Buy a Driving License Legally in Germany
If your driver's license was issued in Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa or New Zealand and New Zealand, then you are granted full reciprocity with Germany and can drive here without any test.
The process of exchanging a license is similar in every federal state (Lander). You'll need a formal letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your passport and license photographs. German is also highly recommended.
What is Full Statement ?
A Fuhrerschein is a type of driving license that grants individuals the legal right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly sought-after document that symbolizes not only the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence, and accountability that comes with it. It can be a difficult process to obtain an Fuhrerschein, however it is essential for anyone who wants to reside and work in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ based on the type of license and individual. Candidates must have an official driving license from their country of origin or a different country with reciprocity to Germany. Reciprocity generally means that you don't have to take the written or practical driving test when you exchange your license.
It is also important to know that a Fuhrerschein is not able to be used by individuals who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or other criminal offences. In these instances your driving license could be taken away and you won't be able return it until a certain time period (called Sperrfrist) has passed.
To ensure that all drivers are keeping their safety as well as the safety of others on the road in mind, there are many rules and regulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also stipulations for holders of Fuhrerschein that include the requirement for a minimum amount of insurance as well as the requirement to wear a seatbelt and the ban on using electronic devices when driving. The holders of a driver's license must also keep a high standard of driving, and not drink and operate a vehicle.
If you're a citizen of an EU country or EEA and you are planning to move to Germany it is crucial to remember that your driving permit from your home country can be used in Germany for up to six months. After six months, you will need to obtain a German driving license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other consequences if you do not.
It is best to apply for your Fuhrerschein immediately in order to avoid any issues. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. You'll need to present proof of your identity, a copy of your current license, and other documentation to complete the process.
How do I apply for an Fuhrerschein?
The procedure for getting a Fuhrerschein varies in each state. While laws are made at an international level, different states interpret them differently. It is recommended to always consult your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle which is usually located within your local Citizens' Office) to see what the procedure is.
You must ensure whether your original licence is valid and was issued in a nation which is part of the EU/EEA or a country with a reciprocal arrangement with Germany. You must also reside in the country that issued your license for at least 185 days.
Your documents will be scrutinized by your Fuhrerscheinstelle in order to determine if you qualify. Then you will take a Sehtest which is a straightforward vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum standards for safe driving. If you are required, 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 has been accepted. Keep this document in mind, as you will need to present it when you get your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within a couple of weeks. This document contains an acknowledgement of the license fee that is around EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can collect your new German license.
Obtaining a Fuhrerschein is not a simple process and is likely to take some time to complete. But, we can to make it as easy as possible by providing you with a step-by-step guide and assisting you in gathering the required documentation. Additionally, we can assist with the German driving tests if required. Contact us for more details on our services. We would love to hear from you.
How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?
If you plan to drive in Germany you'll need to exchange your international driver's license to the German Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than just swapping your existing international driver's license to one that is a German one, because you'll have to take the driving test and theory here (or at least attempt). It is still possible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein to a fully-fledged driving licence starts with enrolling in an "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the theoretical and practical driving lessons. You'll also need to insure your car and take additional driving lessons to get used to.
When you have finished all of these steps, you'll receive a letter informing you that your application has been successful. This document is called Bescheinigung, and you should keep this until your new license arrives in the post.
Once you have your Bescheinigung, you will need to visit your local driver's license office to finish the final step in the process. You will also need to bring your Fuhrerschein along with any other documents that are required.
You will receive your new driving permit in the mail around four weeks after you have applied. Once you receive your new driving license you are able to legally 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 help you save time but it's not cheap, and the quality of the license will be different.
You can technically get away with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll run into issues if you're stopped by a cop. You'll also have to pay more for car insurance. If you're planning to remain in Germany for more than six months, it is recommended to get your German driving license as soon as you can. The most effective way to do this is by following this comprehensive step-by-step instruction.
How do I convert my driving licence from the EU/EEA to a 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 continue to use it up to six months after your move to Germany. If you intend to stay longer than this, or when your driving license is expired you'll need to exchange it to the German licence. This is both a legal requirement and also the only method to renew your driving license after its original expiry date. If you have certificates attesting your eyesight or health the possibility of an exception could be granted. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to find out more.
Driving licences issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany, such as 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 difficult for drivers from countries which do not have this arrangement, however even in these cases it is possible to complete the necessary steps without undergoing an entire driving education and testing procedure.
To convert your driving licence from another country into a Fuhrerschein to be eligible, you need to submit an application and all necessary documents to the local driving licence office (also called Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for exchanging licenses can differ from state to federal state. It is therefore advisable to call ahead or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more details about the specific requirements in your area.
You'll need to submit evidence of your identity, a valid driver's license, and a medical certificate proving 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 a minimum, well before your driving license from another country expires in order to receive your Fuhrerschein prior to that date. It is advised to keep your old driving license until you receive your new one. This can be used to identify you for purposes.