Driving Licence in Germany in English
Driving Licence in Germany in English
If you hold a driver’s license issued from any EU/EEA country, you may be able to exchange it for one from Germany without much hassle; its legal framework has largely aligned itself with those of its EU Member States so it shouldn’t matter where exactly your original licence came from.
Your best option for exchanging driving licenses should be going into your local Burgeramt (driving license office). They should have an agreement with the country that issued your licence, though there may be fees related to translation and any paperwork; you may even need to take either a theory or practical test depending on where your passport was issued.
What happens if your country doesn’t have an agreement with Germany? Will they refuse to exchange your licence?
From what I understand, they won’t issue you one until you haven’t resided in the country where your license was issued for at least 185 days – this allows them to assess whether your medical condition and eyesight meet Germany’s driving requirements. You will also have to present evidence that your previous licence was valid for at least one year prior to expiring; and for licenses authorising you to drive specific categories (such as buses or large commercial vehicles) proof must be provided of having taken an accredited first aid course as well.