Anyone driving any type of motor vehicle on the roads in Germany must have a valid driving licence (Führerschein). This licence must be carried on all journeys and must be presented to an official on demand.

Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid. Some foreigners in Germany must exchange their licence for a German one, some may make the exchange if they wish, while yet others may not exchange their licence and will need to take a full driving test (theory and practical) in order to get a German driving licence.

The European Driving Licence

The EU has worked to harmonise standards of the driving test and the appearance of the driving licence so that the licence issued in one country will be recognised by other member states. All EU driving licences issued since 1 January 1983 conform with the Community model, but they may be in paper or plastic form and can look quite different.

In March 2006, the Council of Ministers approved plans to create a single European driving licence to replace the 110 different models currently in existence throughout the EU. The plans are supported by the European Commission and the European Parliament meaning a law should be in place shortly. The plan is then to phase out national licences between 2012 and 2032. Ultimately all new licences will have much shorter periods of validity (10 years is proposed).

The EU has set up an organisation specifically to share the information between member states with regard to driving licences. It is called RESPER (Réseau permis de conduire). This helps to ensure that citizens disqualified from driving in one country are not simply able to get a licence in a new member state.

Drivers with EU & EEA licences

Drivers with valid licences issued by EU and EEA member states may use the current driving licence for an unlimited period in any EU Member State.

• For full details: Click here

Though a German licence is not required, German licence regulations will apply to foreign licences regarding:

• The period of validity of the licence
• Medical checks
• Taxes
• Penalties and restrictions, including suspension, withdrawal and cancellation of the licence

If a driving infraction occurs, German authorities can require the holder of a licence from an EU country to obtain a new licence.

Note: Drivers who have been driving for less than two years and holders of HGV licences must register their licence with the local Office for Foreigners (Landeseinwohneramt) within six months of becoming resident in Germany or they will have to take a German driving test.

Drivers from Non-EU Countries

Non-resident foreigners in Germany may use a valid foreign licence provided it was issued by their country of residence. (A minimum of 185 days per year must be spent in the principal country of residence.) For a fee, the German Automobile Association (ADAC) can provide a translation of the driving licence as well as a certification of permission to drive (Zertifizierung der Fahrerlaubnis).

This does not apply to:

• Holders of provisional driving licences or learner drivers
• Anyone banned from driving or holding a driving licence in Germany

Resident foreigners foreign driving licences becomes invalid in Germany when the holder has been resident for six months. After this time a German licence must be acquired. Some drivers may simply exchange their existing licence for a German one, while others will have to take a German driving test.

• For more information on the validity of driving licences from other countries: Click here

If the foreign driving licence cannot be exchanged for a German licence, or if no current driving licence is held, the full German driving test must be taken.

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Getting a German Driving Licence

Exchanging a Driving Licence (Umschreibung ausländischer Fahrerlaubnisse)

Drivers from EU and EEA countries (EU member states plus Lichtenstein, Iceland and Norway) may request a licence exchange, but it is not obligatory. No formal test takes place but certain conditions must be met.

Drivers from non-EU and non-EEA countries who wait longer than three years after becoming resident in Germany before applying to exchange their licence must undergo the whole driver training and testing procedure from scratch. This is a costly process as it involves a minimum amount of compulsory elements (first aid, theory and practical).

To exchange a valid driving licence for a German licence a transfer application must be made to the local Driving Licence Office (Führerscheinstelle) of the local administrative department or town hall (Kreisverwaltung or Rathaus).

• To find the nearest office: Click here

A fee is payable to exchange a driving licence. Formalities may vary from one federal state to another, but generally the following documents must be provided:

• Proof of identity (passport)
• Confirmation of residency (polizeiliche Anmeldung) plus a photocopy
• Passport-size photo of the driving licence holder signed on the reverse side
• Current foreign driving licence plus photocopy
• Certified translation of current foreign driving licence plus photocopy (Non-EU/EEA driving licences only)
• Confirmation from the Office for Foreigners (Landeseinwohneramt) of the duration of residency in Germany (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)
• In some cases an eye test may be required

The process takes several weeks so it is advisable to apply well in advance of the date when the existing licence becomes invalid. Once the German driving licence has been issued, the foreign driving licence will usually be retained and returned to the respective driving authority in the country of issue.

Canadian and US Citizens

A Canadian driving licence may be exchanged at the local authorities without taking a driving test. This must be done before the end of the first six months in Germany.

• Information from the Canadian Embassy: Click here

US citizens may drive in Germany with their US driving licence for six months. Citizens who can prove that they are staying for less than a year in Germany may drive for 364 days with their US driving licence, but must declare this at the local driver's registration office.  Those staying longer than a year must get a German licence.

• Licence holders from certain states only may exchange their driving licence for a German one
• Licence holders from other states must take a written theory test (this can be taken in English)
• For comprehensive information from the US Embassy: Click here

Validity and Use of International Driving Licences

For holders of EU or EEA licences, an international driving licence does not offer any added value for driving within the EEA as it always has to be shown together with the Community model national driving licence.

Those from outside the EU may apply for an International Driving Licence in their country of origin. They may drive in Germany with an international licence for one year, but must also carry their national driving licence. However, once officially resident in Germany all non-EU drivers should obtain a German driving licence.

Further Information

• Information from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (Bunderministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung, BMVBS)
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Getting a German Driving Licence
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Driving in Germany

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