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Driving license for foreigners
All information about driving licenses and the recognition of foreign driving licenses.
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when driving licenses are recognized in Germany
how the recognition process for driving licenses works
what applies to driving licenses from Great Britain and Ukraine
1. Driving license in Germany
2. When does the driver’s license need to be rewritten?
3. Special cases: Driving licenses from Great Britain and Ukraine
4. FAQ
5. Conclusion
1. Driving license in Germany
The recognition of driving licenses understandably has considerable practical significance for many expats. Anyone who holds a valid driving license from an EU or EEA country and is resident in Germany can generally drive legally in Germany ( Section 28 of the Driving Licence Regulations ). Driving licenses issued by a foreign European country are generally recognized as long as there are no grounds for exclusion (e.g., driving bans). However, compliance with conditions or restrictions imposed by the country of origin remains binding in Germany. For example, anyone who is required to wear visual aids must comply with these conditions here as well.
For other third-country nationals (i.e., non-EU citizens), however, the process is somewhat more complicated. Anyone moving permanently to Germany from a third country such as the USA, Great Britain, or Switzerland must have their foreign driver's license converted in order to be legally allowed to drive here. But what exactly does this mean, and what steps are necessary?
2. When does the driver’s license need to be rewritten?
A foreign driver's license issued in a third country expires after six months from the date of establishment of permanent residence in Germany ( Section 29, Paragraph 1 of the Driving Licence Regulations ). After this period, driving without a valid license is no longer permitted – fines and criminal prosecution are possible. A one-time extension of this six-month period is possible if the stay in Germany does not exceed twelve months. Proof of this extension must be presented to the driver's license authority.
Whether you can convert your driver's license without taking a theory and practical test depends on the country from which your license originates. In many cases, a bilateral agreement exists with Germany (see Appendix 11 of the Driver's License Ordinance (FeV) ). In these cases, the conversion process can be simplified. If you come from a country not listed in Appendix 11 of the FeV , you must take a theory and practical driving test in Germany. However, mandatory driving school training is not required.
3. Special cases: Driving licenses from Great Britain and Ukraine
Since Brexit, the British driving license is no longer valid as an EU driving license. Therefore, Britons must also exchange their license for a German one after six months. However, since 2022, the United Kingdom has been listed in Annex 11 to the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV) . This means that the exchange is possible without a test. However, an eye test may still be required.
Thanks to EU Regulation (EU) 2022/1280, a Ukrainian driver's license is currently recognized in Germany and all EU member states, provided the person concerned is living in Germany under the temporary protection status pursuant to Section 24 of the Residence Act . Conversion is not required until the expiration of the protection status – but no later than March 6, 2026 – even if the driver's license expired after December 31, 2021. Neither a certified translation nor an international driver's license are required. Upon presentation of a digital Ukrainian driver's license, confirmation of driving authorization can be obtained electronically. After the end of the protection status, a conversion of the driver's license with the responsible driving license authority is required for permanent residence.
4. FAQ
When do I have to convert my foreign driving license?
At the latest six months after establishing residence in Germany (Section 29 (1) FeV).
Is a Ukrainian driving license recognized in Germany?
Yes, within the framework of Section 24 of the Residence Act until March 6, 2026 – even if the driver’s license has expired.
Do I need a test to convert my driver's license?
Whether a theoretical and/or practical test is required depends on whether the country of origin is listed in Appendix 11 of the Driving Licence Regulations. For listed countries (e.g., the USA, UK), the transfer is usually exempt from the test.
What will happen to British driving licenses after Brexit?
Since Brexit, British driving licenses are no longer valid as EU driving licenses. A conversion is therefore required. Since 2022, the United Kingdom has been listed in Annex 11 of the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV) – conversion is possible without an exam, possibly with an eye test.
5. Conclusion
For expats from third countries, converting their driver's license in Germany is a key step for everyday mobility. While EU and EEA driver's licenses are generally recognized without any problems, non-EU driving licenses must be exchanged after six months at the latest (Section 29, Paragraph 1 of the Driving Licence Regulations). Whether an examination is required depends on whether a bilateral agreement exists (Annex 11 of the Driving Licence Regulations). Special regulations currently apply to holders of a British or Ukrainian driver's license. Those who intend to stay in Germany long-term should contact the responsible driver's license authority early on to find out about the conversion requirement, deadlines, and proof requirements.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] BMV, Validity of foreign driving licenses, 22.10.2024