Are you an expat who arrived recently in Germany and willing to continue using your international driving license? You have to stay aware of everything related to an international driver’s license Germany. Positively, you may continue using your foreign driving license for a maximum of 10 years depending on the issued country or place.
Basic Rules for Driving in Germany
Age Limit
The minimum driving age for driving cars in Germany is 18 years. Accordingly, young drivers who have their driving licenses in their home country cannot drive in any area of Germany.
Extension/Exchange of Driving License is Mandatory
Individuals exceeding 18 years of age must use their international driving license to drive in Germany for the initial six months of their residence. Later, non-EEA or non-EU citizens have to extend or exchange their driving license to get a German license. Moreover, every applicant for an international driver’s license Germany has to undergo a driving test and a written test.
Driving License Validity in Germany for EU or EEA Citizens
If you are a citizen of EEA or EU, you may drive in Germany by using your national driving license until and unless your license remains valid. Accordingly, you do not have to exchange your license to get a German license nor do you have to share a translated copy of it. However, an EU or EEA citizen has to meet the following conditions-
- A candidate must have a full and a valid license instead of a current and a provisional license.
- Individuals have to qualify in their countries.
- Candidates have to comply with all sorts of restrictions, like wearing prescription eyeglasses
- Applicants have to carry their international driver’s license Germany at all times while driving in Germany.
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For Initial 6 Months Period
If you are an Indian or a citizen of any non-EU/non-EEA nation, you may drive cars and other similar vehicles in Germany by using your license only for 6 months. Only, you have to establish your legal residency in the country.
Terms and Conditions with Residency Place
Besides, you have to follow the same terms and conditions related to applying for your international driver’s license Germany, as in the case of EU nationals. Other than that, your residency place must be other than Germany while obtaining your foreign license.
Translation of the International Driving License
You have to get your translated foreign driving license if it does not belong to the EU or EEA region. Alternatively, translation of your driving license is mandatory if it is in the non-German language. Other than that, your international driver’s license must conform to the specifications of an international convention for the permission of domestic driving. For this, you have to check with the driving license authority in your native country.
Obtain an IDP by Following Easy Steps
You may obtain an International Driving Permit to get a German translation of your driver’s license. In this way, you get a German translation of your driver’s license. However, you have to carry your international driver’s license in Germany as well. The steps to follow to get an International Driving Permit include the following-
Apply Online
You have to visit the official website to start your online application to get the International Driving Permit.
Upload Your Photos
You have to upload your updated photo with appropriate parameters. Make sure to check the image format and the resolution before submitting your application.
Wait for Confirmation and Approval
Once you submit your application, you have to wait for its confirmation and get approval from the IDP issuing authority.
Alternatively, you have to get a foreign driving license translated by one of the globally recognized motor organizations the national breakdown and recovery service in Germany.
After Six Months Tenure in Germany
If you have to continue driving your car or vehicle after the initial tenure of 6 months, you must get a German driver’s license from the local office issuing a driving license. The venue is either the city hall or district city hall.
Note-Candidates who have their local residency in Germany only for 12 months may extend the six-month tenure to get a German driver’s license.
Exchange of an International Driver’s License in Germany
The process to exchange an international driver’s license in Germany to its equivalent is according to a reciprocal arrangement with the country, from where you get your existing driving license. For this, you have to check with your local office issuing a driver’s license or with the transport authority of your home country.
Driving Test, Written Examination, and Submission of Documents
Depending on the type of agreement you choose, you have to pass a written examination with or without a driving test. However, a few other candidates (depending on their countries) only have to forward the essential documents without additional tests. The documents to submit include the following-
- Passport or identity card
- Registration certificate from the registration office of the residents
- Latest passport size photograph
- Good conduct certificate in some cases
You will get a German driver’s license from the same vehicle category at a later request. Once you get the license, the authority will retain and return other licenses issued by it.
Driving Test in Germany
If you have to appear for a driving test in Germany, you have to visit the officially certified driving school there. The driving test comprises a multiple-choice and computer-based theory test. Once you clear the theory test, you have to appear for the practical road test. Moreover, you have to undergo an eye test and a first aid course. Never forget to take your international passport while appearing for theory and practical examinations.
Conclusion
When you have to drive in Germany, you may use the driver’s license for six months or specific tenure. However, the terms and conditions will vary based on your non-EU or EU driving license. Citizens from the EU/EEA area may drive in Germany always by using their national driver’s license. In contrast, non-Germans have to get a driver’s license after their initial six months of Germany’s residence.