01 Bürgeramt
You need get the approval from the Bürgeramt for transfering an existing foreign driver's license.
Prerequisites
- Main residence in Berlin
- Driver's license can not have been previously converted
- Driver's license should have been issued before Germany was registered as a main residence
- International driving licenses are not rewritten; a valid national driving license is always require
Documents required for the application at the Bürgeramt
- Identity card or passport
- 1 photograph current biometric photo
- Presentation of the valid foreign driving license and a copy of it
- The foreign driving license must still be valid at the time of application for the German driving license and must be the original
Translation of the foreign driving license (only German or English language accepted) - Proof of 1st aid training ("third country" transfers)
- Eye test
- Details of the driving school
- Details of the testing organization (Dekra Ferdi or TÜV Marzahn)
- Specify manual or automatic transmission (class B, B197 or B78)
- Fees
02 Theory examination
Do You Need to Take a Theory Test?
Whether you have to tackle a theory exam depends on the country where your driver’s license was issued.
Once you apply, the Bürgeramt (Citizen’s Office) will take about four weeks to process your request and issue a test approval. You’ll have 12 months to pass the theory test—plenty of time to master those road signs!
Fun fact: You can’t take the practical test without passing the theory one first—so no shortcuts here!
If you don’t pass the first time (hey, it happens!), don’t worry—you can retake it as many times as needed within the given timeframe. Just remember:
There’s a mandatory two-week waiting period between attempts.
You’ll need to pay the exam fee to TÜV or DEKRA each time.
Good news: When you sign up with us, you’ll get access to a learning app to help you prep like a pro—because passing on the first try feels way better!
03 Practical examination
Time to Hit the Road – Practical Exam Prep Begins!
Congrats on passing your theory test! Now, let’s get you ready for the real deal – the practical exam. You have exactly 12 months from the date of your theory test to pass it, so let’s make every drive count!
Step 1: Book a few driving lessons so we can see where you’re at. More importantly, your instructor can assess your skills and fine-tune your training to get you practical test-ready.
Heads up: The exam isn’t an easy thing to pass. The requirements are tough, so don’t underestimate them!
What we cover: We won’t just teach you how to drive – we’ll also make sure you know the technical must-knows about the car. Trust us, the examiner will ask!
Final step: Once your instructor gives the thumbs-up, we’ll work on getting you a test date within a few weeks.
Super important: Make sure you’ve paid the exam fee to TÜV or DEKRA before your test – no payment, no exam!
04 after passing practical exam
What happens after passing the practical exam?
Once you pass your practical exam, the examiner will give you a temporary driver’s license.
This temporary license is valid for 3 months, and together with your ID, it allows you to drive in Germany.
However, since you’ll need to hand in your foreign driver’s license to the German licensing authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde), you will receive a letter with a collection date from the LABO (Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten).
05 links and more
- appointment Bürgeramt
Transfer of a foreign driving license from
- 1st Aid course / eye test/ passphoto
- translation of foreign driver's license
06 support tools
Our Services at a Glance
- Learning App including e-book in Multiple Languages – Study in the language that suits you best!
- Official Textbook Available for Purchase – Get all the knowledge you need in one place.
- Overview of Driving Skills & Exam Requirements – Know exactly what’s expected in the practical test.
- Digital Booking Platform for Driving Lessons – Easily schedule your lessons online.
- As Many Practical Lessons as You Need – Train at your own pace!
- Experienced Driving Instructors – We offer lessons in German, English, and Russian.
- Modern BMWs with Rear Cameras & Sensors – Drive in comfort and safety.
- Fast Communication via Chat – Quick responses to all your questions.