Do you need an International Driving Permit in Germany?

Germany and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Germany

Germany applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Germany

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Germany

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Germany, for stays of up to 180 days.

Minimum driving age

18 years

Emergency services

police 110, ambulance 112, fire 112

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Germany, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Germany

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Germany?

Up to 3 years. Germany joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 3 August 1978 by ratification, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Germany on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months with your UK photocard driving licence." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Germany's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Germany?

Reach police on 110, ambulance on 112, fire on 112. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Germany. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Germany?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.