Can I drive in Germany with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “You can only use your Australian driver's licence in some cases. Check with the Embassy of Germany.” “If you plan to drive, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel.” (Smartraveller advice for Germany, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Germany: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
Always have your driver's licence, insurance and vehicle documents in the vehicle while you're driving. A digital driver’s licence may not be accepted.
You can only use your Australian driver's licence in some cases. Check with the Embassy of Germany.
If you plan to drive, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel.
Source: Smartraveller: Germany, page updated 5 August 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Germany
IDP needed in Germany: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Germany? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Driving in Germany this winter? Winter tyres and snow chains in Germany with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Berlin · Hamburg · Munich
Renting a scooter or a moped instead? Germany: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Other licences in Germany
| Licence | In Germany | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Germany
- British passport: Germany entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Germany
- Australian passport: Germany
- Italian citizens: Germania
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Germany with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “You can only use your Australian driver's licence in some cases. Check with the Embassy of Germany.” “If you plan to drive, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel.” (Smartraveller advice for Germany, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Germany with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You can only use your Australian driver's licence in some cases. Check with the Embassy of Germany.” “If you plan to drive, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Germany?
The Smartraveller advice for Germany does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.