Hungarian Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in Hungary — KRESZ theory test (65 questions from a large question bank), training costs HUF 150,000–250,000 (~€400–650), zero BAC tolerance, penalty points system (büntetőpontok), műszaki vizsga (MOT equivalent), and the e-matrica motorway vignette system.
~525
Road deaths in Hungary (2024)
~5.5 per 100,000 population — below EU average
0.00%
Blood alcohol limit — ZERO tolerance
Strictest in the EU — any detectable alcohol is illegal
HUF 200K
Typical total licence cost (B category)
~€520 including driving school, exams & fees
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
The KRESZ theory test consists of 65 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes. You need at least 78 points (out of a possible 91) to pass. Questions cover traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and first aid. The test is computer-based and administered at KAV (Közlekedési Alkalmassági és Vizsgaközpont) examination centres.
The total cost of a B category licence ranges from HUF 150,000 to 250,000 (~€400–650). This includes driving school tuition (HUF 100,000–180,000), theory exam fee (HUF 4,600), practical exam fee (HUF 11,000), medical examination (~HUF 7,200), and mandatory first aid course (~HUF 20,000–25,000).
Hungary recorded approximately 525 road fatalities in 2024, a rate of ~5.5 per 100,000 population. This is slightly below the EU average. Pedestrians and cyclists account for a high proportion of victims, particularly in rural areas.
Hungary enforces absolute zero tolerance (0.00% BAC) for ALL drivers. Even trace amounts of alcohol result in penalties. Fines range from HUF 30,000 to 300,000 depending on the level. Over 0.08% BAC is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment up to 3 years.
Hungary operates a büntetőpont (penalty point) system. Drivers can accumulate up to 18 points before losing their licence. Points range from 1 to 9 per offence. Reaching 18 points triggers mandatory licence suspension and a re-examination. Points expire after 2 years if no new offences are committed.
Hungary’s road death rate (~5.5/100K) is close to the EU average (~4.7/100K). Zero BAC policy is among the strictest in Europe (shared with Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia). Licence cost (~€520) is moderate. The e-matrica (motorway vignette) system is unique to Hungary among neighbouring countries.
Hungary Road Safety: 3-Year Trend (2022–2024)
Hungary has seen gradual improvement in road safety over recent years, with fatalities declining from approximately 580 in 2022 to roughly 525 in 2024. The government’s road safety strategy focuses on infrastructure upgrades, stricter enforcement of speed limits and BAC rules, and public awareness campaigns targeting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
2022→2023
-5.2%
2023→2024
-4.5%
Deaths per 100,000 Population
Source: European Commission Road Safety Statistics, KSH, WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety. Per-capita rates are estimates and may vary by methodology.
Hungarian Theory Test Format#
Computer-based theory test administered at KAV examination centres across Hungary
The Hungarian KRESZ theory test for category B consists of 65 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 90 minutes. Questions are drawn from a comprehensive bank covering traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, vehicle safety, first aid, and environmental regulations. Each question is worth 1–2 points, with a maximum possible score of 91 points. You need at least 78 points to pass (approximately 86%). The test is computer-based and administered at KAV centres throughout Hungary. A mandatory first aid course (elsősegélynyújtó tanfolyam) must be completed before taking the theory exam.
Questions
65 MCQs
Drawn from KRESZ question bank
Duration
90 Min
~83 sec per question
Pass Mark
78/91 pts
~86% required to pass
Test Fee
HUF 4,600
Theory exam fee
What the Theory Test Covers
- Traffic signs, signals & road markings
- Right-of-way rules at intersections
- Speed limits by road type & zone
- Prohibited actions & driving violations
- Pedestrian & cyclist priority rules
- Vehicle inspection (műszaki vizsga) requirements
- Mandatory equipment (triangle, vest, first aid kit)
- Seatbelt and child restraint rules
- Tyre requirements (winter tyre recommendations)
- Environmental protection & emissions
- First aid procedures (elsősegély) — mandatory course content
- Penalty point system (büntetőpontok)
- Alcohol & drug driving laws (zero BAC)
- Motorway rules & e-matrica vignette system
- Tram priority rules in Budapest & cities
How to Get Your Hungarian Driving Licence#
From first aid course to jogosítvány — the complete process
Complete First Aid Course
Take the mandatory 16-hour first aid course (elsősegélynyújtó tanfolyam)
Must be completed before the theory exam. Certificate valid for 1 year. Cost: HUF 20,000–25,000. Course covers CPR, wound treatment, and accident scene management.
