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The EU driving licence and the new driver licensing legislation
On the following pages, the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development provides information about the most important new legal provisions in driver licensing legislation.
Under the German constitution, the federal states are responsible for implementing these provisions. Should you require information on how to obtain a driving licence or what to do if you have been disqualified from driving, or if you have any other questions about driving licences, please contact your local driver licensing authority (road traffic office).
The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development is not authorized to comment on individual cases or exert any influence on the way in which they are handled.
Legal bases of the EU driving licence
Here you can find information about the most important legal provisions in driver licensing legislation.
Driving Licence Categories
The following section starts by describing the driving licence categories in the Federal Republic of Germany. It goes on to list those vehicles for which a test certificate is required and those vehicles for which no driving licence is required. Finally, it compares the various driving licence categories with one another in tabular form.
Validity of foreign driving licences in Germany
Below you will find the most important rules pertaining to holders of a foreign driving licence in Germany. For further information on how to register and obtain a German driving licence, please contact your local driver licensing authority. The Federal Ministry is not in a position to give advice on individual cases.
Validity of German driving licences in other countries
Valid German driving licences, including those of the former GDR, are recognized in the Member States of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein).
