Convert your foreign driving licence

Who needs to convert

With a licence from a country outside the EU and EEA, you may drive in Germany for six months after registering your residence here. After that you need a German driving licence.

Licences from EU and EEA countries don't need to be converted.

Which tests you need

That depends on the country that issued your licence. For some countries one or even both tests are waived. For many countries you need a theory test and a practical test. The driving licence office decides what applies to you.

You can take the theory test in German or in one of twelve foreign languages, including English, Turkish and Arabic.

How the conversion works

• Application at the driving licence office of the City of Mannheim with eye test, first aid certificate, biometric passport photo and your foreign licence, usually with a translation.
• Test order: the office checks your documents and sends the test order to TÜV.
• Theory test at TÜV in Mannheim.
• Driving lessons with us, so you know German rules and how the test works.
• Practical test in a driving school car. After that you get your German licence.

How many driving lessons do I need?

For a conversion, the law doesn't require a minimum number of lessons or special drives. For the practical test, however, you need a driving school car and a driving school to register you.

We'll see how much practice you need in your first lesson. Experienced drivers usually mainly have to get used to right-before-left, 30 km/h zones, trams and the test routine.

Keep an eye on the deadline

Apply early: the six months start when you register your residence, and the office needs time. If you can prove you'll stay in Germany for no more than twelve months, the period can be extended to up to twelve months.