Driving License in Austria for Expats
Yes, for 6 months from establishing residence (non-EEA); EEA licences indefinite. After that, you must convert to a Austria license. Good news: the official test is available in English.
Key Facts: Austria Driving License for Expats
- Test Authority
- BMIMI — Bundesministerium für Innovation, Mobilität und Infrastruktur
- Official Test Language
- German, English, Croatian, Slovenian, Austrian Sign Language
- Grace Period
- 6 months from establishing residence (non-EEA); EEA licences indefinite
- Processing Time
- 2-6 weeks (authority may need to verify licence authenticity with issuing country, which can add weeks)
- Theory Test Required
- Not for exchange
- Practical Test Required
- Not for exchange
- Medical Exam
- Required
- Total Cost
- €150-300 (direct exchange); €60 practical-test fee per category + €11 theory fee where tests are required
Eligibility by Nationality
EU/EEA Citizens
EU/EEA driving licences (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) are recognised in Austria and do NOT need to be exchanged, even for long-term residence. Exchange is voluntary. Note: older paper/card formats remain valid until 18 January 2033, after which only the EU card format is accepted. Categories C/C1 and D/D1 are limited to a 5-year validity after moving to Austria (§15 FSG).
US/UK Citizens
UK (post-Brexit): listed in Annex to FSG-DV — direct exchange for all categories without theory or practical test. USA: not on the all-categories list, but US licences qualify for direct exchange of category B only (no practical test required) per §23 FSG + FSG-DV annex; higher categories (C/D) require full Austrian tests.
Other Non-EU Citizens
Must exchange the foreign licence for an Austrian one within 6 months of establishing residence (Hauptwohnsitz) in Austria under §23 FSG. After 6 months, the foreign licence is no longer valid for driving in Austria. The authority may extend by a further 6 months on application if the stay is short-term (study/work, max 1 year total).
Students
Students may use a foreign non-EEA licence for the first 6 months after registering residence. If staying up to one year for study purposes, the authority can extend use for an additional 6 months on application (§23(1) FSG). Beyond one year, exchange or a full Austrian licence is required.
Required Documents
- ✓Meldezettel (Austrian residence registration)
- ✓Valid passport or EEA ID
- ✓Original foreign driving licence
- ✓Certified German translation of the licence (if not German, English or another recognised format)
- ✓Medical certificate (ärztliches Gutachten nach FSG-GV) — required for non-EEA conversions, not older than 18 months
- ✓Passport photo (35x45 mm)
- ✓Proof of 6-month residence in issuing country at the time of original issuance (if not a national of that state)
- ✓Completed application form
Costs Breakdown
- Conversion/Exam Fee
- €90 (Umschreibung, since 1 July 2025)
- Medical Exam
- €40-80 (amtsärztliches/verkehrspsychologisches Gutachten; higher if specialist referral)
- Translation
- €40-100 (certified German translation, if needed)
- Total Estimated
- €150-300 (direct exchange); €60 practical-test fee per category + €11 theory fee where tests are required
License Exchange Agreements
Direct Exchange (No Test Required) · 17
License Exchange Agreements
Direct Exchange (No Test Required) · 17
No Agreement (Full Test Required): All countries not listed above (most of Asia, Africa, South America) — applicants must pass the full Austrian theory and practical tests.
Tips for Expats in Austria
- EEA licences never require exchange — you can drive on your home licence indefinitely (except C/D categories which are 5-year-limited after relocation, §15 FSG).
- The 6-month clock for non-EEA licences starts on Hauptwohnsitz registration (Meldezettel), not on arrival.
- If your country is listed in the FSG-DV annex (e.g., UK, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Serbia), exchange is purely administrative — no theory or practical test.
- USA / Canada / Australia drivers get a partial exemption: practical test waived for category B only. Category C/D require full Austrian licensing.
- For a brand-new full licence, the short 6-hour "Unterweisung in lebensrettenden Sofortmaßnahmen" (life-saving first aid) is mandatory for categories A/B/BE/F (§6 FSG-DV). The 16-hour full Erste-Hilfe-Kurs is only required for D/DE (bus) licences.
- L17 "begleitetes Fahren" program lets accompanied learners start at age 17 (§19 FSG).
- Vignette (motorway toll sticker) mandatory on all Austrian motorways.
- Winter-equipment rule: winter tyres or chains required on snow/ice from 1 November to 15 April for cars/trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to exchange my EU driving licence when I move to Austria?
How long can I drive in Austria on my non-EEA licence after moving here?
Can I exchange my US driving licence for an Austrian one without taking tests?
Which countries can exchange directly for all categories without a test?
What does the Führerschein exchange cost in Austria?
Can I take the Austrian driving theory test in English?
Do I need a first aid course if I am only exchanging my foreign licence?
Which authority do I apply to?
Do I need a medical exam to exchange my licence?
How long does the exchange process take?
What is the L17 accompanied driving programme?
Do I have to prove I lived in my home country when I got my original licence?
Official sources
Landespolizeidirektion / Bezirkshauptmannschaft / Magistrat (in Vienna: Verkehrsamt of LPD Wien)
https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/en/themen/persoenliche_dokumente_und_bestaetigungen/fuehrerschein.html
License Conversion Info
https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/en/themen/persoenliche_dokumente_und_bestaetigungen/fuehrerschein/3/Seite.040500