Driving on a foreign licence
| Licence from | Rule |
|---|---|
| EU/EEA | Valid in Germany without time limit (until it expires) |
| Non-EU | Valid for 6 months from when you take up residence in Germany. The licensing authority can extend by up to 6 months if you'll leave within 12 months |
| Ukraine | Recognised for the duration of temporary protection |
After the 6 months, driving without a German licence is a criminal offence, and your car insurance can refuse to pay.
Converting a non-EU licence (Umschreibung)
- Apply at your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (driving licence office). It's often slow — start in your first 3 months.
- Annex 11 countries (Anlage 11 FeV — e.g. Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada (some provinces), South Korea, Switzerland, UK, many US states, New Zealand, South Africa): conversion without tests or with theory only.
- All other countries (e.g. India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Turkey): you must pass the theory and practical tests, via a driving school, but usually without minimum lesson hours.
- Typical documents: licence + sworn translation, passport, Meldebescheinigung, biometric photo, eye test (Sehtest), first-aid course (9 units), proof you lived 185+ days in the issuing country when you got the licence. Fees around €40–60 plus school and test fees.
Owning a car
- Insurance first: get an eVB number (electronic insurance confirmation) from a car insurer.
- Register at the Zulassungsstelle (or online with Online-Ausweis): eVB, ID, Meldebescheinigung, vehicle documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I + II), SEPA mandate for vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer), and number plates (made by plate shops near the office).
- Inspection (HU/TÜV): every 2 years (new cars: first after 3 years). The sticker on the rear plate shows the month.
- Insurance discount class (Schadenfreiheitsklasse): some insurers count claim-free years from abroad — bring a letter from your previous insurer in English.