You would like to have your existing driver's
license converted into a German driver's license?
In principle, German driver's license law applies to every holder of a foreign driver's license who moves his or her normal
place of residence to Germany. This is the case if you live in Germany for at least 185 days (6 months) a year. It does not
matter what nationality you have as the holder of the foreign driving license, only the normal residence is decisive.
Existing foreign driving licenses are recognized differently for transcription. Germany distinguishes between three groups
of countries of origin of the driving licenses:
• Possession of a driving license from an EU/EEA member state
Here, a transcription is only required when the validity of the foreign driving license expires.
• Possession of a driving license from states according to Appendix 11 FeV (“list states”)
Here, a transcription is required in any case. The exact scope of the recognition of the driving licenses of the listed states is
regulated in the Appendix 11 of the Driving License Ordinance (FeV). Driving licenses (of certain classes) from these countries
can be transferred in Germany in some cases without examination.
• Possession of a driving license from other countries ("third countries")
A transcription is required in any case. In contrast to the countries listed in Appendix 11 FeV, a theoretical and practical test is always
required here. In contrast to the first acquisition of a driving license, as the holder of a foreign driving license you are exempt from
the obligation to undergo training ("compulsory hours").
You would like to drive in Germany with a driving
license that does not originate from an EU or EEA state?
If you are in possession of a driving license from a state that does not belong to the EU or the EEA, this license is valid for six
months after the establishment of a normal place of residence in Germany (in individual cases, an extension of up to twelve months
is possible). After this period, your driver's license no longer entitles you to drive vehicles requiring a driver's license within Germany.
A driving license issued in Germany is then required for further participation in domestic road traffic. The requirements for the
issuance of a German driving license depend, among other things, on the country in which you acquired your driving license.
A foreign driver's license does not entitle you to drive on German roads if:
• it is no longer valid;
• it is a learner's permit or another temporarily issued driver's license;
• you have not yet reached the minimum age required in Germany for a driver's license to be issued;
• your driver's license has been revoked in Germany; or
• you are banned from driving in Germany or your driver's license has been confiscated, seized or taken into custody.
Driving a motor vehicle with a foreign driver's license that is not or no longer recognized in Germany is punished as
driving without a license.
USE OF FOREIGN DRIVING LICENSES
In addition to the initial acquisition of a driver's license, we also offer you the
transfer of your existing and valid foreign driver's license. Driving lessons are
currently available in English, Italian and Turkish. You can even take the theory
test in 13 official languages.
Below you will find more information about the use of existing driving licenses
in Germany.
Source: TÜV Rheinland
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