Everything you need to know about exchanging a foreign driving license in Slovenia

Having a valid driving license is a key right for everyone who lives and drives in Slovenia. If you are a foreigner or a Slovenian citizen returning from abroad and have a foreign driving license , you are probably wondering: how can you exchange it for a Slovenian one ? In this blog, we provide you with clear information about the conditions, procedure and important rules regarding the exchange of a foreign driving license.

Who can exchange a foreign driving license?

In Slovenia, exchanging a foreign driving license for a Slovenian one is possible if you meet the following conditions:

Slovenian citizens

• You have a valid foreign driving license.

• You have registered in Slovenia with temporary or permanent residence for at least 6 months after returning from abroad.

Foreigners (citizens of other countries)

• You have a valid foreign driving license.

• You have registered temporary residence in Slovenia for at least 6 months based on a residence permit.

What do you need to have to replace your driver's license?

When you want to apply for the exchange procedure, you must submit to the administrative unit :

• Valid foreign driving license

• Official identification document (ID card or passport)

• Medical certificate proving physical and mental fitness to drive

• Biometric photo (for driver's license card)

• Proof of registered residence for at least 6 months

• In some cases, also translations or additional evidence of the vehicle categories on the permit

The practical part of the exam – do you have to pass it?

Whether you have to take the practical part of the driving test depends on the country that issued your driving license:

✔️ No practical exam

If you have a driving license issued in:

• EU member states,

• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland or Croatia,

• In North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo ... you can replace it without having to take the practical exam again.

❗ With a practical exam

However, if your driving license was issued in another country , you must pass the practical part of the driving test in Slovenia for the vehicle categories listed on your foreign license.

You take the practical exam through a driving school, which registers you with the administrative unit and accompanies you during the test drive.

What is the deadline for replacing a driver's license?

If you have registered permanent or temporary residence status in Slovenia:

You can drive with a valid foreign driving license for 1 year before you have to replace it.

After this period, driving is no longer permitted and is considered illegal – for which a fine is provided.

If you are a Slovenian citizen who has returned from abroad and has temporary or permanent residence, you can drive with a valid foreign license for up to 2 years before replacing it.

Step by step process

1. Gather documents: valid foreign permit, certificate of residence, medical certificate, etc.

2. Registration at the administrative unit: submit an application for replacement.

3. Practical exam (if required): you pass it through a driving school.

4. You receive a Slovenian driving license: if you meet all the conditions.

Summary – what you need to know

• You can exchange your foreign driving license for a Slovenian one if you have had a properly registered residence for at least 6 months.

• Some citizens from certain countries do not need to take a practical test.

• The deadline for replacement is up to 1 or 2 years, depending on residence status.

• After the deadline, driving without a Slovenian license can lead to a high fine.

Need a medical examination for a driving licence? Book your appointment HERE.