The German driving licence is a modern, credit-card-sized plastic card featuring advanced security features, biometric data, and machine-readable elements to ensure authenticity. Issued by local driving licence authorities after successful completion of theoretical and practical driving exams, it grants permission to drive depending on the categories obtained (e.g., cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses).
The licence is valid throughout the European Union and in many countries worldwide, making it an essential travel and identification document for German residents. It typically includes the holder’s photo, name, date of birth, licence number, categories of permitted vehicles, and issuance/expiry dates.