Can I drive in Germany?

Question

I am currently studying as an Exchange studeny in Germany. I have my Pennsylvania Juniors (Drive by Yourself) License. I have had it for over 7 months now. I am 17 years old.

I was wondering if I am allowed to drive in Germany. Is there some place where there is a rule for this?

I would think that it shouldn't be a problem because I have a Drivers License, and that's good enought.

Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

you are allowed to drive, because u have the american citizenship so ur license is the one that counts for u but if u stay longer than 1 year u have to make a german

Answer 2

No, you will not.  The license is not considered a full license in Germany, and you are not old enough (having a license does not exempt you from that requirement. )

You probably won't need to drive, though.  Public transportation in Germany is ubiquitous and of high quality.  And it is much cheaper than owning or renting and operating a car!.  Check out the many discounted rail and local transport fares available to students and young people, and don't worry about driving.

Answer 3

No you will not be able to drive in Germany you need to be 18. That is the legal age we get our driving license here.

Answer 4

No.  

You are not a Licensed Driver - only still a learner.

Answer 5

In addition to julie travelcaster comment:

I also quite sure that you need to have an International Drivers License, I don't think that German Police/Car lenders will accept any American license.

Answer 6

Sorry, NO, you CAN'T.

You must be at least 18 to drive a car in Germany, regardless of your nationality or anything.

Answer 7

I'm German and I can tell you for sure that no, you cannot drive in Germany with the license that you have. You have to be 18 and have a real license, not a learner's license.

Answer 8

If your going to be there longer than four more months when you turn 18, by all means go for it.  The rules are a bit different and you need to learn them anyway, before you drive there for every-ones safety.  I still have the registration paper for the cheap car I purchased there in 1979.  Get out and drive around the country, drive to France or/and Amsterdam during breaks'.  You will never regret the experiences and memories.  I don't need to say good luck, but  as Manny from home in PA always said: Enjoy, Enjoy!!

Answer 9

The official age for driving in Germany is 18, and that only with a full drivers licence and not a Juniors licence.  I really don't think that you will be allowed to drive but would suggest to you to go to a major police station and ask.  Most Germany police men speak English and are knowledgeable in these matters.

Answer 10

I am NOT 100% positive but I am pretty sure you CANNOT drive there. You have to be 18 to have a license in Germany and there is a lot of schooling compared to the USA.

You may be able to drive their small motor bikes, not motorcycles but similar to a moped. You can drive that under 18 but with your license I still am not sure. I would ask the people you get an International license from and they can tell you. To get that information go to any Embassy of Germany and you should be able to find out, their are websites of them of course.

HAD you gone last year you would have been able to drink till Midnight at bars but the law just changed to 18. You can with your family at a restaurant though and at home.

So doubtful you can use it in a car, sorry for negative information but maybe I am wrong, just check with the German embassy or ask the Natives here they may know!! Hilmar, Alwin, Pinata, Bernd, t are some good answerers.

I hope that helps.

Answer 11

Well, I am not sure if you can, but why don't you check the German DMV (Strassenverkehrsamt)

Here is a link: http://www.strassenverkehrsamt.de/

Actually this site might be more helpful (plus it's in english)http://www.amcham.de/location-germany/dr...

Answer 12

Go to frankfurt.usconsulate.gov they have the answers American military family members can drive at 17 so there may be something for you

Answer 13

No, afraid not.  Only the Pennsylvania (C) is considered acceptable.

A driver is not entitled to use a foreign driver's license if it is a "minor's license," "learner's permit," or another provisionally issued license. The legal situation in Germany becomes complicated in cases when drivers under the age of 18 or 21 receive a minor's license or a learner's permit or when the license is generally issued for a limited period of time, as is done in some U.S. states. These licenses are generally recognized only when they are valid without any restrictions, that is, when they do not carry an expiration date and do not require that an exam be retaken in the respective state for their continued validity. Thus, Germany recognizes an American license when it automatically remains valid. The matter will depend on the legal situation in the respective U.S. state. The applicant may have to present the German authority with confirmation of the validity of the American driver's license.  

The rules governing the probationary (German) driver's license do not apply to the translated and/or classified U.S. driver's license. Here, too, the conversion to a German license is equivalent to the first-time acquisition of a driver's license, meaning the provisions pertaining to the probationary driver's license apply. The probationary period will be calculated from the time the U.S. license was issued.

Answer 14

You are SOL.

The law says 18 with a full license.  You will thank the law later if you are a passenger in a car on the audobon.  European standards are much higher than US.  (not saying a lot).  Not only must you have a full license and be old enough to drive, but your car must be in condition with no dents, no rust and cared for.  You will NOT see any broken down junkers on the side of the highways there.  The polizei look very unkindly at anyone who trashes the country side.