Convert an international driving license into an EU driving license
Obtain a German driver’s license within the obligatory 6 months by means of a conversion
Those who stay in Germany for longer than 6 months by means of a work permit and residence permit should remember that the national driver’s license issued by non-EU country is valid only for a limited time of 6 months. Therefore, the conversion of a driving license is a relocation service suitable for almost all professionals from non-EU countries and is also an integral part of the settling-in repertoire. Of course we also assist you in the import of your car.
The driving license seems to be only a trifle, but if you do not have an EU driving license after the 6 months, you are driving without a license. A violation of this regulation is not only a misdemeanor, but according to § 21 of the Road Traffic Act a criminal offense (driving without a license). If you have credible proof that you will leave the country again before the end of one year, you can apply for an exception at the responsible driving license authority. Then a conversion is not needed. Please also note that an international driving license does not replace the driving license required in Germany. It is merely an international version of a national driver’s license.
We also assist with other tricky official matters, e.g. residential registration, appointments at the immigration office, car insurance and registration of vehicles (“Zulassungsstelle”), change of tax class (“Finanzamt”) or child support benefits (“Familienkasse”).
Anders Consulting guides car drivers on the direct way to get a driver’s license in Germany. With this service list you always have a safe trip!
Service list for the conversion of a driving license
Fixed price 320,00 Euro plus VAT (without translation and classification)
Fixed price 380,00 Euro plus VAT (with translation and classification)
Don’t take a risk regarding your driver’s license if it is not from the EU
“Attention, dear expats and newcomers from abroad: With your national driver’s license of a non-EU country, you are allowed to drive a vehicle in Germany for a maximum period of 6 months after entering the country. And please make sure that the classifications are also respected: If you have no authorization to drive a heavy truck in your home country, you should also not drive the 7.5-ton moving truck yourself in German traffic during the removal.
Depending on the country of issue the conversion can be done by simply rewriting the driver’s license or by passing tests. Some issuing countries also require a vision test or a first aid course. If tests are required, especially the practical driving test, you should plan a longer lead time.
So don’t wait too long, because when the 6 months are up, you’ll be driving without a license! If you then bump into a police check, you will be in real trouble. If you are involved in an accident or even have caused one, there is no need to point out that this can trigger considerable claims for damages and may lead to criminal prosecution.
Do you also want to bring your vehicle with you when you move as household effects from abroad? For this purpose the service for a car import is at your disposal.
Ask us in time and together we will tackle the problem successfully. You’ve got a Friend in Germany!”
Simple transcription or theoretical and practical test?
EU driving license without tests:
For these categories it is only necessary to check whether an eye test, health check or first aid course must be completed, which may be the case. Then, after translation and classification, the conversion can be executed at the driver’s license office. Anders Consulting then collects the new driver’s license and hands it over to the applicant. The national driver’s license will be seized.
With theory test:
The process starts starts similar to the conversion without exams. Upon request, the examinee receives learning material from Anders Consulting for the theoretical driving license test (multiple choice) to demonstrate knowledge of the German Road Traffic Regulations (“Straßenverkehrsordnung”, StVO). Those who are fit register for the exam and can usually avsolve it in their mother tongue (English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Spanish, Turkish and Arabic). A retake is possible after 2 weeks. Examination fees apply. Participation in theory training at a driving school is not required. With the passed exam the conversion at the driver’s license office is possible. For collection and hand-over to the applicant see process without exams.
With driving test:
Those who have to undergo a practical test should first tackle the theory test or better have passed it. Anders Consulting then recommends a suitable driving school. It often makes sense to take a few driving lessons. The driving instructor ultimately decides when to register the examinee for the practical driving test. Test fees apply. The new driver’s license is not issued until the driving test has been successfully completed.
Caution: The 6-month period is not extended by registering for the test or submitting the documents to the driver’s license office. And the German driving license is only valid from the day it is issued!
Errors and omissions excepted. As of Spring 2022. Anders Consulting does not provide legal services within the scope of its services
Foto: (c) Anders Consulting Relocation Service