Brazil is not on Germany's Anlage 11 FeV list. Converting a CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação) therefore requires passing the German theory exam and practical exam. The compensation: converters have no mandatory lesson hours. The 12 compulsory Sonderfahrten that make a first German licence so expensive simply do not apply to you.
The 6-month rule
After registering residence in Germany, your CNH (together with a translation or an international permit) is valid for 6 months of driving. The conversion realistically takes 3 to 6 months including exams, so apply in your first weeks, not month five.
Step by step
- Apply at the Führerscheinstelle with: passport, Anmeldebestätigung, biometric photo, your CNH plus a certified translation (ADAC or a sworn translator; consulate translations are accepted by some offices), an eye test (about €7) and a first-aid course certificate (9 units, €40 to €60).
- Register with a driving school: formally required to book the exams through TÜV or DEKRA. Say it is an Umschreibung and ask for an assessment drive first; a fair school will estimate your real lesson need after one or two drives.
- Theory exam: 30 questions from the official catalogue. The exam is offered in Portuguese as well as English and German. The format differs from the DETRAN test: scenario questions where several answers can be correct at once.
- Practical exam: about 55 minutes with an official examiner, conducted in German. Learn the standard commands ahead of time.
What catches Brazilian drivers
- Right-before-left: at unmarked residential junctions the car from the right goes first. It is tested on nearly every exam route.
- Absolute lane discipline: undertaking on the Autobahn fails you instantly; keep right except when overtaking.
- Procedure visibility: examiners score the visible routine (mirror, shoulder check, signal) on every single maneuver, not just correct outcomes.
- Parking under observation: rückwärts einparken (reverse parking) on command is part of the exam; practice it until it is boring.
Realistic budget
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Application, translation, eye test, first aid | €120-180 |
| Theory exam fee + materials | €60-110 |
| Driving school admin fee | €100-250 |
| Driving lessons (typical converter: 5-15) | €350-1,400 |
| Practical exam fee | €230-320 |
| Total | €850-2,250 |
Your years behind the wheel are an asset, but only disciplined preparation converts them into a first-attempt pass. Every failed practical costs €600 or more in re-test fees and mandatory extra lessons, so the cheapest strategy is to go in objectively ready.
One project, two skills
Passing in Germany means two separate things: knowing the German rules (theory) and demonstrating the German procedure (practical). Treat them as separate workstreams with their own practice plans, and track both instead of guessing.
Keep reading
- What the whole process costs: German driving licence cost guide
- If a retake becomes necessary: what happens after a failed test
- Compare against other countries: the complete conversion overview