Germany is one of the most popular destinations in the world for immigrants. Whether you’re moving to Germany to study, as a digital nomad, to volunteer or for any other reason, chances are you’ll want to get a German driver’s license so you can move around freely once you’ve settled in.
Navigating the steps to get a driver’s license as an expat in Germany can be a bit daunting. Even if you already hold a driving license, the steps can be a bit different depending on where it was issued. So here’s Remitly’s guide on how to get a “Führerschein” (German driver’s license).
Table of contents
What documents do I need to apply for my driver’s license in Germany?
To apply for a driver’s license in Germany, you must be 18 years old or older, and you’ll need;
- An official identity card such as a passport
- A German residency registration certificate (“Meldebescheinigung”)
- A passport photo (35mm x 45 mm)
- A recent eye exam, medical exam (if necessary), and first-aid training certificate
- The original foreign license along with a German translation (if applicable).
- The fee, if no tests are required, of 40 EUR.
Can I use my current driving license in Germany?
Once you’ve arrived in Germany, your valid foreign driver’s license or International Driving Permit (IDP) will allow you to explore Germany by motor vehicle during your first six months.
Consider carrying a certified German translation of your foreign driver’s license if it’s not in the German language. There’s a searchable database of certified translators here.
Germany does not require a translation of licenses issued by the following states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland and Senegal. No translation is necessary for IDPs, either.
Can I exchange my current driving license for a German one?
If you plan to stay in Germany for 12 months or more, once you take up ordinary residency you may simply be able to convert your current foreign driving license into a German one.
If not, the requirements to secure a German driving license may vary depending on your personal situation. Stop by your local driver’s licensing office (“Führerscheinstelle”) for more personalized information.
Driver’s licenses issued in the EU or EEA
If you have a valid domestic driving license that was issued in the European Union (EU) or in the European Economic Area (EEA), in most cases you’re already all set! Once you’ve established normal residency in Germany, it will be valid until its expiration date.
Non-EU or EEA driver’s licenses
If your valid foreign driver’s license was not issued in Europe, there are different driving license provisions to get your “Fahrerlaubnis.”
Germany holds different reciprocity agreements with countries when it comes to exchanging a foreign driving license to a German one, so you may even be able to bypass some theory and/or practical driving lessons and testing requirements.
Countries with full reciprocity agreements with Germany include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa and the UK. You can find the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport’s complete list here.
For Australians, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria enjoy full reciprocity, but holders of licenses from all other states in Australia will be required to take an eye test.
And for Americans, 27 of the USA’s states and Puerto Rico have full license reciprocity in Germany. However, if you’re from a US state with only partial or no reciprocity agreement, requirements may vary.
What are the steps to get a German driving license?
- Take an eye test: To get a driving license in Germany, you’ll need to pass an eye test. If you’re applying for a C or D category driving license, you may also be required to pass a medical exam. Most of the time these costs are covered by health insurance.
- Sign up for a “Erste Hilfe” (First Aid Course): Get a certificate from a recognized first aid course (from official providers like the German Red Cross, for example). Courses typically last nine to 10 hours and can cost between 20 and 50 EUR.
- Enroll in a “Fahrschule” (Driving School): Depending on if you already hold a driving license and the issuing state, you may need to sign up for theory classes and/or practical driving lessons with a driving instructor. If you don’t already have a driving license, make an appointment at your local Führerscheinstelle to begin the process.
- Take the theory exam: Once your theory lessons are over, you’re ready to take the theoretical test. Your local driving school will organize this for you. It includes approximately 30 multiple choice questions, with some having more than one correct answer.
Find out more about the theory test from TÜV, the German technical inspection association, here. - Take the driving exam: Within 12 months of passing the theory test, your local Fahrschule will also register you to take the practical road test. It normally lasts around 30–75 minutes and will be conducted in German, so brush up on your German driving-related vocabulary beforehand!
Find out more about the practical exam from the TÜV here.
- Wait for your new German driving license to arrive in the mail (this normally takes around four to six weeks). You’ll be given a temporary driver’s license in the meantime.
Finally, license requirements can vary depending on where you are; Leipzig’s requirements may be different to those in Munich or Berlin, for example. Small towns may do things a bit differently than in big cities too. Ask about the requirements at your local Führerscheinstelle.
If you’re a brand-new driver, you’ll be placed on a probationary period (“Probezeit”) for two years. But you’re all set to cruise down picturesque German country roads (“Überlandfahrt”) or even quench your need for speed on the Autobahn. Following all the traffic laws and speed limits where they apply, of course—be safe out there!
FAQs
Most people will apply for a Class B license, which authorizes you to operate a car or other motor vehicle with a max weight of 3,500 kg and up to eight people. The Class A license is for motorcycles and similar vehicles. You can find a complete overview of all license categories here.
Depending on whether you benefit from a reciprocity agreement between your home country and Germany, the process could take anywhere from two to six months.
Germany can be expensive. According to Business Insider, the total cost of getting a German driver’s license could be as much as 2,000–3,200 EUR, or 2,300–3,700 USD.
Yes! Available languages for the theory test include German, English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Spanish, Turkish and Arabic. The actual practical driving test is taken in German.
In most cases, driving licenses in Germany are valid for 15 years.
For stays of longer than 12 months, be sure to register your car and make sure it meets German safety requirements by scheduling a technical inspection (TÜV). Vehicle taxes do apply and motor vehicle insurance is obligatory, though comprehensive insurance (Kaskoversicherung) is optional in Germany.
The General German Automobile Club, ADAC, offers breakdown assistance, advice and information for drivers in Germany.
