How to get a driving licence

What

You have to register at a driving school and pass a written exam on road regulations in Austria, first aid course and a driving test. You also need a note from a doctor confirming that you passed the medical exam. You need to do the first aid course before passing any exam and before starting with the driving lessons.

Who

Each category of driving licence has a different age limit. For more information see (in German): www.help.gv.at/Portal.Node/hlpd/public/content/4/Seite.040150.html

When

You can register at the driving school 6 months before the minimum age needed to get a certain driving licence.

Good to know

You have the right to have an interpreter next to you during the driving test.

Steps

STEP 1: Register at a driving school (Fahrschule). You have to bring a personal identification document and a confirmation that you passed a medical exam.

STEP 2: Attend the theoretical lessons on traffic regulations and the first aid course. The driving school will provide you with the necessary study material. There are general lessons for all driving categories and there are certain units specific to the category of driving licence you want to obtain.

STEP 3: Once you pass the first aid course, you can start with driving lessons. Each driving category requires different minimum hours of driving practise (e.g. for a driving licence B you need to do at least 18 hours of driving). For a driving licence B you can drive with a certified instructor provided by the driving school or a qualified driver of your choosing (e.g. a family member or a friend). There are certain conditions qualified drivers need to fulfil to be allowed to teach you. You’ll get all information about this at the driving school.

STEP 4: After passing all exams, pay a fee for the driving test and issuance of the driving licence. After payment is confirmed, you’ll receive the official driving licence by post.

Where

You can do the driving licence at any driving school that is regulated and recognized by the government. More information (in German):www.wko.at/Content.Node/kampagnen/Verband-Fahrschulunternehmer/fahrschulen.html