Your fool-proof plan to get your German driver’s license

Getting your driver’s license in Germany can feel like learning to drive all over again: new rules, new systems, and a whole new language to navigate. Whether you’re converting a foreign license or starting from scratch, the process is filled with steps that aren’t always obvious.

In this guide, you’ll get a clear, no-BS roadmap to getting a driver’s license in Germany, from registration and theory lessons to the infamous practical test. We’ll cover how it works, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to avoid common traps that could stall your progress.

And if you have any questions, feel free to use the comments section. I answer all of them.

I don’t have a driver’s license yet

It is possible to obtain your driver’s license in Germany, as a foreigner. It takes more time & effort than a simple conversion.

The whole process is explained further down the guide. It involves:

• Studying for a theory test.
• Completing a first-aid course.
• Getting a vision test.
• Passing the practical exam.

In most larger cities, this can be probably done in English through-out (apart from the tests).

I already have a driver’s license

Issued by a EU/EAA country

If it was issued from an EU country, you can keep using it in Germany until it expires. No action needs to be taken

Issued by a country with a bilateral agreement with Germany

You can use your current license for up to 6 months after first moving to Germany. After that you’ll need to exchange it for a German driver’s license. We explain you how a little further down this guide.

The German driver’s license act (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung – FeV) gives a list of countries with a bilateral agreement, which enables their citizens to skip a new test and practical exams. Y

Issued by a country with no bilateral agreement with Germany

Look at the list of countries & states above. If you cannot find your country, this means you won’t be able to exchange your license. You will need to start from scratch:

1. Take a vision test
2. Pass the theory test
3. Pass the practical exam

This process is described in details later down this guide.

What’s the process to convert to a German driver’s license

1- Make an appointment for a conversion application

Make an appointment at your local driver’s license office (Führerscheinstelle or Fahrerlaubnis Behörde or Straßenverkehrsamt) for a conversion of your license (Umschreibung einer ausländischen Fahrerlaubnis):

• Berlin
• Düsseldorf
• Frankfurt
• Hamburg
• Munich
• Stuttgart

2-Prep the paperwork

You will need to following documents for your German driver’s license application

• Passport or ID card (Ausweis) and proof of residency (Meldebescheinigung)
• Biometric photo
• Your current driver’s license (if applicable)
• Translation of your current driver’s license (if applicable) – can be done online quickly through platforms like Lingoking.
• Vision test certificate (if applicable in your case)
• 35-45€ in cash, depending on your municipality

3- Hand in the documents at the appointment

Take a German-speaking friend with you if needed.

4- Have patience & pick-up your new license

The processing time for a conversion can be incredibly lengthy, especially in bigger cities. Various sources quote a 9 to 12 weeks waiting time for Berlin, while as little as 2 weeks for smaller cities.

Costs overview of a license conversion in Germany

How do I get German driver’s license for scratch

• To get a driver’s license in Germany, you need to be at least 18 years old (or 17 with a legal guardian).
• Germany follows the EU regulations for license categories, such as B for cars (Personenkraftwagen or PKW) and C for small trucks (Lastkraftwagen or LKW).
• If you get the Category B German driver’s license, you’ll be allowed to drive both automatic and manual standard cars.
• Expect to spend €1200-€2000 for your lessons, exams, fees and study materials.

If you haven’t conquered the holy grail yet, you will need to pass the German driver’s license test first.

Sign-up for a driving school

Signup at a driving school in Berlin – when it comes to selecting a good driving school Berlin has plenty to choose from for both the theoretical and practical tests. Here are a few driving schools in Berlin that offer English instruction:

• Fahrschule am Zoo
• Driving School Berlin Prenzlauer Berg
• English Driving School Berlin
• Success Fahrschule

For other cities in Germany, google “Fahrschule Englisch [your city]”

Pass the theory test

• The theoretical test is comprised of 30 questions selected from the 1000 you studied. 
• Each correct answer is awarded 2-5 points and if you miss more than 10 points worth of questions, you fail the test.
• There is a high failing rate (42% for the B class license in 2023!), so plan that into your budget and timeline.

There is no secret to succeed to the German driver’s license test: study, study, and study some more! There are some great apps that will guide you through the theoretical material, which includes all possible 1000 questions about traffic laws for the exam. Your driving school will also offer the book “Fahren Lernen Lehrbuch” for you to study.

Note that you don’t need to buy study material from your driving school. It can be done online for a much cheaper price usually.

Attend a first-aid course for a German driver’s license

It is mandatory to provide a first-aid certificate. This can be obtained after going through 9 x 45 mins course. There are several providers that can be found by Googling “Erste-Hilfe-Kurs Führerschein [your city]”.

• The Red Cross: Find a center near you on this page.
• TÜV & DEKRA Centers: TÜV and DEKRA offer first aid courses, often in combination with Sehtests.
• ADAC: the drivers’ association in Germany have centers all around Germany.
• There are several centers providing this course in English in larger cities.

Get a vision test

In Germany, you can take the vision test (Sehtest) required for a driver’s license. The test is inexpensive (around €6-10) and takes only a few minutes. You’ll receive a certificate if you meet the required vision standard. You can turn to the following locations:

• Opticians (Optiker): In some, you can walk-in without an appointment.
• Eye specialists (Augenärzte): If you have vision impairments or need a more detailed exam, that might be a possibility too. Longer appointment waiting times though.
• Driving schools (Fahrschulen): Some driving schools partner with opticians or have in-house vision testing.
• TÜV & DEKRA Centers: TÜV and DEKRA offer Sehtests, often in combination with first aid courses.

Be aware, if you need glasses to pass the test, you will be required to wear them while driving too.

