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If you hold a driver's license from Australia, Canada, USA or New Zealand, you can drive in Germany without any test.
The procedure to exchange licenses is the same in all states that are federal (Lander). You'll need a letter explaining the reason you are exchanging your license and passport photos. German proficiency is highly recommended as well.
What is a Fuhrerschein?
A Fuhrerschein allows you to drive in Germany. It is a highly regarded document that embodies not just the ability to drive but also the freedom, independence and accountability that comes with it. It's not an easy process to obtain a Fuhrerschein but it's essential for anyone who wants to live and work Germany.
The rules and requirements for the Fuhrerschein differ depending on the type and individual. Generally speaking applicants must be over the age of eighteen and have an official driver's license issued by their home country or another nation that has reciprocity with Germany. When you exchange your driving license, you do not have to pass either the written test or a test of the practical.
A Fuhrerschein is not valid for individuals who have committed serious traffic or criminal infractions. In such cases your driving license will be revoked and you won't be able retrieve 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 the other road users in mind, there are also numerous stipulations for Fuhrerschein holders. There are also stipulations for holders of Fuhrerschein which include the requirement for a minimum amount of insurance and the requirement to wear a seatbelt, as well as the prohibition on using electronic devices while driving. It is also crucial for Fuhrerschein holders to keep an acceptable standard of driving, and to never drink and drive.
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 licence from your home country can be used in Germany for up to 6 months. After six months, you'll require a German driving license to continue driving. If you do not, you could be penalized with penalties, fines and other sanctions.
To avoid such issues, it is recommended to apply for a Fuhrerschein application as soon as you can. You can do this by going to the Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle in the city in which you are registered as resident. To complete the process, you'll need to provide a photocopy your current license and evidence of identity.
How do I apply for an Fuhrerschein?
The process of getting Fuhrerscheins is different in each federal state (Land) since laws are set at a national level but states interpret them differently. To find out the procedure it is best to contact your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) which is usually located within the local office of your citizens.
Before you apply, you will have to confirm that the original licence you obtained is valid, and that it was issued by a country that is part of the EU / EEA or a country that has a an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. You must also have resided in the same country that issued your licence for at least the equivalent of 185 consecutive days.
When you visit your Fuhrerscheinstelle they will check that you are eligible to apply by examining your documents. Then, you'll take the Sehtest, a simple vision test which verifies that your eyesight is in line with the minimum requirements for safe driving. You can use corrective glasses to pass the test, if required.
After passing the Sehtest you will receive from the Fuhrerscheinstelle a confirmation that your application has been accepted. Keep this document, because you will need to show it when you pick up your new German license. You will receive your Abgabensbescheid within 2 to 3 weeks. The document is an acknowledgement of the license fee of approximately EUR35. Once you have paid the fee, you can pick-up your new German license.
Finding a Fuhrerschein isn't an easy task, and it will most likely take you some time to complete. However, we can help make it as smooth as possible by providing the steps-by-step instructions and assisting you in gathering the required documents. We can also help with the German driving test, if required. Please 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 are planning to drive here, you will eventually need to exchange your license for one called a Fuhrerschein. It's a bit more difficult than just swapping your existing international driver's license for one that is a German one, as you'll need to pass the theory test and the driving test here (or at least attempt). It is, however, feasible.
The process to upgrade your Fuhrerschein into a full driving licence starts with enrolling in a "Fahrschule" or driving school. They will help you with your paperwork and guide you through the theory and practical driving lessons. It is also necessary to insure your vehicle and it's a great idea to take some extra driving lessons for practice.
Once you have completed all these steps, you'll receive a letter confirming that your application was successful. The document is known as Bescheinigung and you need to keep it until the new license arrives in the mail.
You are able to complete the final step by visiting the local office for your driving license after you have received your Bescheinigung. You will also need to present your Fuhrerschein as well as any other relevant documents.
You will get your new driving license in the mail approximately four weeks after you've applied. Once you receive your new driving licence you are able to legally drive in Germany.
You can pay a fee to get your licence printed at the Burgeramt in case you don't want to wait. This will save you time, but it's not cheap and the quality of the licence will differ.
You can technically get away with driving on your international license in Germany until January 2022. After that, you'll face problems if you're stopped by a cop. You'll also need to pay more for insurance on your car. If you plan to stay in Germany for more than six months, you should obtain your German driving license as soon as possible. This thorough guide will help you understand how to obtain your German driving licence.
How do I exchange my EU / EEA license to an German Fuhrerschein?
If you have a driving 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 than that or the license is due to expire you'll need to exchange it to a German licence. This is an obligation of law and the only way you can renew your licence beyond the expiry date of your original license. If you have documents attesting your health or vision or eyesight, an exception can be granted. For more information, call the local office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle).
Driving licenses issued by countries that have reciprocal agreements, such as Australia and Canada, or the USA, may be transferred to Germany without having to pass a theory or a 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 an entire driving education and testing procedure.
To convert your foreign driving licence to a Fuhrerschein one, you must submit an application along with all required documents to the local driving licensing office (also known as Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for exchanging licenses can differ from state to federal state. To learn more about the requirements in your area it is best to call or visit your local Fuhrerscheinstelle.
You'll be required to provide evidence of your identity, valid driver's license as well as a certificate attesting your good health and vision. You will also need to pay the appropriate fees. It is recommended to apply as early as you can and at least before your foreign driving license expires to ensure you receive your Fuhrerschein in time. It is advised to keep your old driving licence until you receive your new one. It can be used for identification to identify you.