Monaco Driving Licence 2026
The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your driving licence in Monaco — the STC theory test, auto-école costs, speed limits, traffic fines, the 2025 road safety law, and what makes driving in the world's most densely populated principality unique.
0
Road deaths in Monaco (2024)
Down from 6 deaths in 2023 — Monaco Government
+101%
Rise in speeding offences (2023→2024)
Drove the 2025 road safety law (Law No. 1.582)
35/40
Theory test pass mark
Maximum 5 mistakes allowed — STC
Click any card to copy the stat with source attribution
Key Findings
40 multiple-choice questions on the highway code, around 30 minutes, with a maximum of 5 mistakes allowed to pass (35/40). A new test system launched on 1 October 2023 with clearer visuals and an eco-driving focus. Administered by the Service des Titres de Circulation.
Approximately €1,500–2,500 including auto-école lessons. Official 2026 STC fees: examination registration €117, practical skills test €117, licence issuance €23. Driving lessons run about €50 per hour and there is no minimum-hour requirement.
Zero road fatalities in 2024, down from 6 deaths in 2023. However, 304 people were involved in accidents and 192 were injured, and speeding offences rose 101% — prompting a major road safety reform.
0.05% (0.5 g/L) general limit, aligned with France. Professional bus and coach drivers face a stricter 0.02% limit. Under the 2025 law, drink- or drug-driving carries a prison term of 1 month to 2 years plus court-set fines.
Law No. 1.582, in force since 14 November 2025, makes repeat speeding over 50 km/h above the limit a criminal offence, raises drink-driving penalties, and creates a new offence of deliberately endangering others.
Monaco does not use a demerit-points system. Violations are punished by fines and, for serious offences, the courts — with licence revocation of up to 10 years and possible vehicle confiscation for repeat offenders.
Monaco Road Safety: 2023 vs 2024
According to the Monaco Government, 2023 was a particularly deadly year with 6 deaths in 3 accidents. In 2024 there were no road fatalities at all — but 304 people were still involved in accidents and 192 were injured, some severely. Drink-driving offences rose 14.66% and speeding offences rose 101% between 2023 and 2024. These trends are what prompted the Principality's 2025 road safety law.
Road fatalities by year
6
Deaths in 2023
3 fatal accidents — a record year
0
Deaths in 2024
304 people in accidents, 192 injured
Offence trends, 2023 → 2024
+101%
Speeding offences
+120%
Drink-driving combined with drug use
+14.66%
Drink-driving offences
Source: Monaco Government and Conseil National figures cited during the 2025 road safety law debate. Monaco's small scale means year-to-year fatality counts are highly variable.
Monaco Theory Test Format#
The theory test (examen théorique général) is administered by the Service des Titres de Circulation
The Monaco driving theory test, the ETG, is administered by the STC. The Monaco driving theory test (examen théorique général) for Category B consists of 40 multiple-choice questions on the highway code — covering road signs, priority rules, speed limits and eco-driving — to be completed in around 30 minutes. You may make a maximum of 5 mistakes, so the pass mark is 35 out of 40. Monaco has its own highway code, similar to the French Code de la route but distinct, which means a French theory pass is not accepted. A new test system launched on 1 October 2023 with clearer visuals. Once passed, the theory result is valid for 5 years, during which you may attempt the practical test.
Questions
40 MCQs
On the Monaco highway code
Duration
~30 Min
Multiple-choice format
Pass Mark
35/40
Maximum 5 mistakes allowed
Exam Registration
€117
STC fee, Category B (2026)
What the Theory Test Covers
- Regulatory, warning and informational signs
- Road markings and traffic signals
- Right of way and priority à droite
- Speed limits and zones 30
- Roundabouts and intersections
- Seat belts and passenger rules
- Child restraints and rear-seat rule
- Tunnel driving and headlight use
- Vehicle maintenance basics
- First aid and emergency procedures
- Overtaking and one-way streets
- Night and adverse-condition driving
- Eco-driving (added focus since 2023)
- Traffic law, fines and penalties
- Insurance and cross-border driving
How to Get Your Monaco Driving Licence#
From auto-école enrolment to your permis de conduire — the 6-step process
Confirm Eligibility
Be 18+ and resident in the Principality
You need Monégasque nationality or a resident's card. Cross-border commuters who do not live in Monaco take the French test instead.