Apply for a first time license

First-time driver’s license application (Ersterteilung einer Fahrerlaubnis). You may have to wait 3-6 weeks to have your application processed. Only then can you take the driver’s license exam.

You will need to provide the following documents:

• Passport or ID card (Ausweis) and proof of residency (Meldebescheinigung)
• Biometric photo
• First-aid course certificate (Nachweis über Schulung in Erster Hilfe)
• Vision test certification (Sehtestbescheinigung).
• Fee of €35-55 (in cash) depending on your case.
• Proof of registration from your driving school.

Find the right office here in:

• Berlin
• Düsseldorf
• Frankfurt
• Hamburg
• Munich
• Stuttgart

Pass the practical exam

Once you’ve passed the written part, it’s on to the practical part of the German driver’s license test. You need to pass it within 12 months of passing the theory test. Even if you already know how to drive, it’s a good idea to take at least one set of driving lessons to prepare for the test. The instructor should tell you when you’re ready to take the practical test.

The practical test takes less than an hour.

• First, you’ll need to answer some questions about the car’s functions.
• Then you’ll be told where to drive, usually through different types of streets and the Autobahn.
• The test will also cover several maneuvers, like parking or emergency braking.
• If you miss an important sign or do any illegal maneuvers, the examiner can fail you.
• The important thing is to stay calm and focus on following the rules of the road.

Once you’ve passed both tests, you’ll immediately receive a temporary sheet of paper as a license.

You will have to wait a few weeks before picking up your German driver’s license at the Führerscheinstelle. For this, you can’t make an appointment unfortunately. In some places in Germany, the license will be sent to your home address instead.

Cost overview of getting a driver license in Germany

Those costs vary from region to region but here is a realistic breakdown:

You’re ready to buy a car, get car insurance, drive through cities, complain about bad drivers, grumble about limited parking options and speed along the Autobahn!

Just keep an eye out for the “Blitzer” or risk getting not-so-lovely picture if they catch you speeding. Your German driver’s license is also valid across Europe, so plan that trip to Sicily and hit the road!

Hope this short intro to the topic was helpful. Let me know in the comments if something is unclear or if you have any questions.

How to get a driving license Germany – FAQ

Do I really need to exchange my foreign license within 6 months?

Yes. If you’re planning to stay in Germany for more than six months, your non-EU license is only valid for driving here during that time. After six months, you’re technically not allowed to drive unless you’ve started the exchange process. However, the exchange itself can take place later-as long as your original license is still valid at the time of submission. But don’t delay too long, as you may need to re-do theory or practical tests depending on your origin country.

What happens if my license expires before I exchange it?

Oof. That’s tricky. German authorities will usually only accept foreign licenses for conversion if they’re still valid. If your original license expires before you exchange it, you may have to start the process as if you never had a license-meaning full theory + practical tests. Better to avoid that and act in time.

Do I have to go through the “Probezeit” (probation period)?

Good news: usually no. If you’ve held your license for more than 2 years, the German authorities consider you an experienced driver, and you’re exempt from the dreaded “Probezeit” where a small mistake could lead to mandatory retraining. But if your license is brand new, you may still be subject to it.

Can I drive in Germany with an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An IDP is a helpful document, especially if your license is not in English or German. It basically acts as a translation. But it’s only valid when presented with your original license. Also, like your foreign license, the IDP is only good for the first 6 months of your stay in Germany. After that, you’ll need to start the conversion process.

Can I wait longer than 6 months to start the conversion?

You can wait, but you can’t drive. If you’re not planning to get behind the wheel after six months, you can technically delay the conversion a bit. Just keep in mind that your license must still be valid when you apply, and if you move cities or Länder, requirements might change. Start early, sleep better.

Do I need a translation of my license?

It depends. If your license is in German or English, you usually don’t need a translation. If it’s in a non-Latin alphabet (like Cyrillic or Arabic), you’ll need a certified translation. Pro tip: ADAC, Lingoking, and sworn translators are common options.

Is it possible to avoid the theory or practical exam?

That depends on where your license was issued. Some countries (like Canada, the U.S. in certain states and Australia) are on Germany’s Annex 11 list, which means you might only need a theory test, or none at all. If your country isn’t on that list, you’ll likely need to do both the theory and the practical exam. A driving school will guide you through what’s required.

Can I do the driving test in English?

Both the theory and the practical exams must be done in German. Most driving instructors will coach you on the specific German vocabulary you need, so don’t stress too much. Bilingual instructors are your friends.

How long does it take to get everything sorted?

If your case is straightforward and your original license is from a reciprocal country, it can take as little as 2 to 3 months from start to finish. If you need to go through driving school and exams, it could take up to 6 months or more-especially in big cities like Berlin where appointments and exam slots can be hard to come by. Start early and prepare to be patient. It’s a process, not a sprint.

Sources and references

• Wikipedia contributors. “Driving licence in Germany.” Wikipedia. Last modified April 21, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driving_licence_in_Germany . Accessed June 26, 2025.
• European Union. “Get a driving licence.” EUROPA – Your Europe. Last updated March 17, 2023. https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/driving-licence/get-driving-licence/index_en.htm . Accessed June 26, 2025.
• U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Germany. “Driving in Germany.” U.S. Department of State. Accessed June 26, 2025. https://de.usembassy.gov/driving-in-germany/ .
• TÜV SÜD. “Führerschein und Prüfung.” TÜV SÜD Group. Accessed June 26, 2025. https://www.tuvsud.com/de-de/branchen/mobilitaet-und-automotive/fuehrerschein-und-pruefung/fuehrerschein-und-pruefung .