Driving License for Immigrants in Europe

DRIVING LICENSE FOR IMMIGRANTS IN EUROPE

FRANCE

• Non-EU license valid 1 year after establishing residence
• Exchange possible (without exam) if country has agreement (Iraq: NO, Morocco: YES, Turkey: YES)
• If no agreement: must pass French driving exam (code + conduite)
• Cost exam route: ~1,500-2,500€ (auto-école)
• International driving permit: valid alongside original license for 1 year

SWEDEN

• Non-EU license valid 1 year
• Exchange: only for licenses from recognized countries (Iraq: NO, most MENA: NO)
• Must pass theory + driving test (Trafikverket)
• Cost: ~15,000-25,000 SEK via driving school
• Körkortsportalen: trafikverket.se

GERMANY

• Non-EU license valid 6 months
• Exchange possible for some countries (Turkey: YES partial, Iraq: NO, Morocco: NO)
• Must pass theory + practical exam if no exchange agreement
• Cost: ~2,000-3,500€
• Theory test available in 12 languages (including Arabic, Turkish)

TIPS FOR DIASPORA

• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) BEFORE leaving your country
• Start the process immediately — don't wait for the deadline
• Some driving schools have Arabic/Kurdish/Turkish speaking instructors
• Automatic license (boîte automatique) is easier and faster