How long can I drive on my foreign licence in Germany?

If you establish your ordinary residence in Germany, a valid licence from a country outside the EU or EEA is generally recognised for six months. In certain circumstances, the period can be extended by up to another six months.

Can I convert an Indian driving licence in Germany?

India is not included in the special countries list in Anlage 11. You will therefore normally need to pass both the theory and practical tests. You do not normally have to complete the full German driving-school training programme, and there is no prescribed minimum number of driving lessons for the conversion itself.

Is my UK licence still valid in Germany after Brexit?

Yes. The United Kingdom is included in Anlage 11. Eligible UK licences can generally be converted without a German theory or practical test.

Can I convert a US driving licence in Germany?

It depends on the US state that issued your licence. Some states allow conversion without either test, some require only the theory test, and licences from states not covered by the German special rules normally require both tests. California and New York, the two most common origins for Americans in Germany, are not on the list, along with Georgia, New Jersey, Nevada and several others.

Can I convert a Canadian driving licence in Germany?

It depends on the Canadian province and licence class. A number of Canadian provincial licences are listed in Anlage 11 and can be converted without the German theory or practical test.

Can I convert an Australian driving licence in Germany?

Certain Australian C, CAR and R licence classes are listed in Anlage 11 and can generally be converted without a German theory or practical test. The rules depend on the Australian territory and licence type. Learner licences are not eligible for the simplified conversion.

Do I need driving lessons to convert my foreign licence?

Not necessarily. If your licence can be converted without an exam, you normally do not need driving lessons. If you need a practical test, you will normally work with a driving school, but there is generally no legally prescribed minimum number of driving lessons for a foreign licence conversion.

What happens if I miss the six-month deadline?

Once the applicable six-month period has expired, your foreign licence is generally no longer recognised as giving you the right to drive in Germany. If you know that you need to stay in Germany longer, start the conversion process early. In certain circumstances, the authority can extend the period by up to six months.

Where can I check the current rules?

The official source is Anlage 11 of the German Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung (FeV). Because German driving licence regulations can change, check the current version before relying on information found online. If you are unsure how the rules apply to your particular licence, contact your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or a local Fahrschule.

Convert driving license Germany 2026: What applies to you

If you are looking for information about “convert driving license Germany”, the process depends on the country or state that issued your licence, the licence class and the type of licence you hold.

In this guide, we cover the rules for licences from the UK, USA, India, Canada, Australia and many other countries, including which licences can be converted without an exam and which require theory and practical tests.

German regulations can also change, so the information below is intended as a general guide, not as a substitute for advice from your local licensing authority.

Which exams do you have to take to convert a driving license in Germany?

This is the part that differs most from person to person. If you are researching “convert driving license Germany”, the first thing to determine is whether your licence falls under the simplified rules in Anlage 11 FeV. The list specifies which countries, states and licence classes benefit from simplified conversion and whether a theory test, a practical test, or neither is required.

For licences that are not covered by the special rules in Anlage 11, both the theory and practical tests are normally required.

However, you do not normally have to complete the full driving-school training required when obtaining a German licence for the first time. In particular, there is no prescribed minimum number of driving lessons simply because you are converting a foreign licence. Your instructor can recommend lessons based on your experience and the requirements of the practical test.

Because the list is detailed and can change, always check the current version before applying. The information in this article is based on the rules applicable at the time of publication. If the law, your licence class or your personal circumstances differ, different requirements may apply.

So, before starting actually the process, check the current German rules and speak to a local Fahrschule or Fahrerlaubnisbehörde about your individual case. The official German rules are set out in Anlage 11 of the Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung (FeV).

→ Check the current official Anlage 11 FeV here.

EU and EEA licences: generally no conversion required

If your driving licence was issued by an EU or EEA country, it is generally recognised in Germany and you do not normally have to exchange it simply because you move to Germany.

You can normally continue driving with your valid EU or EEA licence.

There are exceptions and special rules concerning validity periods, restrictions, previous licence withdrawals and certain types of licence. If you are unsure, check with your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde.

Countries on the German list: no or reduced testing

Understanding the German rules is essential if you want to convert your driving license in Germany from a non-EU/EEA country.

The exact rules depend on the country and licence class. In some cases, all listed classes are covered. In others, only specific classes are.

