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Driving

Driving in Germany: A Guide for Newcomers

Driving in Germany on a foreign licence. Rules below were checked on 31 October 2026 against the BMV page and Anlage 11 FeV.

In Germany, a non-EU/EEA car licence is recognised for 6 months after you establish normal residence. India, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Bangladesh and the UAE are not in Anlage 11 FeV, so you need theory and practical tests. Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the UK are listed in Anlage 11 for conversion without those tests for the classes shown. US, Canadian and Australian licences depend on the state or province. Checked 2026-10-31. Not legal advice.

Last updated 2026-10-31

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Checked rules (31 October 2026)

These lines are for someone who establishes normal residence in Germany. Temporary visits follow a different BMV section.

Non-EU/EEA recognition: a foreign licence is recognised for 6 months after normal residence. Then you need a German licence. The authority may extend recognition by up to 6 months only if you will not stay longer than 12 months.

Not in Anlage 11 (tests required): Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates. After the recognition window you take the German theory and practical tests.

In Anlage 11 among our origins: Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Conversion can be without theory or practical tests for the classes listed in that schedule. Confirm the exact row.

United States, Canada, Australia: listed by state or province in Anlage 11. This site does not treat them as one national exchange cell. Pair pages for those origins stay unchecked at country level.

Sources: BMV and Anlage 11 FeV.

How it works

Decide whether your licence is EU/EEA or not.
If it is not, count 6 months from normal residence under the BMV rule.
Look up the issuing country, state or province in Anlage 11 FeV.
Apply at the local Führerscheinstelle before recognition ends.

Who this helps

People establishing normal residence in Germany.
Holders of a full foreign car licence.
Not a visitor-only guide and not legal advice.

Examples

India or Pakistan

Not in Anlage 11. Drive for up to 6 months after normal residence, then German theory and practical tests.

United Kingdom or Japan

Listed in Anlage 11. Conversion can skip theory and practical tests for the classes in that row.

United States

Anlage 11 lists US states separately. Do not assume every US licence follows the same row.

In this section

Frequently Asked Questions

Six months after establishing normal residence, unless the local authority grants an exceptional extension of up to six months when you will not stay longer than 12 months.

Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and the UAE.

Among our origin list: Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom — for the classes listed in Anlage 11.

Anlage 11 lists US states and territories separately. A single country rule would be wrong.

BMV foreign-licence page and Anlage 11 FeV on 2026-10-31.

Sources

BMV: Validity of foreign driving licences in Germany — Checked 2026-10-31. Six-month recognition after normal residence for non-EU/EEA licences.
Anlage 11 FeV (exchange list) — Lists which third-country licences can be converted and which tests are waived.

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Driving in Germany: A Guide for Newcomers

Checked rules (31 October 2026)

How it works

Who this helps

Examples

India or Pakistan

United Kingdom or Japan

United States

In this section

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I drive on a non-EU licence after I move?

Which origins on this site need both tests?

Which origins can convert without those tests?

Why is the United States still unchecked?

Where was this checked?

Sources

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