Driving in Germany
If you are in Germany as a tourist (less than 185 days), you are permitted to drive in Germany if you have a valid Australian driving licence plus an official translation into German or an international driving permit (IDP). IDPs are issued through state and territory motoring clubs. You can find a list of IDP authorities here: https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/all-travellers/getting-around/pages/road-safety-and-driving.aspx#international-driving-permits.
If you reside in Germany for more than six months, you are considered to have established normal residence in Germany and your Australian licence (plus IDP) will no longer be recognised. To convert your Australian licence to a German driver’s licence, contact your local Führerscheinstelle (driver licensing agency) or Bürgeramt (register office).
You are not required to complete a practical or theory test, but depending on where your licence was issued, you may have to provide a driving history report from Australia and/or an eye test. Holders with licences issued in the following States may have to present an eye test certificate:
ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, WA
You can find more information on the website of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure: BMVI - Validity of foreign driving licences in the Federal Republic of Germany
Please note you are not normally permitted to keep your Australian licence when you receive your German licence.
Obtaining a driving history report from Australia
You may have to provide a driving history report if your licence doesn’t feature the issue date.
Australian Capital Territory – ACT
http://www.rego.act.gov.au/licence/licence-history-search
New South Wales – NSW
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/request-driving-record
Northern Territory – NT
http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Access-to-information/Complete-Traffic-History-Check.aspx
Queensland – QLD
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/history/traffic
South Australia – SA
http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/drivers-and-licences/drivers-licence/check-your-driving-history
Tasmania – TAS
http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/registration/information/search_applications
Victoria – VIC
https://billing.vicroads.vic.gov.au/driverhistory/
Western Australia – WA
https://online.transport.wa.gov.au/webExternal/driver/?1
Renewing or Replacing your Australian driving licence while overseas
Some states allow Australian drivers to renew their licence while overseas. The application process is managed by the Department of Transport in your home state. You cannot lodge an application at the Embassy, but you may have to have your ID certified and your signature witnessed as part of the application form.
To book an appointment for the ID certification and witnessing of signature at the Embassy or Consulate-General, visit: https://germany.embassy.gov.au/beln/Appointment_booking.html
International Driving Permits
An International Driver's Permit is not a licence - you must also have a current Australian licence.
IDP Authorities
To obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), please contact the relevant IDP authority in your state.
Australian Capital Territory – ACT
https://www.mynrma.com.au/holidays/travel-insurance-and-permits/international-driving-permits
New South Wales – NSW
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-online-international-driving-permit-idp
Northern Territory – NT
https://www.aant.com.au/international-drivers-permit-idp
Queensland – QLD
https://www.racq.com.au/travel/holiday-preparation/international-drivers-permit
South Australia – SA
https://www.raa.com.au/motor/motoring-services/international-driving-permits
Tasmania – TAS
https://www.ract.com.au/en/travel-and-experience/international-driving-permit
Victoria – VIC
https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/holiday-planning/international-driving-licence.html
Western Australia – WA
https://rac.com.au/travel-touring/international-driving-permit
Updated/Reviewed: 12/11/2019