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 are able to drive in Germany without any test.
The procedure for exchanging licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You must submit an explanation in writing of the reason to exchange your passport and licence. German proficiency is highly recommended, as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein is a driving permit that grants people the legal authority to drive vehicles in Germany. It is a highly-regarded document that demonstrates not only the ability to drive but also freedom, independence and accountability. Obtaining a Fuhrerschein can be an arduous process but it is a must for anyone who wants to work and live in Germany.
The rules and requirements for a Fuhrerschein differ depending on the kind of license and the applicant. Generally speaking applicants must be over the age of eighteen and possess an official driver's license issued by their country of origin or another that has reciprocity with Germany. If you are exchanging your driving license, you don't have to pass either an exam in writing or a test of the practical.
More is also important to remember that a Fuhrerschein can't be used by people who have been convicted of serious traffic violations or committed criminal offences. In these cases, your driving license will be confiscated and you won't be able to obtain it back until a certain period of time has been completed (called the Sperrfrist).
To ensure that all drivers are keeping their safety as well as the safety of the other road users in mind, there are various requirements for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also stipulations for holders of Fuhrerschein that include an insurance minimum and the requirement to wear a seatbelt, as well as the prohibition on using electronic devices when driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to a high standard of driving, and never drink or operate a motor vehicle.
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country and are moving to Germany it is crucial to be aware that your driving permit from your home country will be valid in Germany for up to six months. However, after that point you will have to obtain a German license in order to continue driving. If you do not, you could be subject to penalties, fines and other sanctions.
It is advised to apply for your Fuhrerschein right away to avoid problems. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside. To complete the process, you will be required to submit a photocopy of your current license as well as evidence of identity.
How do I apply for an Fuhrerschein?
The process of obtaining a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state (Land), as laws are formulated on a national level but states interpret them differently. You should always check with your local driving licensing authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle - usually housed within the local office of the citizens') to learn more about how things work.
Before you apply, you'll need to ensure that the original licence you obtained is valid and it was issued by a nation which is part of the EU or EEA or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. You will also need to have resided in the country that issued your license for at least 185 days.
Your documents will be examined by your Fuhrerscheinstelle to determine whether you are eligible. You will then be required to take a Sehtest. It is a simple test of vision that confirms your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driver. If you are required, you can make use of corrective lenses to pass the test.
After you have passed the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application was accepted. This document is important since you'll require it to pick up your new German license. Within a couple of weeks you will receive an Abgabensbescheid which includes an acknowledgment and an invoice for the fee you pay for your licence, which is around EUR35. After you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
Obtaining a Fuhrerschein is not an easy task, and it is likely to take some time to complete. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by giving you a the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you with completing the required documents. We can also assist you with the German driving tests if required. Please contact us for more information on our services. 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 in the future, you'll need to exchange your license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than just swapping your international driver's license for one that is a German one, since you'll need to pass the theory and driving test here (or at the very least, attempt). It is still possible.
Enrolling at a driving school or "Fahrschule" is the first step to upgrading your Fuhrerschein into a full driving licence. They will guide you through your theory and practical classes and assist you with the formalities. You'll also need to insure your car and attend additional driving lessons to practice.
After you have completed all these steps, you'll receive a letter that confirms that your application was successful. This document is referred to as a Bescheinigung and you should keep it until the new license is delivered to you.
Once you have your Bescheinigung you will need to visit your local driver's license office to finish the final step of the procedure. You will also need to provide your Fuhrerschein and any other relevant documents.
You will get your new driving license in the mail approximately four weeks after having submitted your application. Once you receive your new driving license, you can legally drive in Germany.
If you don't want to wait for your licence to be delivered by mail or in the mail, you could pay a little more to have it made at the Burgeramt. This will save you some time, but it's not cheap, and the quality of the license will be different.
You can drive in Germany with your international license until January 2022. However, you will have problems if you are stopped by the police. Additionally, you'll 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 license as soon as you can. And the most effective way to do this is to follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide.
How do I change my driving license from the EU/EEA to a German Fuhrerschein?
If your driver's licence was issued by a country located in the EU or the EEA which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, you can usually continue to use it for a period of up to six months following your move to Germany. If you plan to stay longer or if your license has expired, you'll have to exchange it for a German licence. This is a legal requirement and also the only method to renew your license beyond the expiry date of your original license. There are exceptions when you have a certificate attesting to your good health and vision. For more information, call the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licenses from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany, such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA can be transferred without the need for an exam in theory or practice. It is more difficult for drivers who do not have an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. However even in this scenario, it is possible to pass all the necessary steps without the need to take an entire driving test and training process.
The first step to convert your driver's license from another country to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the necessary documents to your local driving licensing office, also known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The procedure for transferring your licence can vary by federal state (Land). To find out about the requirements for your region it is recommended to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll be required to provide proof of your identity and valid driver's license and a medical certificate attesting to your good health and vision. You'll also need to pay the relevant fees. It is recommended to apply as early as you can and preferably before your foreign driving licence expires, to ensure that you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is recommended to also keep your old licence until you get your new license, as it can be useful to identify yourself.