Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand You have full reciprocity with Germany and are able to drive here without having to pass any tests.
The procedure to exchange a license is similar in all federal states (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining why you are exchanging your passport and license photos. German proficiency is highly recommended, as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein allows you to drive in Germany. It is a highly esteemed 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 however it is vital for those who wish to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type of license and the person applying for it. The applicant must possess an official driving license from their country of origin or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. If you decide to exchange your driving license, you do not need to pass the written test or a test of the practical.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for people who have committed serious traffic or criminal infractions. In these instances, your driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to obtain it back until a specific period of time has elapsed (called the Sperrfrist).
Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a range of stipulations that ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. They include a minimum insurance coverage, a requirement to wear the seat belt at all time, and the ban of using electronic devices while driving. Fuhrerschein holders must also maintain an excellent standard of driving, and never drink or operate a motor vehicle.
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country and you are planning to move to Germany, it is important to be aware that your driving permit from your home country will remain valid in Germany for a period of up to six months. But, after that you must get a German license to continue driving. You could be fined and face other consequences if you do not.
It is advised to apply for your Fuhrerschein as soon as possible to avoid any issues. This can be done by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you're registered as a resident. To complete the process, you'll be required to submit a photocopy of your current license as well as evidence of identity.
How do I apply to receive a Fuhrerschein?
The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state (Land), as laws are set on a national level but states have the tendency to interpret them differently. You should always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within your local citizens' office) to find out how things work.
You must ensure whether your original licence is valid and that it was issued in a nation that belongs to the EU/EEA or a nation that has a special reciprocal arrangement with Germany. Additionally, you must have resided in the country that issued your license for a minimum of 185 days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you qualify. Then you will take an Sehtest which is a straightforward test of vision that confirms that your eyesight meets the minimum standards for safe driving. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test if needed.
After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a Bescheinigung that your application was approved. Keep this document, because you will need to present it when picking up your new German licence. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document will contain an acknowledgement of your license fee of approximately EUR35. Once this is paid, you can pick up your new German license.
It is not an easy task to get a Fuhrerschein and you'll need time. We can make the process as simple as it can be for you by providing a step-bystep guide and helping you gather the required documentation. We can also assist you with the German driving test if necessary. Please contact us for more information about our services. We would love to hear 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 swap your license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's more complicated than simply changing your international license to the German driver's license, because you'll need to pass the theory and driving tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It is, however, feasible.
Enrolling in a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step towards changing your Fuhrerschein to an official driving license. They will assist you with the paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. You will also need to get your vehicle insured and it's a great idea to attend a few additional driving lessons to get used to.
After you have completed these steps, you will receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. The document is known as Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until your new license arrives in the mail.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you'll need to visit your local driver's license office to finish the final stage of the procedure. You will need to present your Fuhrerschein, a photograph and a proof of identification, along with any other documents that are relevant.
After you've submitted your application, it will take around four weeks to get your new driving licence in the mail. Once it's there you'll be able to legally drive in Germany!
If you don't wish to wait for your license to be delivered in the mail, you could pay a little more to have it printed at the Burgeramt. This will help you save time but it's not cheap, and the quality of the license will differ.
You can drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you will encounter problems if stopped by the police. You'll also have to pay more for insurance on your car. If you're planning to staying in Germany for more than 6 months, it's best to get your German driving license as soon as you can. The most effective way to do this 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 are able to keep it for up to six months following your move to Germany. If you plan on staying longer than this or the license is due to expire you'll have to exchange it for the German licence. This is legally required and the only method to renew your licence beyond the date of expiration. Exceptions may be made when you have a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. For more information, call your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany for example, Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA are transferable without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The process is more complicated for drivers who come from countries that do not have this arrangement, however even in these situations, it is possible to pass the necessary steps without going through a full driving training and testing.
echten deutschen führerschein kaufen to convert your driver's license from another country to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form and the required documents to your local driving licensing office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for exchanging licenses may differ depending on the federal state. To find out more about the requirements for your region it is best to contact or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll be required to show evidence of your identity, an official driver's license as well as a certificate attesting your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay any applicable fees. It is recommended to apply as soon as possible and preferably before your foreign driving license expires to ensure that you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is recommended to keep your old license until you get your new license because it could be useful to prove your identity.