Enrol at an Auto-École
Register with a licensed Monaco driving school
The auto-école files your application with the STC and schedules your tests. Lessons cost about €50/hour with no minimum-hour requirement.
Gather Your Documents
Prepare ID, photos and a medical certificate
Valid ID plus proof of address, two colour ID photos (35×45 mm, within 6 months), and a medical certificate from an STC-authorised Monaco doctor (issued within 3 months).
Pass the Theory Test
Sit the 40-question examen théorique général
40 multiple-choice questions, maximum 5 mistakes (35/40 to pass). May be taken up to 2 months before turning 18. The result is valid for 5 years.
Take Driving Lessons
Practise with your auto-école instructor
There is no mandatory lesson minimum — your instructor decides when you are ready. Lessons focus on Monaco's tunnels, ramps, one-way streets and dense traffic.
Pass the Practical Test
Drive on public roads with an STC inspector
The practical test lasts about 45 minutes and cannot be taken before age 18. Up to 5 attempts are allowed; after a 5th failure the theory must be retaken.
Monaco Driving Licence Fees#
Official 2026 STC fees published in the Journal Officiel — total typically €1,500–2,500 including auto-école
STC fees are fixed by the Journal Officiel (published 26 December 2025). The total cost is driven mainly by auto-école lessons, which are private and vary by the number of hours taken. Monaco has no minimum-hour requirement, unlike France's 20-hour minimum.
Перевірте свою готовність — тренуйтеся з реальними екзаменаційними питаннями
Спробувати безкоштовноLicence Categories & Minimum Age
AM — Mopeds and light quadricycles
Low-speed two- and four-wheelers
14
years
A1 — Light motorcycles up to 125cc / 11 kW
16
years
B1 — Heavy quadricycles (voiturettes)
16
years
A2 — Motorcycles up to 35 kW
18
years
B — Cars up to 3,500 kg
Register from 17; practical test and licence at 18
18
years
A — Motorcycles, unrestricted
Or 21 with two years' A2 experience
24
years
C — Trucks over 3,500 kg
With professional qualification
21
years
D — Buses and coaches
With professional qualification
24
years
Licence Validity
Valid until 70 with no medical contraindication, then medical renewal
New residents have one year to apply to convert a foreign licence
Require periodic medical checks for renewal
Time allowed to pass the practical test after the theory
Monaco Licensing — Key Points
- Monaco does NOT use a demerit-points system — violations are punished by fines and the courts
- There is NO probationary period for new drivers
- There is NO accompanied / assisted driving (conduite accompagnée) scheme
- You must be resident in the Principality to apply for a Monaco licence
- Enrolment in a licensed auto-école is mandatory — self-study is not permitted
- There is no minimum number of lessons; the instructor decides when you are ready
Speed Limits in Monaco#
Monaco is entirely urban — there are no motorways, so no high-speed roads
Monaco has no motorways or highways: the entire 77 km road network is urban, built across multiple levels with tunnels, viaducts and ramps. The general speed limit is 50 km/h, applied uniformly across the Principality unless a sign indicates otherwise. Residential areas and zones 30 are limited to 30 km/h. Some tunnel sections allow up to about 70 km/h where signed. Because the country can be crossed in minutes, speed enforcement is intense — average-speed cameras are being installed in all of Monaco's tunnels, and speeding offences rose 101% between 2023 and 2024.
| Road Type | Speed Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| General / urban roads | 50 km/h | Default limit across the Principality |
| Residential areas / zones 30 | 30 km/h | Near homes, schools and pedestrian areas |
| Tunnels | Up to 70 km/h | As posted; average-speed cameras being installed |
| Motorways | None | Monaco has no motorways or highways |
General / urban roads
50 km/hDefault limit across the Principality
Residential areas / zones 30
30 km/hNear homes, schools and pedestrian areas
Tunnels
Up to 70 km/hAs posted; average-speed cameras being installed
Motorways
NoneMonaco has no motorways or highways
Always follow posted signs. Monaco's dense, multi-level road network means limits can change quickly between tunnels, ramps and surface streets.
