# Austria Driving Test (BMK / Landesregierung) - Complete Reference Guide
# Version: 2026.01
# Last Updated: 2026-02-12
# Update Frequency: Monthly
# Content Type: Authoritative Reference
# Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/austria
# License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference

> Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (Fuhrerschein) in Austria, covering the theory test (Theoriepruefung), driving school (Fahrschule) requirements, costs, and step-by-step process.

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## Quick Facts: Austrian Driving Test 2026

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Test Authority | BMK (Bundesministerium fur Klimaschutz) / Landesregierung |
| Theory Test Questions | 40 multiple choice (2 modules of 20 questions) |
| Time Limit | 30 minutes |
| Pass Mark | 80% per module (32/40 overall) |
| Total Cost | EUR 1,200-2,000 (driving school + all fees) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (17 with L17 program) |
| Test Languages | German, English, Croatian, Slovenian, sign language |
| Theory Validity | 18 months to complete practical test |
| License Validity | 15 years |
| First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 85-90% (theory), 83-86% (practical) |

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## Step-by-Step: How to Get an Austrian Driving License (Fuhrerschein)

### Step 1: Choose a Driving School (Fahrschule)
- Registration with an authorized Fahrschule is mandatory in Austria
- Average cost: EUR 1,200-2,000 for a complete Class B course
- Includes mandatory 32 hours of theory training (theoretical education)
- Driving school submits the license application on your behalf
- Can choose any Fahrschule in Austria regardless of your residence

### Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Valid ID card or passport (Reisepass)
- Medical certificate (aerztliches Gutachten) from an authorized physician
- First aid course certificate (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs) - 16 hours minimum
- Passport photo (Passfoto)
- Application fee payment (EUR 14.30, increasing to EUR 21 from July 2025)
- Federal administrative fee (EUR 6.50)

### Step 3: Pass the Theory Test (Theoriepruefung)
- Computer-based test at the driving school
- 2 modules: Grundwissen (basic knowledge) and Zusatzwissen (category-specific knowledge)
- 20 questions per module, each with main and sub-questions
- Must achieve 80% or higher in each module
- Available in German, English, Croatian, Slovenian, and sign language

### Step 4: Complete Practical Lessons (Fahrstunden)
- Minimum practical driving hours vary by driving school
- Most students complete 18-30 practical lessons
- Must pass practical test within 18 months of passing theory
- Includes mandatory driving on highways and at night

### Step 5: Pass the Practical Exam (Fahrpruefung)
- Approximately 25-35 minutes in real traffic conditions
- Conducted by an official examiner from the provincial government (Landesregierung)
- Must demonstrate safe vehicle control, traffic awareness, and proper technique
- Post-license: two mandatory Perfection Drives (Perfektionsfahrten) within first year

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## Austrian Theory Test Topics (Theoriepruefung Inhalte)

### Module 1: Basic Knowledge (Grundwissen)
1. **Traffic signs (Verkehrszeichen)** - Warning, prohibitory, mandatory, and informational signs
2. **Priority rules (Vorrangregelung)** - Right-of-way at intersections, priority from right (Rechtsregel)
3. **Traffic signals and markings (Ampeln und Bodenmarkierungen)** - Signal phases, lane markings
4. **General traffic rules (Allgemeine Verkehrsregeln)** - Overtaking, lane discipline, turning
5. **Alcohol and drug regulations (Alkohol- und Drogenbestimmungen)** - BAC limits, penalties

### Module 2: Category-Specific Knowledge (Zusatzwissen B)
1. **Vehicle technology (Fahrzeugtechnik)** - Controls, safety systems, maintenance
2. **Driving maneuvers (Fahrmanoever)** - Parking, reversing, hill starts
3. **Highway driving (Autobahnfahren)** - Merging, Rettungsgasse, vignette requirements
4. **Adverse conditions (Besondere Fahrsituationen)** - Night driving, weather, winter driving
5. **Environmental driving (Umweltbewusstes Fahren)** - Fuel-efficient driving techniques

### Question Format
- Each module has 20 main questions with sub-questions
- Sub-questions are only shown if the main question is answered correctly
- One or multiple answers may be correct per question
- 80% minimum score required per module to pass

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## Speed Limits in Austria (Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzungen)

| Road Type | Cars | Trucks/Buses |
|-----------|------|--------------|
| Urban areas (Ortsgebiet) | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| 30 km/h zones (Begegnungszone) | 30 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural roads (Freilandstrasse) | 100 km/h | 70-80 km/h |
| Expressways (Schnellstrasse) | 100 km/h | 70-80 km/h |
| Motorways (Autobahn) | 130 km/h | 80 km/h (trucks), 100 km/h (buses) |
| Night speed limit on certain motorways | 110 km/h (11PM-5AM) | 80 km/h |

Note: "IG-L" sections (Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft) may have reduced limits of 100 km/h on certain motorway stretches for environmental reasons.

