Driving License in Germany - Tips for Foreigners 2025

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to get your own German driver’s license. This will enable you to safely and legally begin driving in Germany. We’ll also discuss transferring your license from an existing country, allowing you to enjoy a streamlined process. Before we discuss the process, let’s cover who needs a license and whose licenses work for some time in Germany.

Who Needs a German Driving License?

Before we explore the types of driving licenses, it’s essential to understand who needs a German driver’s license. If you are from another nation in the EU or EEA (European Economic Area), you can typically use your license until its expiration date within Germany.

However, if you have a motorcycle or driver’s license for large goods vehicles and buses, you must get a German driver’s license before you can drive.

If you’re coming from any other country, you can use your driver’s license from your home country for up to six months. You will need to obtain a new German license or transfer your existing license to continue driving in Germany after that.

Types of Driving Licenses Available in Germany

Much like other parts of the world, Germany has several types of driver’s licenses. The licenses will differ depending on the type of vehicle you drive and its overall weight. Here are the specific categories of driver’s licenses in Germany:

• Class B: A light vehicle license that drivers of passenger cars or motor vehicles under 3,500 kg obtain for travel.
• Class C1: A heavy vehicle license between 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg.
• Class C: A heavy vehicle license that is reserved for drivers of vehicles over 7,500 kg.
• Class A1: A motorcycle license for drivers of motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of less than 125 cc.
• Class A2: A motorcycle license for drivers of motorcycles less than 35 kW.
• Class A: A motorcycle license for those who drive motorcycles more powerful than 35 kW.
• Class BE: A driver’s license for those driving trailers with passenger cars.
• Class CE: A driver’s license for heavy vehicles carrying a trailer.
• Class D: A driver’s license for bus drivers.
• Class T: A driver’s license for those driving agricultural and forestry tractors.

Depending on what vehicle you drive or intend to drive, you can select the driver’s license that applies to your situation.

Eligibility Requirements for German Driver's License

German driver’s license requirements will vary based on the type of license you intend to obtain. For example, a typical German driver’s license for light vehicles is available to those over the age of eighteen. However, this is not the same for every single category.

Age Requirements for German Driver's Licenses

One of the main requirements, age, differs for each category:

• Class B and BE: Drivers must be 18 years or older.
• Class C1 and C: Drivers must be at least 21 years of age.
• Class A1: Drivers must be at least 16 years old.
• Class A2: Drivers must be at least 18 years of age.
• Class A: Drivers must be at least 24 years or 20 years old if they have held a Class A2 license for a minimum of 2 years.
• Class D1 and D1E: Drivers must be at least 21 years of age.
• Class T: Drivers must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a license

Additional Requirements for Foreign Applicants

Aside from being old enough to secure a driving license in Germany, people must also meet a few other criteria. Aspiring drivers must be legal residents of the country and, in some cases, prove that they have been here for up to six months. A basic vision test is also mandatory for all licenses, including a general health check for those wishing to obtain a Class C1, C, or D driving license.

Drivers should also not have any major traffic violations or past history of crime. German proficiency is not required but highly recommended. It will help with navigation and the training necessary for driver’s licenses in Germany.

All licenses also require first aid training. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure that you have completed this before you prepare your driving license application. As long as you fulfill these requirements, you can apply for your German driver’s license!

How to Apply for a Driving License in Germany

Now that you have met the requirements, it’s time to apply for your driver’s license. You’ll need some essential documents to satisfy the basic requirements to start your training. Here’s a list of the specific items you’ll need:

• A valid passport or identity card
• Proof of residency (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill, etc.)
• Two recent passport-sized photos
• Vision test certificate from an optician
• First aid course certificate
• Completed application form from a local driving license office

Once you have prepared all these documents, you can submit your information for approval. After you have been approved, you begin your mandatory driving training!

What to Expect During Driving License Training

German driving schools offer both driving and theory lessons. Some schools also offer English classes. These sessions will help you understand German rules of the road so you can travel safely and confidently.

You’ll learn about the meaning of the various signs and German traffic laws. You’ll also become aware of how to provide first aid in the event of a car accident.

Please note that with your driving license training, you should expect to pay a registration fee, the lesson costs, and the exam. Obtaining your driver’s license costs a minimum of 1500 euros. This is especially if your country does not allow for an easy transfer of your existing license to a German one. You may also have to spend more on study materials, but it will all be worth it!

Transferring Your Foreign License to German Driver's License

If you come to Germany with an existing driver’s license, you do not need to obtain a completely new license. As long as your country maintains an exchange agreement with Germany, you can easily transfer of your old license to a new German one. The countries that have an agreement with Germany include the following:

• EU and EEA Nations
• Andorra
• Australia
• Canada
• Channel Islands
• Croatia
• French Polynesia
• Isle of Man
• Israel
• Japan
• Monaco
• Namibia
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• San Marino
• Singapore
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• U.S.A. (Depends on your state)

If you come from any of these countries, obtaining a driver’s license in Germany is more straightforward and even costs less.

Required Documents for License Transfer

You must satisfy a few specific requirements when transferring your existing license to a new German one. Not only must you be the right age for a German driver’s license, but you must also demonstrate the following:

• Current and registered resident in Germany with valid documentation
• Valid driver’s license from a country with an exchange agreement with Germany
• Not previously a German resident when the previous license was obtained

As long as you meet these three simple criteria, you can apply to transfer your existing license to a German one. In most cases, you will not require any further training in the classroom or on the road. However, you’ll also need to prepare some documents and certificates.

Preparing for License Transfer Application

If you are applying for any license except Class C and D, you’ll need a valid passport or identity card, a recent passport photo, and your original and valid driver’s license. You’ll also need to bring proof of your completed first aid course. Additionally, an eye test that has been approved and administered by an optician is required. If you’re applying for a Class C and D license, you’ll need an additional certificate to demonstrate your physical fitness and your health.

License Transfer Costs and Timeline

Once you have these documents, you can take them to a local driving license office, the Führerscheinstelle. After this, you’ll need to await your approval. Transferring your license typically costs 200 euros on average. This makes it a more accessible option for those with driver’s license training from their home nation.

Please note that by sending in your paperwork, you agree to surrender your old license in exchange for your new license. In most cases, it should take you two to six weeks to hear back from the government with your approval.

Renewing or Replacing Your German Driver's License

Congratulations! Now that you have proper documentation, you’re ready to get on the road to travel from place to place. Renewing your driver’s license in Germany is easy and is only required every fifteen years. Simply bring your license and a recent passport photo to your renewal appointment and pay a small fee of 24 euros.

If you have lost your driver’s license, do not worry! You will need to simply provide a letter explaining what happened and stating you’ll return the license if found. In the case that it was unfortunately stolen, you can report this to the German police.

You can get your German driver’s license replaced easily in person. You will need a letter of explanation or theft report, a form of identification like a passport, and a passport photo.