Selected countries and their treatment under Anlage 11 (alphabetical order)

Country or territory	Licence classes listed	Theory test	Practical test
Australia	C, CAR, R	No	No
Canada	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, G, plus specific provincial stages	No	No
Gibraltar	All	No	No
Israel	A1, A2, A, B	No	No
Japan	All	No	No
Moldova	A1, A2, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE	No	Yes
Montenegro	All	No	No
New Zealand	1, 6	No	No
Singapore	All	No	No
South Africa	All	No	No
South Korea	1, 2	No	No
Switzerland	All	No	No
Ukraine	A1, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE	No	No
United Kingdom	All	No	No
This is a selection, not the full list. Always check the current Anlage 11 FeV for your exact licence class and any conditions attached to it.

For countries where only particular licence classes are listed, the German authority generally issues the corresponding German licence based on those classes. For example, New Zealand class 1 is relevant to the German car licence, while South Korea is listed with classes 1 and 2.

The official Anlage 11 should always be checked for the exact licence class and any notes or conditions attached to it.

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The United States: it depends on your state

US driving licences are one of the more complicated cases when you want to convert your driving license, because Germany does not treat the United States as a single jurisdiction for this purpose.

The German list specifies individual US states and US territories, and the requirements can differ from one state to another.

For the purposes of this guide, the states and jurisdictions fall into three main groups:

Option 1: No theory or practical test
The states listed in this group generally allow an eligible US car licence to be converted without taking either the German theory or practical test.

Option 2: Theory test only
For the states and jurisdictions in this group, the German theory test is required, but the practical test is waived.

Option 3: Both theory and practical tests
The states in this group are not included in the relevant US provisions of Anlage 11. If your licence was issued by one of these states, you will normally need to pass both the German theory and practical tests.

The table below shows the three groups at a glance. The exact licence type and other conditions can matter, so use this as a general guide and check the current Anlage 11 and your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde before applying.

Even when one or both tests are required, you do not normally have to complete the full German driving-school training programme. A driving school can prepare you for the required tests, and there is no prescribed minimum number of driving lessons simply because you are converting a foreign licence.

German driving licence regulations can change, so always check the current rules before starting the conversion process.

Group	US state or jurisdiction	Theory	Practical
Option 1	Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming	No	No
Option 2	Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee	Yes	No
Option 3	Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont	Yes	Yes
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Countries not on the list: both tests are normally required

If your country is not covered by the special rules in Anlage 11, you may still be able to convert your driving license in Germany, but you will normally need to pass both:

the theory test, and
the practical driving test.

This does not mean that you have to start from zero or complete the full German driver-training programme. For conversion candidates, there is generally no legally prescribed minimum number of driving lessons. Your instructor can assess your driving and recommend the amount of practice you need before the practical test.

This can be particularly useful for experienced drivers who are already familiar with driving but need to adapt to German traffic rules, road signs and test standards.

Countries such as India, Turkey, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Pakistan and the Philippines are examples of countries that are not included in the relevant special list.

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Convert driving license Germany: One important exception – where and when you obtained your licence

Having a licence from a listed country or US state does not automatically mean that Germany will recognise it for conversion.

One important rule concerns your ordinary residence when the foreign licence was issued.

German law generally uses the concept of an ordinary residence, which is normally associated with living in a country for at least 185 days per year. A foreign licence may not give you the expected rights in Germany if you obtained it while your ordinary residence was already in Germany.

This is particularly important for people who obtain a foreign licence during a short trip abroad.

If this situation applies to you, speak to your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde before relying on the foreign licence.

How long can you drive on your foreign licence in Germany?

For licences from countries outside the EU and EEA, the general rule is that you can drive in Germany for six months after establishing your ordinary residence in Germany.

In certain circumstances, the licensing authority can extend the six-month period by up to another six months if you can demonstrate that your stay in Germany will not exceed twelve months.

After the applicable period expires, the foreign licence is no longer recognised as giving you the right to drive in Germany.

Do not wait until the six-month period is about to expire. If you need to convert your licence, contact the local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde and a driving school early, because processing times can vary.

What you need to do

Register with a driving school

The process goes through a Fahrschule. Ask them directly about the exact requirements for your case, the registration fee and the price of driving lessons. The school will also prepare you for the tests. The estimated costs are further below, but they vary from region to region and from school to school.

