can to make it as simple as possible by giving you a a step-by-step guide and assisting you in obtaining the necessary documentation. In addition, we can help with the German driving tests if required. Contact us for more information on our services. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you're planning to move to Germany and plan to drive here in the future, you'll need to swap your license for the Fuhrerschein. It's a little more complicated than just swapping your international driver's license for one that is a German one, because you'll have to take the theory test and the driving test here (or at least try). It's still possible.
Enrolling in a driving class or "Fahrschule" is the first step in changing your Fuhrerschein to a full driving licence. They will guide you through your theory and practical classes and assist you with the documentation. You'll also need to insure your vehicle and it's a good idea to take a few extra driving lessons to practice.
Once you have completed all these steps, you'll be sent a letter to confirm that your application was approved. This document is referred to as Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until the new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you'll need to go to your local driving license office to complete the final step in the procedure. You'll need to show your Fuhrerschein, a photograph and a form of identification as well as any other documents that are relevant.
Once you've completed your application, it will take around four weeks to receive 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 license to be delivered by mail, you could pay a little more to have it made at the Burgeramt. This will help you save time, but it's not cheap, and the quality of your licence will differ.
You're technically allowed to drive by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022, but after that you'll have issues if you're stopped by a police officer. In addition, you'll likely have to pay a lot more for car insurance. If you're planning to remain in Germany for more than six months, you must obtain your German driving license as soon as possible. The best way to do that is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step instruction.
How do I convert my EU/EEA driving licence to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driver's license from a country within the EU or EEA (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) You can keep it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you intend to stay longer, or if your license is expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German license. This is both a legal requirement as well as the only way to renew your driving licence after the date of expiration. If you have a certificate attesting to your eyesight or health the possibility of an exception could be granted. For more information, contact the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany like Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, can be transferred without the requirement of the passing of a practical or theory test. The process is more complicated for drivers who come from countries that do not have this arrangement, but even in these instances, it is possible to complete the necessary steps without going through the entire driving instruction and testing.
The first step in converting your foreign driver's licence into a Fuhrerschein is to fill out an application form and the required documents to your local driving license office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The exact procedure for exchanging your licence can vary by federal state (Land). It is therefore advised to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to learn more details about the specific requirements in your area.
You'll need to submit proof of identity, a photo and an original driving licence along with a completed certificate attesting to your health and vision. You'll also need to pay the appropriate fees. It is advised to apply for the transfer as soon as possible and at the very least before your foreign driving license expires, so that you can receive your Fuhrerschein prior to the expiration date. It is also recommended to keep your old driving licence until you get your new license because it could be useful to prove your identity.