Driving licences can vary greatly depending on the country, driving category and validity. The highest degree of translation accuracy is required to ensure a result that reflects which vehicles may be driven under German law. In some cases it is necessary to add footnotes with additional explanations. The classification (declaration of conformity with German regulations) is made ex officio and therefore at the discretion of the approval authority. However, a dedicated translator can point out the peculiarities of a driving licence category and suggest a possible German equivalent, which sometimes requires intensive research.
At Galamaga Translations, you will receive a certified translation of your driving licence including such classification!
For permanent residents with a foreign driving licence in Germany the following applies:
A foreign driving licence from a non-EEA country is valid in Germany for six months. After these six months you need a German driving licence. Whether you have to take a new driving test depends on the country in which the licence was issued. The foreign driving licence must be translated and classified!
Driving licences from EEA countries (EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) are valid in Germany until the end of their validity period, even without legalisation. After this period, a German driving licence may have to be applied for.
German citizens with a driving licence obtained abroad:
A foreign driving licence (including those from EU member states) must be converted after six months, just as for foreigners from third countries. In order for the driving licence of German citizens to be recognised, they must have been resident abroad for at least 185 days. The driving licence must be translated and classified.
Driving abroad with a German driving licence:
In this case, the above rules apply in reverse. A translation of the driving licence can be made in Germany. With regard to the international driving licence, it should be noted that it is only issued in Germany in accordance with the Vienna Convention. Most non-European countries do not recognise it or recognise it only at their own discretion. You should therefore enquire about the relevant requirements before you set off on your journey and have your driving licence translated and certified to be on the safe side.
The Federal Ministry of Transport provides further information on driving in Germany with a foreign driving licence.
Specifics of the translation of foreign driving licence categories:
Many countries have their own systems for classifying driving licences, which differ considerably from the system used in Germany. For example, a certain driving licence category may cover several vehicle types in one country, while in Germany it is only valid for one specific vehicle type.
The translation of driving licence categories requires a deep understanding of the specific terminology. Terms such as ‘motorbike licence’, ‘commercial driver's licence’ or ‘light vehicle licence’ must be translated correctly into German to avoid misunderstandings.
The legal requirements for driver training and the issuing of driving licences vary worldwide. These differences can be significant in the translation, both in linguistic and legal terms.
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