Rewrite of foreign
driving licenses
Anyone who moves permanently to Germany from not-EU countries must have their foreign driving license converted.
A
from 16
Driving license classes A, A1, A2, AM
B
from 18
Driving license classes B, BE, B96, B197
ID - passport photo - eye test - first aid Original driving license with translation
Basic material
No theory lessons
Special trips:
Depending on the country of origin
Validity
Unlimited after conversion
Recognition
Depending on country groups
Additive material T
No theory lessons
This table applies to the conversion of foreign driving licenses classes A and B.
Conversion depending on country groups
EU/EEA countries
Theory exam
no
Practical exam
no
Remark
Conversion not necessary, but exchange for EU card driving license required.
Countries with mutual recognition agreements (e.g. Switzerland, Japan, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand)
Theory exam
no
Practical exam
no
Remark
Conversion is possible without an exam. Exception: A practical exam is required for Albania and Moldova.
Other countries
Theory exam
yes
Practical exam
yes
Remark
Conversion is only possible with a theory and practical exam, but no driving school training is required.
Important information
Deadlines
EU/EEA driving licenses can be converted at any time. Driving licenses from countries with a mutual recognition agreement (Annex 11 of the Driving Licence Regulations) generally do not require an exam. However, there are exceptions, including Albania, Moldova, and some US states. Driving licenses from other countries always require an examination.
Validity
The foreign driving license remains valid during the six-month transition period. After the conversion, the German EU driving license is valid.
Theoretical and practical exam
Driving licenses from other countries always require a theory and practical exam. However, no driver training is required. There are no mandatory driving lessons. Furthermore, the decision whether and when to take the exams depends on the applicant's confidence and willingness.
Recognition
Driving licenses from certain countries (e.g., the USA, Switzerland, Japan) may be fully or partially recognized. Driving licenses from other countries (e.g., Turkey, Russia) require a theory and practical exam. Some authorities require proof of regular driving experience abroad.
Old driving license
The old driving license must be handed in when the conversion is done (it will be retained or recorded).
This table applies to non-EU/non-EEA driving licenses (e.g. from the USA, Turkey, India, Russia, etc.), since EU/EEA driving licenses are generally valid in Germany.
Cost overview for Class A conversion
Eye test
6–10 €
First aid course
20–50 €
Basic driving school fee
500–1.000 € (depending on the region and driving school)
Theory lessons
0–400 € (optional, depending on the driving school)
Driving lessons
0–1.200 € (depending on the number of hours required)
TÜV fees
100–200 € (registration fee, theory and practical exam)
Driving license issuance
40–60 €
Translation
40–80 €
Total costs
700–2.000 € (depending on individual learning time and region)
This table applies to non-EU/non-EEA driving licenses (e.g. from the USA, Turkey, India, Russia, etc.), since EU/EEA driving licenses are generally valid in Germany.
Cost overview for Class B conversion
Eye test
6–10 €
First aid course
20–50 €
Basic driving school fee
300–800 € (depending on the region and driving school)
Theory lessons
0–400 € (optional, depending on the driving school)
Driving lessons
0–2.000 € (depending on the number of hours required)
TÜV fees
200–400 € (registration fee, theory and practical exam)
Driving license issuance
40–60 €
Translation
40–80 €
Total costs
800–3.000 € (depending on individual learning time and region)
Step-by-step guide to rewriting Class A and B
Driving school registration
• Choose a certified driving school.
• Sign training contract with driving school.
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