Ukrainians in Germany can exchange their driver's license, but they need to pass exams. Find out what documents are required and how the exchange procedure works

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Ukrainians who have a Ukrainian driver's license and reside in Germany can exchange it for a German one by going through certain procedures. The exchange is not mandatory, but it can be useful for long-term residence in the EU.

Important reminder: Ukrainians in Germany have to re-register their cars by the end of September: everything you need to know about the rules and procedure was described in the previous article.

Which German states are accepting Ukrainians in September 2024 is described in this article.

Are Ukrainian driving licenses recognized in Germany?

According to the current rules, Ukrainians who have temporary protection in Germany (according to EU Directive 2022/382) can use their Ukrainian driving license. However, if a person plans to stay in the country permanently or change their residence status, for example, to a work permit, they need to rewrite (exchange) the license for a German one.

It should be noted that these rules apply only to Ukrainian citizens, because according to the general procedure, national driving licenses of non-EU countries are valid in Germany for six months, and then they must be reissued.

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Exchange procedure: algorithm of actions

Since there is currently no agreement between Ukraine and Germany, the replacement of a driver's license requires passing a theoretical and practical test. However, this does not mean that citizens have to take a full course of study at a driving school.

Therefore, to rewrite a Ukrainian driver's license into a German one, follow the following algorithm of actions:

1. Choose a driving school: Check the availability of driving schools in your city and their prices. When applying, be sure to mention that you need to exchange your Ukrainian driving license.

2. Submit yourdocuments: After choosing a driving school, sign an agreement with it and submit an application for the exchange of your driving license to the local department of citizen services (you can usually make an appointment online). You will need:

— A valid Ukrainian driver's license
— Document confirming temporary protection or other status of residence in Germany

— Passport

— A medical certificate (confirming that you have passed an eye test)

3. Pass the exams and get a new driver's license: Depending on your driving experience, the driving school may recommend that you take additional lessons before taking the test, or allow you to take the test right away. For example, for Ukrainians who have completed their training in Ukraine but did not pass the practical exam and moved to Germany, a compromise solution may be to attend only 12 mandatory driving lessons (such as night driving on the autobahn, etc.). After successfully passing the theory and practical exams, you will receive a certificate of passing the exams and will be able to obtain a driving license in the format of an EU card.

We told you in detail how much it costs and how to pass the driving test in Germany from scratch in our previous article.

Do I need to know German to take the test?

According to the official website of the German Automobile Club ADAC, the theory test in Germany can be taken in English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Croatian, Spanish, Turkish, and standard Arabic. However, the practical exam is conducted exclusively in German.

We remind you! Germany continues to accept Ukrainian refugees, helping them to rebuild their lives. Today, refugees in Germany receive substantial financial assistance and have simplified access to the labor market. Read how to enjoy the privileges of temporary protection in Germany and other conditions of stay in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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