Traffic Fines & Penalties#
Penalties were sharply increased by the 2025 road safety law (Law No. 1.582)
Monaco does not use a demerit-points system: traffic violations are punished by fines and, for serious offences, by the courts. Speeding 30 km/h over the limit carries a €75 fine, reduced to €35 if paid immediately; 50 km/h over the limit carries €200, reduced to €100 if paid immediately. Under the 2025 road safety law (Law No. 1.582, voted unanimously on 6 November 2025 and in force since 14 November 2025), repeat speeding more than 50 km/h over the limit becomes a criminal offence, drink- or drug-driving carries 1 month to 2 years in prison, and a new offence of deliberately endangering others punishes dangerous behaviour even when no accident occurs. Repeat offenders can lose their licence for up to 10 years and have their vehicle confiscated.
| Violation | Penalty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 30 km/h over the limit | €75 | €35 if paid immediately |
| Speeding 50 km/h over the limit | €200 | €100 if paid immediately |
| Repeat speeding over 50 km/h above limit | Criminal offence | Prosecuted in court under Law No. 1.582 |
| Drink- or drug-driving | 1 month – 2 years prison | Plus court-set fines |
| Deliberately endangering others | Criminal offence | New offence — applies even with no accident |
| Dangerous conduct by professional drivers | Up to 3 years prison | Categories C, CE, D, DE — plus elevated fines |
| Repeat serious offences | Licence revoked up to 10 years | Vehicle confiscation possible |
| Handheld mobile phone while driving | Fine | Only hands-free devices are permitted |
Speeding 30 km/h over the limit
Speeding 50 km/h over the limit
Repeat speeding over 50 km/h above limit
Drink- or drug-driving
Deliberately endangering others
Dangerous conduct by professional drivers
Repeat serious offences
Handheld mobile phone while driving
Fines reflect Monaco's road code and the 2025 reform (Law No. 1.582). Courts set the exact fine for offences referred to them; immediate-payment discounts apply only to fixed on-the-spot speeding fines.
Know These Rules Before Your Theory Test
Traffic fines, speed limits and priority rules are heavily tested in the Monaco examen théorique général. Practise with real exam-style questions.
Start Practising for FreeImportant Driving Rules in Monaco
Drive on the Right
Monaco drives on the right. With narrow, multi-level streets and constant cross-border traffic to and from France, lane discipline matters.
Priorité à Droite
At unmarked intersections, the vehicle coming from the right has priority. This default rule applies throughout the Principality unless signs indicate otherwise.
BAC Limit 0.05%
The general blood-alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.5 g/L). Professional bus and coach drivers face a stricter 0.02% limit. Drink-driving can mean prison under the 2025 law.
Headlights in Tunnels
Headlights must be on at all times when driving through Monaco's many tunnels, even in daytime. Watch for sudden light changes at tunnel entrances and exits.
Children Under 10 in the Rear
Children under 10 must ride in the rear seat with appropriate child restraints. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants, front and rear.
No Handheld Phones
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Only hands-free devices are permitted, and enforcement is strict.
Mandatory Insurance
Third-party liability insurance is compulsory, and the certificate must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Required Equipment
A warning triangle and a reflective vest are compulsory in the vehicle, in line with the practice across France and the wider region.
No Points — Fines and Courts
Monaco has no demerit-points system. Violations bring fines and, for serious offences, court penalties including licence revocation of up to 10 years.
