Driver License in Austria for Luxembourg Citizens

Do Luxembourg Citizens Need an Austrian Driver’s License?

Luxembourg citizens do not need an Austrian driver's license to drive in Austria because their valid EU license is fully recognised, but they can voluntarily exchange it for an Austrian one, especially if they become residents. It's generally not required until renewal or expiry. You must always carry your valid Luxembourg license, and if you move to Austria long-term, you'll eventually need to exchange it at renewal.

Key Legal Requirements in Austria

• EU license validity: Luxembourg driver’s licenses are valid in Austria.

• Residency rule: If you become a registered resident of Austria, you may continue to use your Luxembourg license, but a voluntary exchange is recommended.

• Mandatory exchange: Required if your license has expired, is lost, is restricted, or is for certain professional driving categories.

• Penalties: Driving with an invalid or expired EU license can result in fines, insurance issues, or suspension of driving rights.

Benefits of Converting a Luxembourg License to an Austrian License

• Full legal compliance with Austrian traffic authorities

• Easier car insurance approval and lower premiums

• Simplified vehicle registration and leasing

• Recognition by employers for professional driving roles

• Reduced risk of fines or insurance invalidation

Types of Driver’s Licenses in Austria

Common Austrian License Categories

• Category B: Passenger vehicles (cars up to 3.5t)

• Category A: Motorcycles (A1, A2, A – power-based)

• Category C: Trucks and heavy vehicles

• Category D: Buses and passenger transport

• Provisional License (L17): Youth learner program

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Short-term use only, not for residents

Seen a full list breakdown of Austrian driving licenses.

Eligibility Requirements for Luxembourg Citizens

• Citizenship: Luxembourg citizens (EU nationals)

• Minimum age: Category B: 18 years, Category A: 18–24+ (depending on engine size), Category C/D: 21+.

• Residency: Registered Austrian address (Meldezettel)

• License status: Valid Luxembourg driver’s license

• Medical fitness: Required for commercial and motorcycle categories

How to Convert a Luxembourg Driver’s License to an Austrian License

• Confirm eligibility: Luxembourg licenses are exchangeable under EU regulations.

• Prepare required documents: This includes your Luxembourg diving license, passport and other identification documents.

• Certified translations (if required): If documents are not in German, certified translations may be requested. Use Translayte for Austrian authority–accepted translations.

• Medical examination: Mandatory for Categories C, D, and some motorcycle classes.

• Submit application: Apply at the local Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat.

• Pay fees: €90.

• Receive Austrian license: Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks.

Learn more about how to convert a foreign driver's license in Austria.

Documents Required for License Conversion in Austria

• Valid Luxembourg driver’s license

• Passport or national ID

• Proof of Austrian residency (Meldezettel)

• Recent biometric photo

• Medical certificate (if applicable)

• Certified translations (if requested)

Tip: Incorrect or unofficial translations are a common cause of application delays. Translayte provides certified translation to ensure compliance with Austrian standards.

Getting a New Driver’s License in Austria (If You Don’t Have One)

• Register for a learner’s permit: Enrol in an Austrian driving school

• Complete mandatory theory and practice hours: Pass the theory test (available in German; interpreters allowed)

• Pass the practical driving exam: Receive your Austrian driver’s license

See full breakdown of the process to get an Australian driving license if you have a non-EEA license.

Driving Tests in Austria

• Theory Test: Covers traffic laws, road signs, and safety. It is conducted primarily in German

• Practical Test: On-road driving assessment and including parking, highways, and safety checks

Driving Rules and Regulations in Austria

• Speed limits: Urban: 50 km/h, Rural: 100 km/h, and Motorways: 130 km/h

• Alcohol limit: Standard drivers: 0.5‰, and New/professional drivers: 0.1‰

• Seat belts: Mandatory

• Mobile phones: Hands-free only

• Penalties: Fines from €50 to €5,000 depending on offense

Can Luxembourg Citizens Drive in Austria with an IDP?

It is not required for EU licenses, which Luxembourg is part of. An IDP only applies to non-EU licenses and not valid as a standalone document. It also does not replace residency-based license exchange

Car Insurance Requirements in Austria

• Third-party liability insurance: Mandatory

• Comprehensive insurance: Optional but recommended

• EU driving history: Helps reduce premiums

• Major insurers: UNIQA, Allianz Austria, Vienna Insurance Group

Renting or Buying a Car in Austria as a Luxembourg Citizen

Car Rental

• Luxembourg licenses accepted

• Minimum age: 21–25

• Credit card and ID required

Buying a Car

• Austrian address required

• Vehicle registration through local authority

• Annual road tax and insurance mandatory

Costs of Getting or Converting a Driver’s License in Austria

Getting an Austrian driver's license costs vary significantly: converting an EEA license is a small fee (€60.50-€90) plus potential medical/test fees, while getting one from scratch or converting a non-EEA license can range from €1,000 to €2,000+ due to mandatory driving school and exams, with separate costs for theory, practical tests (€60-€180 per attempt), and school administration.

Converting an EEA License (EU/EEA/Switzerland)

• Fee: Around €50 to €90 for the administrative exchange.

• No Test: Usually, no driving test or medical is required, but authorities can request them.

• Documents: Passport, photo, medical certificate, and residence registration.

Converting a Non-EEA License (Non-EU/EEA)

• EEA-like Countries: Some non-EU countries (e.g., Japan, Switzerland) have easier conversion rules.

• Other Non-EEA: Can cost €500+ (excluding driving school) and often requires a driving test and medical certificate.

• ÖAMTC Classification: May need a license classification (around €27.40 for non-members).

Getting a New License (From Scratch)

• Total Cost: Generally €1,000 - €2,000, including lessons and tests.

• Driving School: Mandatory, with costs for practical lessons (e.g., 42 lessons at ~€65/lesson).

• Theory Test: Fees for the exam itself.

• Practical Test: €60 (Category B) or more per attempt, plus driving school car rental/admin fees.

• Certified translations from €25 per page.

Tips for a Smooth License Conversion in Austria

• Apply early after registering residency

• Ensure your Luxembourg license is valid

• Use certified translations only

• Keep copies of all documents

• Monitor Austrian traffic law updates

What to Do If Your Application Is Rejected

Common Reasons

• Missing documents

• Incorrect translations

• Expired license

• Medical certificate issues

Next Steps

• Correct errors and reapply

• Request clarification from the local authority

• File an administrative appeal if necessary

Need Certified Translations for Austria?

Translayte provides:

• Austrian-compliant certified translations

• Fast turnaround

• Acceptance by Austrian transport authorities

• Secure online ordering

Ideal for driver’s license conversions, IDs, medical certificates, and legal documents. Request a free quote to get started.