Get a Medical Certificate
Visit an authorized physician for a driving fitness examination
Includes vision test, general health assessment. Cost: ~HUF 7,200. Valid for specific period depending on age. Required before enrolment.
Enrol at a Driving School
Register at a licensed driving school (autósiskola)
Minimum 28 theory lessons and 29 practical driving lessons for B category. School fees: HUF 100,000–180,000 depending on region and school.
Pass the Theory Test
Take the KRESZ computer-based theory exam at a KAV centre
65 questions, 90 minutes, need 78/91 points to pass. Fee: HUF 4,600. Retakes available after minimum 3 business days.
Complete Practical Training
Finish minimum 29 hours of practical driving lessons with your instructor
Includes city driving, rural roads, motorway familiarization, night driving, and maneuvers. Additional lessons available if needed.
Pass the Practical Driving Test
Complete the practical examination with a KAV examiner
Test covers: vehicle checks, city driving, maneuvers (parking, hill start). Duration: ~60 minutes. Fee: HUF 11,000.
Receive Your Jogosítvány
Collect your Hungarian driving licence card
Issued within 8 business days. EU credit-card format. Valid throughout the European Union. Probationary period of 2 years for new drivers.
Hungarian Driving Licence Fees#
Total cost HUF 150,000–250,000 (~€400–650) depending on region and driving school
Prices vary by region — Budapest tends to be more expensive than rural areas. Additional retake fees apply for failed exams. Prices as of 2026.
Licence Categories & Minimum Age
AM — Mopeds up to 50cc / 45 km/h
Electric mopeds included
15
years
A1 — Motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW
16
years
A2 — Motorcycles up to 35 kW
18
years
A — All motorcycles (unlimited)
Or 2 years with A2
24
years
B — Cars up to 3,500 kg, max 8+1 seats
Most common category
17
years
C — Trucks over 3,500 kg
Requires B first
21
years
D — Buses with more than 8+1 seats
Requires B first
24
years
BE / CE / DE — With trailer combinations
Requires base category
21
years
Licence Validity Periods
Renewed based on medical at age 40, 60, then every 2 years
Medical exam required for each renewal
Medical + psychological exam required
Shorter validity for older drivers
Penalty Points System (Büntetőpontok)
- Maximum 18 penalty points before licence suspension
- Points range from 1 to 9 per offence
- Drunk driving (any BAC): 9 points
- Speeding 20+ km/h over limit: 4–6 points
- Points expire after 2 years from the date of the offence if no new violations
E-Matrica (Motorway Vignette)
- Required for all motorways (autópálya) and expressways
- Available as 10-day, monthly, or annual pass
- Purchased online, at petrol stations, or from machines
- Linked to licence plate — no physical sticker needed
- Enforcement via automatic camera systems
Hungary’s speed limits follow a tiered system based on road type. In built-up areas (lakóterület), the general limit is 50 km/h. Outside built-up areas on standard roads, the limit increases to 90 km/h. On expressways (autóút), the limit is 110 km/h. On motorways (autópálya), the maximum speed is 130 km/h. An e-matrica (electronic vignette) is required for motorways and expressways. Residential zones (lakó övezet) have a 20 km/h limit. Towing speed is limited to 70 km/h everywhere.