What documents do you need?

The exact documents depend on your country, licence and local authority.

You will generally need documents such as:

your original foreign driving licence
your passport or identity document
proof of residence
a biometric passport photograph
any documents specifically requested by your Fahrerlaubnisbehörde

A translation may be required, depending on the licence and the applicable rules. German authorities do not necessarily require the same translation for every foreign licence. For example, some English-language licences may be accepted without a translation, while individual authorities may still ask for one.

Additional requirements can apply depending on the country and licence class. For this reason, ask your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde for its current document checklist before submitting your application.

Do you need a driving school?

If your licence can be exchanged without an exam, you generally do not need to take driving lessons.

If you need a practical test, you will normally work with a Fahrschule. The driving school can register you for the relevant process, help you prepare for the test and advise you on how much practice you need.

There is generally no fixed minimum number of driving lessons for a foreign licence conversion. The number of lessons you need is therefore a practical decision between you and your instructor.

What does it cost to convert a foreign driving licence?

The total cost depends heavily on your situation. If you can exchange your licence without an exam, the main costs are normally the administrative application, the German licence itself and any required documents or translation.

If you need a practical test, you may also have:

driving school registration fees
driving lessons
fees charged for the practical test
administrative fees

If you also need the theory test, you will have additional theory-test and preparation costs.

There is no single Germany-wide price for the entire process. Fees and driving lesson prices can differ between regions, authorities and driving schools.

For a detailed cost guide, see our article on how much a driving licence costs in Germany.

The safest way to check your individual case

Foreign driving licence rules can look straightforward until you check the details.

Before booking lessons or a test, we recommend:

Check the current Anlage 11 FeV.
Click here and look for your country, US state, Canadian province or Australian territory and check the exact licence class.
Contact your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde.
Ask them what applies to your particular licence and which documents they require. The Fahrerlaubnisbehörde is the authority that decides whether your licence can be converted and which requirements apply to your individual case.
Speak to a local Fahrschule.
The driving school can explain the practical side of the process, including whether you need lessons and how the examination is organised.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I drive on my foreign licence in Germany?
If you establish your ordinary residence in Germany, a valid licence from a country outside the EU or EEA is generally recognised for six months. In certain circumstances, the period can be extended by up to another six months.
Can I convert an Indian driving licence in Germany?
India is not included in the special countries list in Anlage 11. You will therefore normally need to pass both the theory and practical tests. You do not normally have to complete the full German driving-school training programme, and there is no prescribed minimum number of driving lessons for the conversion itself.
Is my UK licence still valid in Germany after Brexit?
Yes. The United Kingdom is included in Anlage 11. Eligible UK licences can generally be converted without a German theory or practical test.
Can I convert a US driving licence in Germany?
It depends on the US state that issued your licence. Some states allow conversion without either test, some require only the theory test, and licences from states not covered by the German special rules normally require both tests. California and New York, the two most common origins for Americans in Germany, are not on the list, along with Georgia, New Jersey, Nevada and several others.
Can I convert a Canadian driving licence in Germany?
It depends on the Canadian province and licence class. A number of Canadian provincial licences are listed in Anlage 11 and can be converted without the German theory or practical test.
Can I convert an Australian driving licence in Germany?
Certain Australian C/CAR and R licence classes are listed in Anlage 11 and can generally be converted without a German theory or practical test. The rules depend on the Australian territory and licence type. Learner licences are not eligible for the simplified conversion.
Do I need driving lessons to convert my foreign licence?
Not necessarily. If your licence can be converted without an exam, you normally do not need driving lessons.
If you need a practical test, you will normally work with a driving school, but there is generally no legally prescribed minimum number of driving lessons for a foreign licence conversion.
What happens if I miss the six-month deadline?
Once the applicable six-month period has expired, your foreign licence is generally no longer recognised as giving you the right to drive in Germany. If you know that you need to stay in Germany longer, start the conversion process early. In certain circumstances, the authority can extend the period by up to six months.
Where can I check the current rules?
The official source is Anlage 11 of the German Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung (FeV). Because German driving licence regulations can change, check the current version before relying on information found online. If you are unsure how the rules apply to your particular licence, contact your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or a local Fahrschule.