Leslie Massey
If you're planning on driving in Austria, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, the minimum age to obtain a driving licence is 16 years for a motorcycle, 17/18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles. If you're under 18, you'll need to get an L17 licence, which allows you to start driving from the age of 15 years and six months. Secondly, you'll need to finish a driving school and pass a two-stage test, including a theory test and a road test. The number of training hours you'll need depends on the category of your licence, with A-category licences requiring 12 hours and B-category licences requiring 13. If you have a foreign driving licence, you can use it for up to six months in Austria before you'll need to exchange it for an Austrian one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 years for a motorcycle, 17/18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles |
| Requirements | Finish a driving school and pass a two-stage test, including a theory test and a road test |
| Additional requirements for B-licence holders | Allowed to ride motorcycles not exceeding 125cc when they have held their licence for at least five years without interruption and complete a basic training of 6 hours |
| International driving permits | Required for non-EU licences, along with a German translation |
| L17 licence | Allows individuals under 18 to get early permission to drive and undergo L17 training from the age of 15 years and six months |
| Training hours | Depends on the category of licence; A-category licences need 12 hours, whereas B-category licences require 13 hours |
| Conversion of foreign licences | Foreign driving licences can be used for up to six months, after which they must be exchanged for an Austrian driving licence |
| Issuing authorities | Vienna provincial police directorate - motor vehicle department (Landespolizeidirektion Wien - Verkehrsamt Wien) |
What You'll Learn
Exchanging a foreign driving license
If you are a resident of Austria and hold a foreign driving license, you can use your existing license for up to six months. After this period, you will need to exchange it for an Austrian driving license. The process of exchanging a foreign driving license is generally straightforward, but specific requirements may vary depending on your country of origin. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
Before initiating the exchange process, it is essential to understand the specific requirements for your country. Licenses from certain countries can be directly converted into an Austrian driving license, while others may require you to sit for a local driving test. Check with the relevant Austrian authorities or consult the official website of the Austrian government to determine the specific requirements for your country.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
Ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready for the exchange process. This may include your valid foreign driving license, a translation of your license (if it is not in German), and any other supporting documents specified by the authorities. Keep in mind that your foreign driving license must be valid and within its period of validity during the exchange process.
Step 3: Visit the Responsible Authority
In Austria, different authorities are responsible for issuing driving licenses depending on your location. In Vienna, for example, you would need to visit the Motor Vehicle Department (Verkehrsamt), while in other cities, the local Federal Police Headquarters (Landespolizeidirektion) or district administrative authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) may be responsible. Make sure to check the office hours and required documents before your visit.
Step 4: Complete the Necessary Procedures
During your visit to the responsible authority, you will need to follow their specific procedures for exchanging a foreign driving license. This may include filling out forms, providing documentation, and possibly taking a driving test if required. Ensure that you understand the fees associated with the exchange process and be prepared to pay any necessary charges.
Step 5: Receive Your Austrian Driving License
Once you have completed all the necessary steps and met all the requirements, you will be issued your Austrian driving license. Note that there may be a processing time before you receive your physical license, and it could be sent to you by mail. With your new Austrian driving license, you will now be able to drive in Austria without any restrictions.
Remember to stay informed about the validity of your foreign driving license and initiate the exchange process within the allowed timeframe. By following these steps and staying compliant with Austrian driving regulations, you can seamlessly continue your driving journey in your new home country.
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Minimum age requirements
The minimum age to obtain a driving licence in Austria is 16 years for a motorcycle, 17 or 18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles. Anyone wanting an Austrian driving licence before the age of 18 needs to get an L17 licence, which allows them to begin driving from the age of 15 years and six months. However, the minimum age to obtain a standard driving licence remains at 17.
If you are a resident of Austria, a foreign driving licence can be used for up to six months in connection with an international driving permit. After this, you will need to exchange it for an Austrian driving licence. In some cases, you may need to go through the full local process of getting a licence, which includes sitting a local driving test.
In Austria, different authorities are responsible for issuing driving licences. For example, in Vienna, the Motor Vehicle Department (Verkehrsamt) will issue your licence. However, in other cities, the local Federal Police Headquarters (Landespolizeidirektion) or distractive administrative authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) is responsible for issuing licences.
To obtain an Austrian driving licence, you must finish a driving school and pass a two-stage test, including a theory test and a road test. The exact number of training hours you need depends on the category of licence you are getting. For example, A-category licences need 12 hours, whereas B-category licences require 13. At least the first six hours of your training must be with a registered instructor.
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Training hours and costs
In Austria, the exact number of training hours you need depends on the category of license you are getting. For instance, A-category licenses require 12 hours of training, while B-category licenses require 13 hours. At least the first six hours of your training must be with a registered instructor. After that, you can continue practising with a licensed driver. During this pre-exam preparation, you will learn various driving skills, from traffic assessment and lane changes to navigating intersections and driving on the Autobahn. Driving lessons in Austria typically cost around €65 each.
