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Expat guide

Driving Licence in Germany: Complete Guide for Expats

Your foreign driving licence has limited validity in Germany. Depending on your home country, you may need to convert it, take a test, or start from scratch.

8 min read·Verified & sourced

Overview

Germany has strict rules about foreign driving licences. Whether you can simply drive, need to convert your licence, or must start the full process from scratch depends on where your licence was issued.

The key deadline: 6 months from your Anmeldung date. After that, non-EU licences are invalid.

Rules by country type

EU/EEA countries

If your licence was issued in an EU or EEA country (including Switzerland), it's valid indefinitely in Germany. No conversion required. When it expires, you renew it through the German Führerscheinstelle.

Countries with full conversion agreements

These countries have bilateral agreements — you can convert without any test. You just submit paperwork and pay the admin fee (~€35–50):

• Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan
• Israel, South Africa
• Some Australian states, some Canadian provinces

Countries with partial agreements

You can convert but must pass some tests:

Check the specific list at your Führerscheinstelle — agreements vary by state/province, not just country.

All other countries

You must go through the full German driving licence process:

1. Enroll in a Fahrschule (driving school)
2. Complete theory lessons (14 sessions × 90 min)
3. Complete practical lessons (minimum 12 mandatory special drives)
4. Pass the theory test
5. Pass the practical test

Documents needed for conversion

• Valid foreign driving licence (original)
• Official German translation (from ADAC or a sworn translator — Beeidigte/r Übersetzer/in)
• Biometric passport photo
• Eye test (Sehtest) — any optician, ~€7
• First-aid certificate (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs) — one-day course, ~€30–50
• Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung from your Anmeldung)
• Passport or ID
• Application form from the Führerscheinstelle
• Fee: €35–50 for admin, plus test fees if applicable

The theory test

• Available in English (and 11 other languages)
• 30 multiple-choice questions
• You can make a maximum of 10 error points to pass
• Topics: road signs, right of way, speed limits, environmental zones, first aid
• Study material: official apps (Fahren Lernen, theorie24) or books
• Cost: ~€50 per attempt

The practical test

• Conducted in a dual-control car (usually from your Fahrschule)
• Lasts about 45–55 minutes
• Includes highway (Autobahn), city driving, rural roads, and parking
• Examiner can speak English in some cities — confirm when booking
• Cost: ~€180–200 per attempt (plus car rental from Fahrschule)
• You must complete mandatory driving lessons before you can take it

Timeline

1. Gather documents

   1–2 weeks

2. Submit application at Führerscheinstelle

   1 day (with appointment)

3. Processing time

   4–8 weeks

4. Theory test prep (if needed)

   2–4 weeks

5. Practical lessons + test (if needed)

   4–12 weeks

6. Total (conversion without tests)

   6–10 weeks

7. Total (full process)

   3–6 months

Start early! If your 6-month deadline is approaching, apply for an extension at the Führerscheinstelle. They can grant an additional 6 months if you've already started the process.

Costs

Costs vary significantly by city — Munich and Stuttgart tend to be more expensive than Berlin or eastern German cities.

Checklist

Common mistakes

• Missing the 6-month deadline — after that you're driving illegally. Points, fines, and insurance won't cover accidents
• Assuming "international licence" extends validity — an IDP does NOT extend your 6-month window
• Not booking the Führerscheinstelle early — appointments can have 4–6 week wait times in major cities
• Choosing the cheapest Fahrschule — check reviews and pass rates. A bad school means more lessons and more money
• Driving without valid licence — this is a criminal offence (Fahren ohne Fahrerlaubnis) in Germany, not just a fine

Frequently asked questions

?How long can I drive with my foreign licence?

EU/EEA licences are valid indefinitely in Germany. Non-EU licences are valid for 6 months from your registration date (Anmeldung). After 6 months, you must have a German licence. You can apply for an extension of up to 6 more months at the Führerscheinstelle if your conversion is in progress.

?Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

If your licence is not in German or doesn't use Latin script, you need either an official German translation or an IDP alongside your original licence. The IDP alone is not valid — you must always carry the original licence too. After 6 months, neither the IDP nor your foreign licence is valid.

?I'm from the US/UK/Canada — do I need to take the test?

It depends on your specific state/province. The US, UK, and Canada have partial agreements — some states/provinces require only a practical test, others require both theory and practical. Check the official list at your local Führerscheinstelle. UK licence holders currently need both tests after Brexit.

?How much does it cost to get a German driving licence?

Conversion without tests: €35–50 (administrative fee only). With practical test only: ~€500–800 (including mandatory driving lessons). Full process from scratch (theory + practical): €2,000–3,500 depending on the city and how many lessons you need.

?Can I keep my original licence after conversion?

No. German authorities confiscate your original foreign licence when they issue the German one. It gets sent to your home country's embassy, or you can request it back when you leave Germany permanently. EU licences are an exception — they're returned with a note that they're no longer valid for Germany.