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: https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/EN/Articles/StV/validity-foreign-driving-licences-in-germany.html?nn=188334

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. Please use this link to find the information from your issuing state: www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/transport-and-regional/drivers-licence-renewal

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