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Learn to Drive learning notes · 5 min read

Converting a licence from Syria, Iraq, Egypt or another Arab country in Germany (2026)

Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Lebanon and Jordan are not on Annex 11 FeV. To get a German licence you therefore pass the theory and practical test – with no compulsory lessons, and you can take the theory test in Arabic.

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Have you held your licence for at least two years?

Official list (Annex 11 FeV) ↗

Document checklist

Tick what you already have. Your driving licence office’s own list is final.

Cost estimator

The official test fees are the same everywhere; other prices vary by city – replace them with your own quotes.

Driving licence office feee.g. Mülheim an der Ruhr: €43.90 €
Translationestimate – enter your quote €
Passport photosestimate – enter your quote €
Eye test (optician)estimate – enter your quote €
First-aid courseestimate – enter your quote €
Theory test fee (TÜV/DEKRA)official fee (TÜV SÜD list, since 31 Jan 2024) €
Practical test fee (TÜV/DEKRA)official fee (TÜV SÜD list, since 31 Jan 2024) €
Driving school fee for presenting you at the testestimate – enter your quote €
Driving lessonsestimate – enter your quote
Estimated total€845.15

If you take the practical test in an automatic car, your licence is limited to automatics (code 78).

Step by step

  1. Register your address (Anmeldung). Your 6 months start around this date.
  2. Book an eye test and a first-aid course.
  3. Get your licence translated if your office asks for it.
  4. Apply at your driving licence office. Checking a foreign licence often takes more than four weeks.
  5. The office sends your test order to TÜV or DEKRA. Meanwhile, practise the theory test in your language.
  6. Pass the theory test, then the practical test with your driving school (in German).
  7. Collect your German driving licence.
01

Six months on your licence

After you take up residence in Germany – in practice, from your address registration – you can drive on your licence for six months. If you will stay less than 12 months, the office can extend this once by up to six months. After that, driving on it is a criminal offence. There is no application deadline, but you may not drive until you have the German licence.

02

Theory and practical test required

Because these countries are not on Annex 11, you must pass both tests. Lessons are not compulsory. You take the practical test in a driving-school car with a driving instructor. For other countries, such as the Gulf states, check the official list or ask your driving licence office.

03

Theory test in Arabic

You can take the theory test (30 questions, no more than 10 error points) in Standard Arabic. Our lessons, road signs and practice questions are available in Arabic too.

04

Practical test in German

The practical test is held in German. Lessons are optional but help you adjust. In an automatic you get code 78 (automatic only).

05

Documents, costs and timing

Apply at your driving licence office with your passport or ID, registration certificate, biometric photo, original licence, eye test and first-aid certificate – usually with a translation (e.g. ADAC or a sworn translator). Office fees are usually €35–45; the official test fees are €24.99 (theory) and €129.83 (practical). Checking a foreign licence often takes more than four weeks.

Your next step

Apply right after registering your address and practise the theory test in Arabic while you wait.

Put it into practice

Rule references

Sources checked on 22 September 2026, including the changes in force since 18 August 2026. Your driving licence office decides your individual case.

Original, AI-assisted supplementary learning content. Not the official question catalogue or a substitute for your driving instructor. Rule summaries are selective; consult the linked text for its full scope.

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