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Driving in Germany

When you move to Germany, you should exchange your UK driving licence for a German one within 6 months. If you were living in Germany before 1 January 2021, you can use your UK photocard licence to drive in Germany until 30 June 2021, provided that it remains valid in the UK.

Driving licences are issued at local authority level in Germany. Your local Bürgeramt can advise you where you can go to exchange your licence. You will not be required to take a test to exchange your licence. An International Driving Permit is not a suitable alternative to exchanging your licence.

Car Rental in Germany

The renter must provide a credit card, passport and driving license. You can rent a car for around 25 - 35 Euros a day. These are just guidelines, so do check with the car hire company to clarify the cost and documentation needed.

Speed limits are in kilometres per hour, and are as follows:

• Motorways: none unless signposted
• Urban Stretches: 60mph/100kph
• Dual Carriageways: 80mph/130kph
• Outside built-up areas: 50-65mph/80-105kph
• Built-up areas: 30mph/50kph

Germans drive on the right-hand side of the road.

German roads are fast and contemporary. The infamous German motorways are generally not restricted by speed limits. However, where there are limits, they are generally strongly enforced, and therefore, it is recommended that you adhere to them.

Try not to employ your horn in built up areas of Germany; limit its use to emergencies.

It is against the law to overtake using the centre lane of a three or five lane two-way carriageway. Be wary of trams, they have priority at all times. In residential areas, be wary that traffic 'calm zones' are commonly in place. What this means is pedestrians and residents may use the entire street, and children are permitted to play in the street. Therefore you must drive with extreme caution.

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