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## Alcohol Limits (Alkoholgrenzen)

- **General drivers**: 0.5 per mille (0.5 g/L blood, 0.25 mg/L breath)
- **Novice drivers (Probezeit - first 3 years)**: 0.1 per mille (effectively zero)
- **Professional/commercial drivers**: 0.1 per mille
- **Bus and truck drivers (C/D categories)**: 0.1 per mille
- **Penalties for exceeding 0.5 per mille**: Fine starting at EUR 300, license suspension
- **Penalties for exceeding 0.8 per mille**: Fine of EUR 800-3,700, license suspension 1+ month, mandatory retraining
- **Penalties for exceeding 1.2 per mille**: Fine of EUR 1,200-4,400, license revocation 4+ months, mandatory medical/psychological evaluation

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## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in Austria (Pflichtausruestung)

1. **First aid kit** (Verbandskasten) - must be within reach and not expired
2. **Warning triangle** (Pannendreieck) - EU-approved reflective triangle
3. **Reflective safety vest** (Warnweste) - must be inside the passenger compartment (not in the trunk)
4. **Winter tires** (Winterreifen) - mandatory November 1 to April 15 in winter conditions
5. **Motorway vignette** (Autobahnvignette) - required on all motorways and expressways
6. **Snow chains** (Schneeketten) - recommended, mandatory on some mountain roads when signposted

### Motorway Vignette Prices 2026
| Duration | Cars | Motorcycles |
|----------|------|-------------|
| Annual | EUR 106.80 | EUR 42.70 |
| 2-month | EUR 32.00 | EUR 12.80 |
| 10-day | EUR 12.80 | EUR 5.10 |
| 1-day (digital only) | EUR 9.60 | EUR 3.80 |

Note: 2026 is the last year physical vignette stickers will be available. From 2027, only digital vignettes will be offered.

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## Austrian License Types (Fuhrerscheinklassen)

| License | Vehicles | Minimum Age |
|---------|----------|-------------|
| AM | Mopeds up to 50cc/45 km/h, light quadricycles | 15 years |
| A1 | Motorcycles up to 125cc/11 kW | 16 years |
| A2 | Motorcycles up to 35 kW | 18 years |
| A | Any motorcycle (unrestricted) | 24 years (or 20 with 2 years A2) |
| B | Cars up to 3,500 kg, max 8+1 passengers | 18 years (17 with L17) |
| B+E | Car with trailer over 750 kg (combined over 3,500 kg) | 18 years |
| C1 | Trucks 3,500-7,500 kg | 18 years |
| C | Trucks over 3,500 kg | 21 years |
| D1 | Minibuses up to 16+1 passengers | 21 years |
| D | Buses over 8+1 passengers | 24 years |
| F | Tractors and self-propelled machinery | 16 years (agricultural), 18 years (general) |

### L17 Early Driving Program (Vorgezogene Lenkberechtigung)
- Allows obtaining a Class B license at age 17
- Requires a dedicated L17 driving education program through a Fahrschule
- Candidates must complete additional supervised driving hours (3,000 km minimum)
- Licensed companion driver (Begleitperson) must have held a license for 7+ years
- L17 drivers have shown higher first-attempt pass rates (~95%) compared to standard L18 (~85%)

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## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure

1. Not understanding Rettungsgasse (emergency corridor) rules on multi-lane roads
2. Confusion about priority from right (Rechtsvorrang) at unmarked intersections
3. Incorrect knowledge of novice driver (Probezeit) alcohol limits (0.1 per mille, not 0.5)
4. Failing to know winter tire requirements (mandatory dates November 1 - April 15)
5. Not understanding the vignette (toll sticker) system and penalties for non-compliance
6. Incorrect speed for the 110 km/h night-time motorway limit
7. Misunderstanding the Begegnungszone (shared space) and Wohnstrasse (residential street) rules

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## Costs Breakdown 2026

| Item | Cost Range (EUR) |
|------|-----------------|
| Driving school enrollment + theory course | 300-600 |
| Practical driving lessons (approx. 18-30 hours) | 700-1,200 |
| First aid course (Erste-Hilfe-Kurs) | 50-80 |
| Medical examination (aerztliches Gutachten) | 35-50 |
| Theory test fee | 50-100 |
| Practical test fee | 60-100 |
| Application and administrative fees | 20-50 |
| License issuance fee | ~60 |
| Perfection drives (2 sessions, post-license) | 170-290 |
| **Total average cost** | **EUR 1,500-2,500** |

Note: Prices vary significantly by province (Bundesland) and driving school. Vienna tends to be more expensive than rural areas.

