How long can I use my Turkish driving licence in Germany, and how do I convert it to a German one?

Validity: Licences from non-EU countries remain valid for 6 months after you establish your main residence in Germany (usually the date of your address registration). After that, driving in Germany with a Turkish licence counts as driving without a licence. An international driving permit does not extend this period. If you can prove you will leave Germany within a year, the period can be extended by another 6 months on application.

Tests: Turkey is not on the list of countries whose licences Germany recognises without tests or with only one test (Annex 11 FeV). So you need to pass both the theory and the practical test. There are no compulsory lessons, but the practical test is taken in a driving school's car; a few lessons to get used to German traffic rules are helpful. You can take the theory test in Turkish.

Applying: In Berlin you apply to the driving licence authority (LABO, Fahrerlaubnisbehörde). You usually need: your Turkish licence and an official translation, a biometric photo, an eye test certificate, a first aid course certificate, ID and proof of address registration. Check the current list on the Service-Portal Berlin. Apply early rather than waiting for the 6 months to run out, as the process can take a long time.

Costs: Official fees, test fees, the driving school fee and any lessons can add up to more than a few hundred euros. Compare prices at several driving schools; there are also schools in Berlin that teach in Turkish.

Note: When you receive your German licence, your Turkish licence stays with the licence authority. A German licence is generally enough to drive in Turkey.