| Road Type | Cars / Motorcycles | Trucks >3.5t | Buses | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-up area (Lakóterület) | 50 | 50 | 50 | General urban limit |
| Outside built-up area | 90 | 70 | 70 | Standard rural roads |
| Expressway (Autóút) | 110 | 80 | 80 | E-matrica required |
| Motorway (Autópálya) | 130 | 80 | 100 | E-matrica required |
Built-up area (Lakóterület)
50
Cars
50
Trucks
50
Buses
General urban limit
Outside built-up area
90
Cars
70
Trucks
70
Buses
Standard rural roads
Expressway (Autóút)
110
Cars
80
Trucks
80
Buses
E-matrica required
Motorway (Autópálya)
130
Cars
80
Trucks
100
Buses
E-matrica required
Residential zones (lakó övezet) have a 20 km/h limit. Towing limited to 70 km/h. Posted signs always take precedence. Winter tyre use is recommended but not mandatory — road conditions may require reduced speeds.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
Key traffic fines in Hungary — on-the-spot fines (helyszíni bírság) and administrative penalties
Hungary’s traffic fine system includes on-the-spot fines (helyszíni bírság) up to HUF 50,000 issued by police, and higher administrative fines (közigazgatási bírság) up to HUF 300,000. Drunk driving is treated extremely seriously with zero tolerance — any detectable BAC results in penalties, while over 0.08% is a criminal offence. The penalty point system (büntetőpont) adds 1–9 points per offence, with licence suspension at 18 points. Serious violations such as causing a fatal accident while intoxicated carry criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
| Violation | Fine (HUF) | Points | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drunk driving (any detectable BAC) | 30,000–300,000 | 9 | Licence suspension 1–12 months |
| DUI >0.08% BAC (criminal) | Criminal prosecution | 9 | Up to 3 years imprisonment |
| Speeding 20 km/h over limit | 30,000–50,000 | 4 | — |
| Speeding 40+ km/h over limit | 50,000–300,000 | 6–8 | Possible licence suspension |
| Running red light | 30,000–200,000 | 6 | — |
| Using phone while driving | 15,000–50,000 | 3 | — |
| No seatbelt | 10,000–30,000 | 1 | — |
| No e-matrica (motorway) | 14,875–74,450 | — | Category-dependent |
| No valid műszaki vizsga | 30,000–50,000 | 2 | Vehicle may be impounded |
| Driving without licence | 50,000–300,000 | — | Criminal offence |
Drunk driving (any detectable BAC)
Licence suspension 1–12 months
DUI >0.08% BAC (criminal)
Up to 3 years imprisonment
Speeding 20 km/h over limit
—
Speeding 40+ km/h over limit
Possible licence suspension
Running red light
—
Using phone while driving
—
No seatbelt
—
No e-matrica (motorway)
Category-dependent
No valid műszaki vizsga
Vehicle may be impounded
Driving without licence
Criminal offence
On-the-spot fines (helyszíni bírság) max HUF 50,000 if paid immediately. Administrative fines can reach HUF 300,000. Criminal penalties apply for BAC >0.08%, causing death while intoxicated, or driving without a licence. Fines doubled in school zones during school hours.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits, and the penalty point system are heavily tested in the Hungarian KRESZ theory exam. Practice with real exam-style questions.
Start Practicing for FreeImportant Driving Rules in Hungary
Drive on the Right
Hungary uses right-hand traffic. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, traffic inside has priority unless signed otherwise.
Zero BAC Tolerance
Absolute zero tolerance (0.00% BAC) for ALL drivers. Any detectable alcohol results in fines from HUF 30,000 and penalty points. Over 0.08% BAC is a criminal offence with up to 3 years imprisonment.
Headlights Always On
Dipped headlights (tompított fény) are mandatory at all times outside built-up areas, day and night. Inside built-up areas, headlights required from dusk to dawn and in poor visibility.
Tram Priority (Villamos elsőbbség)
Trams always have priority in Hungary. You must yield to trams at all times. When a tram stops to load/unload passengers and there is no safety island, you must stop and wait until passengers have boarded.
Mandatory Equipment
All vehicles must carry: warning triangle, reflective vest, first aid kit. Recommended but not legally required: winter tyres (láncozás advised in snow). Spare bulb set recommended.
E-Matrica Required
Electronic motorway vignette (e-matrica) required for all motorways and expressways. Available as 10-day (HUF 5,950), monthly, or annual pass. No physical sticker — linked to licence plate. Heavy fines for non-compliance.
Phone Use Prohibited
Handheld phone use prohibited while driving. Hands-free devices permitted. Fine: HUF 15,000–50,000 + 3 penalty points.
Seatbelts & Child Seats
Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants (front and rear). Children under 150 cm must use an appropriate child restraint system. Children under 3 may not travel without a child seat.
Műszaki Vizsga (Vehicle Inspection)
Regular vehicle inspection (műszaki vizsga) required — new cars exempt for 4 years, then every 2 years (annually for vehicles over 8 years old). Conducted at authorized inspection stations.