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## Tips for Passing First Time

### Theory Test Tips (Theoriepruefung Tipps)
1. Complete all 32 mandatory theory hours at your Fahrschule before attempting the test
2. Use official practice apps (OEAMTC Fuhrerschein-Test app is popular and comprehensive)
3. Focus on Grundwissen and Zusatzwissen B modules separately
4. Pay special attention to questions about Rettungsgasse, alcohol limits, and winter tire rules
5. Practice until you consistently score 90%+ in both modules
6. Understand the logic behind answers - Austrian tests require understanding, not just memorization

### Practical Test Tips (Fahrpruefung Tipps)
1. Practice forming the Rettungsgasse (emergency corridor) in highway traffic
2. Get comfortable with parallel parking and reversing maneuvers
3. Drive the routes around your Fahrschule's typical exam area
4. Always check mirrors before signaling and before maneuvers
5. Maintain proper following distance (2-second rule, longer in bad weather)
6. Practice hill starts, especially on steep Austrian mountain roads

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## Converting a Foreign License to Austrian (Fuhrerscheinumtausch)

### EU/EEA License Holders
- EU and EEA driving licenses are fully recognized in Austria - no conversion required
- Voluntary exchange possible without any exam for EUR 60.50
- No medical examination or driving test needed
- EEA countries: All 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway

### Non-EU/EEA License Holders - No Practical Test Required
Licenses from these countries can be exchanged with only an eye test and application:
Albania, Andorra, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Switzerland, Serbia, United Kingdom

### Non-EU/EEA License Holders - Category B Only (No Test Required)
Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hong Kong, Israel, Canada, North Macedonia, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea (issued after Jan 1, 1997), United States, United Arab Emirates

### All Other Non-EU/EEA Countries
- Must take a practical driving test (no written test required if license is valid)
- Medical examination required
- Must convert within 6 months of establishing residence in Austria
- Cost: approximately EUR 549+ through a driving school

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## Special Austrian Driving Rules

### Rettungsgasse (Emergency Corridor)
- Must be formed immediately when traffic stops or slows significantly on multi-lane roads
- On 2-lane roads: corridor between the two lanes
- On 3+ lane roads: corridor between the far-left lane and the adjacent lane
- Failure to form the Rettungsgasse: fine up to EUR 2,180

### Motorway Vignette (Autobahnvignette)
- Required on all Austrian motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstrassen)
- Available as physical sticker (last year in 2026) or digital vignette
- Driving without a valid vignette: fine of EUR 120 (on-the-spot) to EUR 240

### Probationary Period (Probezeit)
- 3 years for all new license holders (except AM and F categories)
- 0.1 per mille alcohol limit during probation
- Mandatory retraining for speeding, mobile phone use, or other serious violations
- Completion of two Perfektionsfahrten (perfection drives) within the first year

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many questions are on the Austrian driving theory test?
The Austrian theory test consists of 40 questions divided into two modules: Grundwissen (basic knowledge, 20 questions) and Zusatzwissen (category-specific knowledge, 20 questions). Each module has main questions with sub-questions. You must achieve at least 80% in each module to pass.

### How much does the Austrian driving license cost?
The total cost typically ranges from EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,500, including driving school fees (EUR 1,000-1,800), first aid course (EUR 50-80), medical examination (EUR 35-50), test fees (EUR 110-200), and mandatory post-license perfection drives (EUR 170-290). Prices vary by region.

### Can I take the Austrian driving test in English?
Yes, the theory test can be taken in German, English, Croatian, Slovenian, and sign language. The test is computer-based and conducted at your registered driving school.

### What is the L17 early driving program?
The L17 (Vorgezogene Lenkberechtigung) program allows candidates to begin driving at 17 instead of 18. It requires a special driving education program, a minimum of 3,000 km supervised practice with a licensed companion driver (7+ years experience), and additional documentation. L17 candidates have higher first-attempt pass rates (~95%).

### Do I need winter tires in Austria?
Winter tires (Winterreifen) are mandatory from November 1 to April 15 when winter road conditions exist (snow, ice, slush). The fine for driving without appropriate tires in winter conditions is up to EUR 5,000. M+S or snowflake-marked tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm are required.

### What is the Rettungsgasse?
The Rettungsgasse (emergency corridor) is a clear lane that must be formed immediately when traffic slows or stops on multi-lane roads, allowing emergency vehicles to pass. On two-lane roads, it is formed between the two lanes. On roads with three or more lanes, it is formed between the far-left lane and the adjacent lane. Failure to comply can result in fines up to EUR 2,180.

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## Contact Information

AutoviaTest - Austria Driving Test Preparation
Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/austria
Email: contact@autoviatest.com

Official Austrian Government Portal: https://www.oesterreich.gv.at
OEAMTC (Austrian automobile club): https://www.oeamtc.at
ASFINAG (motorway operator / vignettes): https://www.asfinag.at
Emergency Number: 112

This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check oesterreich.gv.at.