Question About IDP and B196 Extension While Living Abroad

Gold212 New member

Member since 07 March 2026

Gold212New member07 March 2026 11:40:21

Hello,

I hope you are doing well.

I am a German citizen currently residing in Vietnam and I hold a German driving license issued in Berlin. I would like to better understand my options regarding a few driving-license related matters.

First, I would like to know whether it is possible to apply for an official International Driving Permit (IDP) while living abroad. If applying from abroad is not possible, I would like to know whether a third party could apply and collect it on my behalf with a power of attorney, or whether I could apply for it during a short visit to Germany even though I am no longer officially registered there.

Second, I am interested in obtaining the B196 extension, which allows car license holders to ride motorcycles up to 125cc after completing the required training. I would like to know whether it would be possible to complete the training and obtain this extension during a temporary stay in Germany without being officially registered there.

Finally, if these options are not possible in Germany, I would also appreciate guidance on whether there are countries where a motorcycle license can be obtained as a tourist that would later be recognized or usable within the EU and that has long validity.

Any information or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

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TominStuttgart Germany Expert

Member since 19 March 2012

TominStuttgartGermany Expert07 March 2026 12:02:40

2797

@Gold212

An International Driving permit is nothing more than a multilanguage translation of one's home license. The ADAC website shows a German license holder will indeed need an international premit there. If so, it can usually be obtained in the local country. This depends on how things are done in Vietnam. Otherwise, you suggest a scenario of being back in Germany on a tourist trip. If so, it takes 15 minutes and 15 Euros at the ADAC office to get the International License if you can show your valid German one. Not positive, but think any additional licensing like a permit to conduct motorcycles is not likely allowed without being registered in Germany despite being a citizen.

Gold212 New member

Member since 07 March 2026

Gold212New member07 March 2026 12:54:17

@TominStuttgart

Thank you so much for the quick response.. I am planning to do my A license in VN too, but this wont be recognized in Germany. If Germany is not possible is there a way I could get one which is accepted in EU and where I can do one as a tourist. I heard that Thai license may work too. I heard its cheap and somewhat fast but would only be accepted in Europe with IDP and getting it transferred to Germany license would require written and practical test. I will like to know if there are any countries that can provide such with long validity..

Thanks

TominStuttgart Germany Expert

Member since 19 March 2012

TominStuttgartGermany Expert07 March 2026 17:38:24

2797

@TominStuttgart
Thank you so much for the quick response.. I am planning to do my A license in VN too, but this wont be recognized in Germany. If Germany is not possible is there a way I could get one which is accepted in EU and where I can do one as a tourist. I heard that Thai license may work too. I heard its cheap and somewhat fast but would only be accepted in Europe with IDP and getting it transferred to Germany license would require written and practical test. I will like to know if there are any countries that can provide such with long validity..
Thanks - @Gold212

I don't think one can get any driver's license of any kind in any EU country without having residency.