Common Road Hazards in Hungary
~525 road fatalities in 2024 — know these hazards to stay safe on Hungarian roads
Wildlife Crossings
Deer, wild boar, and other wildlife frequent rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Watch for wildlife warning signs on roads through forested areas.
Fog on the Great Plain
The Alföld (Great Hungarian Plain) experiences dense fog in autumn and winter, dramatically reducing visibility on flat, straight roads.
Tram Tracks in Cities
Budapest, Miskolc, Debrecen, and Szeged have extensive tram networks. Tram tracks can be slippery when wet and create hazards for motorcyclists and cyclists.
Poor Rural Road Surfaces
Some rural and minor roads have uneven surfaces, potholes, and poor markings. Agricultural vehicles may move slowly on these roads.
High-Speed Motorway Driving
130 km/h motorway limits combined with aggressive driving behaviour make tailgating and sudden lane changes dangerous, especially near Budapest.
Pedestrians in Villages
Villages along main roads often lack proper pedestrian infrastructure. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts on roads through settlements.
Hungary’s Counties & Budapest
Hungary is divided into 19 counties (megye) and the capital city Budapest. Driving licence administration is handled by the county government offices (kormányhivatal).
| County (Megye) | Type | Seat / Capital | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budapest | Capital | Budapest | 1.75M |
| Pest | County | Budapest | 1.30M |
| Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén | County | Miskolc | 0.65M |
| Hajdú-Bihar | County | Debrecen | 0.54M |
| Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg | County | Nyíregyháza | 0.56M |
| Bács-Kiskun | County | Kecskemét | 0.52M |
| Győr-Moson-Sopron | County | Győr | 0.46M |
| Csongrád-Csanád | County | Szeged | 0.40M |
| Fejér | County | Székesfehérvár | 0.42M |
| Baranya | County | Pécs | 0.37M |
Budapest
Budapest · 1.75M
Pest
Budapest · 1.30M
Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén
Miskolc · 0.65M
Hajdú-Bihar
Debrecen · 0.54M
Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg
Nyíregyháza · 0.56M
Bács-Kiskun
Kecskemét · 0.52M
Győr-Moson-Sopron
Győr · 0.46M
Csongrád-Csanád
Szeged · 0.40M
Fejér
Székesfehérvár · 0.42M
Baranya
Pécs · 0.37M
Hungary has 19 counties and 1 capital city (Budapest). Driving licence testing is administered through KAV examination centres located in county capitals and major cities. Waiting times vary by location.
Emergency Numbers
All toll-free, available 24/7. {number} is the EU-standard general emergency number.
112
General Emergency (EU standard)
107
Police (Rendőrség)
104
Ambulance (Mentők)
105
Fire Department (Tűzoltóság)
Common Misconceptions About Driving in Hungary#
Myth: You can have one beer and still be under the legal limit
Fact: Hungary has ZERO tolerance (0.00% BAC). Even one sip of beer that registers on a breathalyser will result in a fine, penalty points, and potential licence suspension. There is no safe amount.
Myth: Winter tyres are mandatory in Hungary during winter
Fact: Winter tyres are NOT legally mandatory in Hungary, unlike in some neighbouring countries. However, driving on summer tyres in snowy/icy conditions is highly inadvisable and police can fine you for driving unsafely. Snow chains may be required on certain roads.
Myth: The e-matrica is only needed on the big motorways around Budapest
Fact: The e-matrica is required on ALL motorways (autópálya) and expressways (autóút) throughout Hungary, not just around Budapest. This includes routes to Lake Balaton, the Austrian border, and all major intercity highways.
Myth: EU driving licences are automatically valid forever in Hungary
Fact: While EU licences are recognized in Hungary, if you establish residency, you should exchange your licence for a Hungarian one. Medical fitness re-examinations are required at certain ages (40, 60, then every 2 years).
Myth: Trams don’t really have absolute priority — it’s the same as any vehicle
Fact: Trams (villamos) have ABSOLUTE priority in Hungarian traffic law. You must yield to trams at all times. When a tram stops without a safety island, you must stop and wait for passengers. Violating tram priority rules carries heavy fines and penalty points.
Myth: Speed cameras only operate on motorways in Hungary
Fact: Hungary has fixed speed cameras on motorways, expressways, AND within built-up areas. Mobile speed enforcement (radar) is widespread. Average speed cameras (szakaszmérő) are increasingly common on main roads.
