Driving licence

Six months with your Hong Kong licence, then conversion with theory and practical test.

• With a valid Hong Kong driving licence you may drive in Germany for 6 months after taking up residence; extendable by up to 6 months if you stay no longer than 12 months in total (§ 29 Driving Licence Ordinance). Carry a translation or an International Driving Permit.
• After that you need a German licence. Hong Kong is not listed in Annex 11 (states whose licences are converted with fewer or no tests). Conversion therefore requires both the theory and the practical test (§ 31).
• Apply at the Berlin driving licence office (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) via service.berlin.de.

The rules on compulsory driving-school training do not apply to the conversion (§ 31 (2)), but many people take a few lessons before the practical test.