A driving licence from outside the EU is valid in Germany only for six months after you establish your normal residence. After that, driving without a German licence is a criminal offence (Section 21 StVG).

The six-month rule and extensions

The six months start when you establish your residence in Germany. If your stay is temporary and will not exceed one year, the driving licence office (Führerscheinstelle) can extend the period. Otherwise you must convert your licence.

Countries with simplified conversion (Annex 11 FeV)

Licences from EU and EEA countries do not need to be converted. For other countries, Annex 11 of the Driving Licence Regulation applies: licences from countries listed there (for example Switzerland, Japan and certain US states) are converted without exams or with the theory test only. If your country is not listed, you must pass both the theory and the practical test.

Required steps before applying

Before applying at the driving licence office, you need an eye test at an approved testing centre and a first aid course of nine teaching units.

Taking the exams at TÜV or DEKRA through a driving school

You register with a driving school. You do not have to complete the full mandatory course of theory and driving lessons, which saves money; the school decides how many practical lessons make sense based on your skills. The theory test is available in several foreign languages, including Russian; the practical test is in German.

What to check

  • Apply for the conversion within the first three to four months after moving.
  • Take an eye test at an approved centre and get the certificate.
  • Book a first aid course of nine teaching units.
  • Use an official app to prepare for the theory test.

Example situation

A driver with ten years of experience takes only three driving lessons to get used to the “right before left” rule and roundabouts, passes both exams at the first attempt and saves more than €1,500.

Next step

Do not delay your application: waiting times at the driving licence office can be up to two months.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.