Converting your NZ Drivers Licence to a German Licence

As of 16th August 2011 the rules for converting your New Zealand drivers licence into a German drivers licence have changed: it is no longer necessary to sit a theoretical test in order to transfer your NZ licence.
 

You will need to apply for the conversion of your licence at your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (drivers licence bureau) or Bürgeramt (municipality) by presenting the required documentation and paying the statutory fees (please note that a translation of your licence may or may not be required depending on the policy of the state government in Germany in which you convert your licence).
 
Any enquiries, please contact us at: nzembber@infoem.org
 
The new criteria for conversion, as set out in the arrangement, are as follows:
 
(a) the holder of a valid New Zealand Class 1 or Class 6 driver licence who has been or will be normally resident for at least 185 days per year in Germany may at any time convert his or her New Zealand driver licence to a German Class B or Class A (unrestricted) driver licence respectively without having to pass a practical test, a theory test or an eyesight test;

(b) if the holder of a valid New Zealand Class 1 or Class 6 driver licence who has held his or her licence for two years or more, surrenders his or her New Zealand driver licence and presents the identity papers required by the German Authority, he or she will receive the German driver licence after having paid the statutory fees and costs;

(c) the holder of a valid New Zealand Class 1 or Class 6 driver Licence who has held his or her licence for less than two years will receive a probationary German driver licence of the same class. The time which has passed since the issuance of the New Zealand driver licence must be taken into account for the probationary period;

(d) the minimum ages for issuing a Class B and Class A (unrestricted) driver licence are 18 years and 25 years respectively.