Drivers Licence.
 |
Photo: KBA |
This information is intended as an orientation to what extend a car may be driven in Germany using a drivers license of another country. As a general rule you should be the holder of a valid driving license and be at least 18 years of age. In addition, your driving license must not be a learner's permit or a licence issued on a provisional basis, since such documents are not accepted.
Apart from that, there are some other rules you should observe. The application of these rules mainly depends on the country and state where the driving licence was issued and on the duration of one’s stay in Germany.
Member States of the EU and the EEA
If you are the holder of a driving license issued in one of the 27 Memeber States of the EU or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the 3 Member States of the EEA, you can drive a vehicle on German roads under the same conditions as in your home country, no matter how long you intend to stay in Germany. Nor you are requested to carry an official German translation of your license or to apply for a German license.
Other States: Visiting Germany
If you are visiting Germany for a short period of time as a tourist or for business purposes, you will be allowed to use your driving licence for the time being, provided this license is still valid in your home country.
You will, however, be required to carry an international driving license or an official translation of your driving license. Translations can be provided, among others, by the German Automobile Club, ADAC, by internationally recognised automobile clubs of your country such as AAA, AA or RAC or by German embassies. No rule without exception: Licenses issued in Andorra, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Senegal and Switzerland do not need a German translation.
Other States: Moving to Germany
Another regime applies if you have decided to reside in Germany. In this case your driving licence remains applicable for a period of six months from the time you became resident in Germany. In that time you will also be required to carry an official translation of your license or an international driving license. After that period you will have to get a German driving licence in order to legally continue driving in Germany.
As an exception, the Dusseldorf Traffic Office, Strassenverkehrsamt, can grant an extension of six months for the use of your license if you plan on residing in Germany for longer than six months but less than one year and if you can prove that. In any case you should you make the relevant arrangements as soon as possible, preferably at least three months before expiration of the six-month grace period.
Acquiring a German Driving License
Getting a Germany driving licence can be quite simple. But it can become laborious and expensive as well. All depends on the country your driving licence was issued:
In some cases, for instance Japan and South Africa your license will be fully recognised in Germany. This permits you to convert your license into a German one without any additional tests. To do this, you only have to go to the Traffic Office and apply for a German driving license. For the application the following items are required:
Passport or Identity Card
Driving license
Two photos, each 36 x 45 mm
Fees between €35,00 and €43,00
In other cases your driving license will not be fully recognised. In order to get your old driving license converted into a German one you therefore will have to pass a written test or, depending on the country concerned, both a written and practical, behind-the-wheel test. Tests are organised by the TÜV Technischer Überwachungsverein).
As far as driving licenses from the U.S. are concerned, the requirements for obtaining a German driving license depend on the U.S. state the driving license is from. License holders from certain states such as Alabama and Illinois can obtain the German driving license without any additional tests. License holders from other states such as Florida and Tennessee have to pass the written test or both the written and practical test. The American Consulate General in Dusseldorf are happy to assist with information.
For more detailed information about the requirements and rules applicable to your individual driving license please contact the Dusseldorf Traffic Office.