Driving in Germany as a United Kingdom National
Germany is famous for its Autobahn with no general speed limit on many sections. Driving on the right, with strict traffic laws and excellent road infrastructure.
Key Things to Know First
Germany generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
United Kingdom drives on the left, but Germany drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Germany uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Germany | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in Germany
Speed limits in Germany are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Germany
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Germany before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Germany
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Germany Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Germany.
Read the complete guide