Motor Vehicle / Car

Information on getting around by car

If you want to drive in Germany, there are a few things you need to bear in mind:

1. Driving licence: If you hold a valid EU driving licence, you can drive in Germany without difficulty. If your licence is not from an EU country, however, you may need a translation and certification by an official body.
2. Validity of a foreign driving licence: If you come from a non-EU country and stay in Germany for a longer period, you may have to exchange your driving licence. Validity depends on your country of origin and your residence status. It is best to enquire at the competent Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (driving licence authority).
3. Registration: Before you can drive a vehicle in Germany, you need a registration. To obtain it you must take out personal liability insurance and register the vehicle with the competent Zulassungsbehörde (vehicle registration office).
4. Documents required for registration: As a rule you need a vehicle certificate, an identity card or passport, and a valid TÜV sticker.
5. TÜV: The TÜV sticker shows that the vehicle meets safety and environmental standards. You must take the vehicle for a regular Hauptuntersuchung (HU) (general inspection) in order to renew the TÜV sticker.
6. Environmental zones: In some German cities there are environmental zones in which only vehicles with a certain environmental sticker may drive. Before you set off, check whether you need such a sticker.

Overall it is advisable to find out about the relevant rules and requirements before driving in Germany, in order to avoid possible problems.