If you have a foreign driving license, you can use it for up to six months in Austria. After this period, you will need to exchange it for an Austrian driving license. Depending on the country your license is from, you may be able to simply convert it to an Austrian one. Otherwise, you may need to go through the full local process of getting a license, including sitting for a local driving test.
The full local process involves finishing a driving school and passing a two-stage test: a theory test and a road test. In Vienna, the Motor Vehicle Department (Verkehrsamt) issues driving licenses, while other cities have different authorities, such as the local Federal Police Headquarters (Landespolizeidirektion) or the district administrative authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft).
After passing the practical driving exam, you will receive a temporary license immediately, and the proper license will arrive in the mail a few weeks later. However, the process doesn't end there. Within four months of getting your license, you must complete a course to improve your driving skills at your driving school, costing between €90 and €100. Then, within a year, you need to take another course. Additionally, within nine months of obtaining your license, you must take an extreme driving course and attend a psychologist's lecture, totalling approximately nine hours.
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The theory and road tests
To obtain an Austrian driving licence, you must complete a two-stage test consisting of a theory test and a road test. The exact number of training hours you need will depend on the category of licence you are seeking. For example, A-category licences require 12 hours of training, while B-category licences require 13 hours. At least the first six hours of your training must be with a registered instructor. After completing the required training hours, you can start practising your driving skills with a licensed driver. During this pre-exam preparation, you will learn various driving skills, including traffic assessment, lane changes, negotiating intersections, economical driving, and navigating the Autobahns.
The theory test will cover various topics related to safe driving in Austria, such as traffic rules, road signs, and driving etiquette. It is important to study and understand the traffic laws and regulations specific to Austria, as well as familiarise yourself with the local road signs and their meanings.
The road test, also known as the practical exam, will assess your driving skills and ability to apply the theoretical knowledge in a real-world driving situation. During the exam, you will be evaluated on your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic rules. The examiner will guide you through different driving scenarios, including driving in a city centre and on the Autobahn. The practical exam typically lasts about 45 minutes.
If you pass the theory and road tests, you will be awarded a temporary driving licence immediately, and the official licence will be sent to you by mail a few weeks later. However, obtaining the licence is just the first step. Within four months of getting your licence, you must complete a course to improve your driving skills at your driving school. Then, within a year, you must take a second course, each costing between €90 and €100. Additionally, within nine months of obtaining your licence, you are required to take an extreme driving course and attend a psychologist's lecture, totalling approximately nine hours.
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Post-license courses
Once you have obtained your Austrian driving license, you are required to complete two additional courses to enhance your driving skills. The first course must be completed within four months of getting your license, and the second course must be done within a year. These courses typically cost between €90 and €100 each. Additionally, within nine months of obtaining your license, you need to participate in an extreme driving course that includes a psychologist's lecture. This particular course will take approximately nine hours to complete.
Before you can take the practical driving tests, you must complete a certain number of training hours, which depends on the category of license you are seeking. For example, an A-category license requires 12 hours of training, while a B-category license requires 13 hours. At least the initial six hours of training must be conducted with a registered instructor. Following this, you can start practising your driving skills with a licensed driver. During this preparatory phase, you will learn a range of driving techniques, including traffic assessment, lane changes, navigating intersections, economical driving, and handling the Autobahns.
The process of obtaining your Austrian driving license can vary depending on your previous license status. If you are an expat moving to Austria, you may be able to exchange your foreign driving license without going through the full local process. However, this is subject to the type of license you hold, as some licenses may require you to take the local driving test. It is important to check the requirements for your specific license and ensure that you obtain the Austrian license within six months of your arrival.
In Austria, different authorities are responsible for issuing driving licenses. For instance, in Vienna, the Motor Vehicle Department (Verkehrsamt) handles license issuance, while in other cities, the local Federal Police Headquarters (Landespolizeidirektion) or district administrative authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) manages this process. The minimum age to obtain a driving license in Austria is 16 years for a motorcycle, 17 or 18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
You can drive in Austria with a foreign driving license for up to six months. After that, you will need to exchange it for an Austrian driving license.
You will need to pass a series of theory and practical tests. The exact number of training hours you will need depends on the category of license you are getting. For example, A-category licenses need 12 hours, whereas B-category licenses require 13.
Licenses from certain countries can be converted to an Austrian license. However, in some cases, you may need to sit a local driving test. You should check which category your license falls into.
You will get a temporary driving license immediately and a proper license will come in the mail a few weeks later. Within four months of getting your license, you have to complete a course to hone your skills at your driving school. Then, within a year, you have to do a second course.
