License Conversion
Check if your foreign driving license is valid in Germany and what you need to convert it. Based on Anlage 11 FeV. Free.
Driving License Conversion — Getting Your Foreign License Recognized in Germany
If you hold a foreign driving license and live permanently in Germany, you must convert it in most cases. The rules depend on your country of origin and are regulated by the Driving License Ordinance (Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung, FeV). Our tool checks what applies to your country — direct conversion, partial exam, or full driving test.
The 6-Month Rule
After establishing ordinary residence in Germany (registration), you may drive with your foreign license for 6 months(§ 29 para. 1 FeV). After that, your driving authorization for Germany expires. An extension upon request is possible in exceptional cases (§ 29 para. 2 FeV).
EU/EEA Driving Licenses
Licenses from EU and EEA states (+ Switzerland, UK legacy) are generally recognized and do not need conversion(§ 28 para. 1 FeV). From age 43, exchange is mandatory by the 70th birthday at the latest (expiry, EU Directive 2006/126/EC). Deadline for the EU-wide mandatory exchange: by 2033 depending on birth year.
Annex 11 FeV — Country List
Annex 11 to the FeV lists all countries whose licenses are (partially) recognized:
- Class A (direct conversion without exam):e.g., Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Israel, South Africa, Turkey (class B only). Only application, eye test, first aid course required.
- Class B (theory exam only):e.g., Zimbabwe (certain classes only).
- Class C (practical exam only):e.g., certain classes from specific countries.
- Not listed: Full theory and practical exam required. Driving lessons are recommended but not mandatory (exception: remedial training may be imposed after failure).
Conversion Costs (2026 Estimates)
- Application at driving license authority: EUR 35–45
- Eye test: EUR 7–15
- First aid course: EUR 30–50 (not needed for direct conversion from some countries)
- Biometric passport photo: EUR 8–15
- License translation (sworn translator): EUR 30–80
- Theory exam: EUR 22.49 (TÜV/DEKRA)
- Practical exam: EUR 116.93 (class B)
- Driving lessons (if needed): EUR 50–80/hour × 10–30 hours
International Driving Permit
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone document but a translation. It is applied for at the driving license authority and is valid for 3 years. It is not relevant for converting your license in Germany.
What Our Tool Checks
- Country recognition: Is your country on Annex 11 FeV?
- Class comparison: Which vehicle classes are recognized?
- Exam requirement: None / theory only / practical only / both?
- Document checklist for the application
- Cost overview with breakdown
- Deadline calculation: When does the 6-month deadline expire?