Recent Changes to Hungarian Driving Laws#
Key regulatory updates affecting drivers in Hungary
Updated KRESZ exam question bank
KAV refreshed the theory exam question bank with new questions on electric vehicle rules, updated traffic signs, and revised penalty point allocations effective for all new exams.
E-matrica fee restructuring
Motorway vignette prices adjusted with new category structure. Digital-only enforcement expanded with additional automatic camera systems on expressways.
Enhanced traffic camera network
National rollout of average speed cameras (szakaszmérő) on major road sections. New fixed cameras in accident-prone zones. Automatic red-light enforcement expanded.
Stricter penalties for phone use while driving
Increased fines and penalty points for handheld phone use. New regulations on dashboard camera evidence admissibility for traffic violations.
EU driving licence directive alignment
Hungary aligned licence categories with updated EU directive. New AM category requirements. Digital driving licence pilot programme discussed.
COVID-era temporary licence extensions
Temporary extensions for expired driving licences and műszaki vizsga certificates during the pandemic. Many extensions formally ended in 2022.
How Hungary Compares Regionally#
Hungary’s driving regulations compared to neighbouring countries — data compiled from official government sources
| Parameter | Hungary | Austria | Germany | Czechia | Romania |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 17 | 17 (L17) | 17 (BF17) | 18 | 18 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Right | Right | Right |
| Motorway Speed | 130 | 130 | No limit | 130 | 130 |
| Test Questions | 65 | ~1,500 | ~1,000 | 25 | 26 |
| Licence Cost | ~€520 | ~€1,700 | ~€2,500 | ~€700 | ~€500 |
| Road Deaths/yr | ~525 | ~370 | ~2,790 | ~570 | ~1,660 |
| Deaths/100K | ~5.5 | ~3.8 | ~3.6 | ~5.3 | ~8.6 |
Zero tolerance like Czechia and Romania. Austria 0.05%, Germany 0.05%.
17 in Hungary (B category). Austria L17 from 15.5, Germany BF17 from 17, Czechia 18, Romania 18.
Same as Austria and Czechia. Germany has no general limit (advisory 130). Romania 130.
Moderate. Austria ~€1,500–2,000, Germany ~€2,000–3,500, Czechia ~€600–800, Romania ~€400–600.
Similar to EU average (~4.7). Austria ~3.8, Germany ~3.6, Czechia ~5.3, Romania ~8.6.
Road deaths: Hungary ~525 (KSH 2024 est.), Austria ~370 (BMNT 2024), Germany ~2,790 (Destatis 2024), Czechia ~570 (CDV 2024), Romania ~1,660 (INS 2024). Per-capita rates: Hungary ~5.5, Austria ~3.8, Germany ~3.6, Czechia ~5.3, Romania ~8.6 per 100K.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
- KRESZ — Hungarian Road Traffic Rules — Hungarian Government
- KAV — Transport Competency and Examination Centre — Ministry of Innovation and Technology
- KSH — Hungarian Central Statistical Office — Road safety statistics
- European Commission — Road Safety Statistics — European Commission
- WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety — World Health Organization
- Magyar Köztársaság Rendőrsége — Traffic Police — Hungarian Police
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from Hungarian legislation (KRESZ) and government sources
- Cross-verified against KAV exam guidelines, KSH statistics, and EU reports
- Regional variations noted where applicable (fees differ by county)
- Page reviewed and fact-checked on {date}
If you find an error, please contact us so we can correct it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a driving licence cost in Hungary?
What is the KRESZ theory test format?
What is the blood alcohol limit in Hungary?
What are the speed limits in Hungary?
What are the emergency numbers in Hungary?
Do I need an e-matrica for Hungarian motorways?
What is the minimum driving age in Hungary?
Is the first aid course mandatory for getting a driving licence?
What is the műszaki vizsga (vehicle inspection)?
Can I drive in Hungary with a foreign licence?
Do trams always have priority in Hungary?
What is the probationary period for new drivers?
Are winter tyres mandatory in Hungary?
How does the penalty point system work?
What are headlight rules in Hungary?
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Pawan Priyadarshi
Founder & Chief Engineer
Data sourced from Hungarian KRESZ legislation, KAV examination guidelines, KSH statistics, European Commission road safety data, and WHO reports. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.
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