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 having to pass any tests.

The process of exchanging a license is generally the same in each federal state (Lander). You’ll need a letter stating the reason for exchanging your licence and passport photos. German is also highly recommended.

What is a Fuhrerschein?

A Fuhrerschein is a driving license that grants people the legal right to operate vehicles in Germany. It is a highly-regarded document that represents not only the ability of driving but also freedom, independence and responsibility. her response can be difficult however it is vital for anyone wanting to work and live in Germany.

The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ based on the type and individual. In general applicants must be over the age of eighteen and have an active driver’s license from their country of origin or another that has reciprocity with Germany. Reciprocity typically means that you don’t require 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 cases, your driving license will be confiscated and you won’t be able to obtain it back until a particular time period has passed (called the Sperrfrist).

Fuhrerschein holders are also subject to a number of conditions that guarantee their safety as well as the safety of other road users. This includes a mandatory minimum insurance coverage, the requirement to wear the seat belt at all times, and the restriction of using electronic devices while driving. Holders of the Fuhrerschein must also adhere to an excellent standard of driving, and not drink while operating a vehicle.

If you’re a citizen of an EU country or EEA and are planning to move to Germany it is important to be aware that your driving license from your home country may be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, however, you will require an German driving license to continue driving. You could be penalized and face other consequences if you do not.

It is advised to apply for your Fuhrerschein as soon as possible to avoid any issues. You can apply for a Fuhrerschein by visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in the city you reside in. To complete the process, you will require a photocopy of your current license and evidence of identity.

How do I apply for a Fuhrerschein?

The process for getting a Fuhrerschein is different in each federal state. While laws are made at a national level, individual states interpret them in a different way. To learn more about how things work, you should always contact the local authority for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) – which is usually within your local Citizens Office.

Before you apply, you will have to confirm that your original license is valid and it was issued by a country which is part of the EU / EEA or a country that has a a special reciprocal agreement with Germany. Additionally, you must have resided in the country that issued your license for a minimum of 185 days.

When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle, they will determine if you’re eligible to apply by looking over your documents. You will then be asked to take an Sehtest. It is a straightforward test of vision that verifies your eyesight is up to the minimum standards for safe driver. If necessary, you can make use of corrective lenses to pass the test.

After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle an acknowledgement that your application has been accepted. This document is important because you’ll need it to obtain your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. This document contains a confirmation of your license fee of approximately EUR35. Once you have paid your fee, you can pick-up your new German license.

It’s not an easy task to get a Fuhrerschein and you’ll need time. We can help make the process as simple as we can by guiding you through the process step-by-step and help you gather the necessary documentation. We can also assist with the German driving test if necessary. Contact us for more details on our services. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

How do I upgrade my Fuhrerschein?

If you are planning to drive in Germany it is necessary to exchange your international driver’s license to the German Fuhrerschein. It’s more complex than just swapping your international driver’s license for the German driver’s license, because you’ll need to take both the driving and theory tests here (or at a minimum, attempt). It’s still possible.

The process of upgrading your Fuhrerschein to a full driving licence starts with enrolling in an “Fahrschule” or driving school. They will assist you with the paperwork and guide you through the practical and theoretical driving lessons. It is also necessary to insure your vehicle and it’s a good idea to take some extra driving lessons to practice.

After you have completed these steps, you’ll receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. This document is referred to as Bescheinigung, and you must keep it until the new license arrives in the mail.

Once you have your Bescheinigung, you will need to go to your local driving license office to complete the last step in the procedure. You’ll also need to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other documents that are required.

After you’ve applied, it will take around four weeks to receive your new driving license in the mail. Once it’s there you’ll be able to legally drive in Germany!

If you don’t want to wait for your licence to be delivered by mail, you may pay a bit more to have it printed at the Burgeramt. It will speed up the process however the quality of the license will be different.

You’re technically allowed to drive by driving with your international license in Germany until January 2022, but then you’ll run into issues if you’re stopped by a cop. You’ll also need to pay more for car insurance. If you’re planning to remain in Germany for more than six months, it is recommended to obtain your German driving license as soon as you can. The best way to get it is by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide.

How do I exchange my EU / EEA licence to an German Fuhrerschein?

If you have a driving license from a nation that is 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 that or the license has expired, however, you will have to exchange it to one that is a German licence. This is a legal requirement and also the only way you can renew your license beyond the expiry date of your original license. There are exceptions in the event that you have proof that prove your good eyesight and health. Contact your local driving licence office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to learn more.

Driving licenses from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Germany, such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, can be transferred without the requirement of a theory or practical 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 pass the necessary steps without undergoing the entire driving instruction and testing procedure.

The first step to convert your foreign driver’s licence to a Fuhrerschein is to submit an application form along with the required documents to your local driving licence office or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process of converting a licence can differ by federal state. It is therefore advised to contact or visit the website of your local Fuhrerscheinstelle to find out more about the specific requirements in your area.

You must provide proof of identity, a photo and an original driving licence as well as a completed certificate that confirms your good health and eyesight. You’ll also have to pay the applicable fees. It is best to apply as early as you can and preferably before your driving license from another country expires to ensure you get your Fuhrerschein on time. It is advised to keep your old driving license until you get your new one. It is for identification to identify you.