Common Road Hazards in Monaco
304 people were involved in accidents in 2024 — know these hazards before you drive
Tunnel Transitions
Monaco's many tunnels cause sudden changes between bright daylight and artificial light — eyes need time to adjust
Steep Gradients
The Principality is built on a hillside; expect sharp climbs, descents and tight hairpin turns
Dense Pedestrian Traffic
Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world — pedestrians are everywhere, at all times
One-Way Streets & Tight Turns
A compact, multi-level network of one-way streets and narrow corners demands constant attention
Scooters & Motorcycles
Two-wheelers weave through dense traffic and filter between lanes — check mirrors and blind spots constantly
Event & Race Congestion
The Monaco Grand Prix and other events close roads and reroute traffic; parking is scarce and expensive year-round
Emergency Numbers
All toll-free, available 24/7. {number} is the European emergency number and works from any mobile phone.
112
European Emergency
17
Police
18
Fire Brigade (Sapeurs-Pompiers)
15
Medical / Ambulance (SAMU)
Common Misconceptions About Driving in Monaco#
Myth: A French driving licence test pass counts in Monaco
Fact: Monaco has its own highway code, similar to the French Code de la route but distinct. A French theory pass is not accepted — you must sit Monaco's own examen théorique général through a Monaco auto-école.
Myth: Anyone who works in Monaco can get a Monaco licence
Fact: You must be resident in the Principality — with Monégasque nationality or a resident's card — to apply. Cross-border commuters who live in neighbouring France take the French driving test instead.
Myth: Monaco uses a points system like France
Fact: Monaco does not operate a demerit-points system. Traffic violations are punished by fines and, for serious offences, by the courts — including licence revocation of up to 10 years for repeat offenders.
Myth: You can learn to drive with a parent, as in accompanied driving
Fact: Monaco has no accompanied or assisted driving (conduite accompagnée) scheme. All training must be done through a licensed auto-école with a professional instructor.
Myth: Speeding is not really enforced in a country this small
Fact: Enforcement is intense. Average-speed cameras are being installed in all of Monaco's tunnels, and the 2025 road safety law makes repeat speeding over 50 km/h above the limit a criminal offence.
Myth: There is a minimum number of driving lessons before the test
Fact: Unlike France's 20-hour minimum, Monaco sets no minimum number of lessons. Your auto-école instructor decides when you are ready to sit the practical test.
Recent Changes to Monaco Driving Laws#
Key regulatory updates affecting drivers in the Principality
Updated STC fee schedule
New driving licence fees took effect for 2026, published in the Journal Officiel on 26 December 2025: €117 examination registration, €117 practical skills test, and €23 for licence issuance, renewal or duplicate.
Road safety law — Law No. 1.582
Tabled in April as Bill No. 1107 and voted unanimously by the National Council on 6 November 2025, then promulgated as Law No. 1.582 on 14 November 2025. It makes repeat extreme speeding a criminal offence, raises drink-driving penalties to 1 month–2 years in prison, and creates an offence of deliberately endangering others.
Tunnel average-speed cameras
Monaco announced average-speed cameras for all of its tunnels to curb excessive speed and acceleration in these critical sections, following a 101% rise in speeding offences.
Zero road fatalities
For the first time in recent years Monaco recorded no road deaths, a sharp improvement on the 6 deaths of 2023 — though 192 people were still injured in accidents.
New theory test system
From 1 October 2023 Monaco introduced a new theory test system with clearer visuals and a stronger focus on signalling, priority and eco-driving.
A record year for road deaths
2023 proved a particularly deadly year with 6 deaths in 3 accidents, galvanising public and political support for the road safety reform that followed.
How Monaco Compares#
Monaco's driving regulations compared with neighbouring and major European countries — data compiled from official sources
| Parameter | Monaco | France | Italy | Spain | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Limit | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Min. Age (Car) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Driving Side | Right | Right | Right | Right | Right |
| Top Road Speed | 50 km/h | 130 km/h | 130 km/h | 120 km/h | No limit |
| Test Questions | 40 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Licence Cost | €1,500–2,500 | ~€1,800 | ~€1,000 | ~€1,000 | €2,000–3,500 |
| Road Deaths/yr | 0 (2024) | ~3,200 | ~3,000 | ~1,800 | 2,770 |
Unique in Europe — Monaco has no motorways, so no road is faster than 50 km/h (up to ~70 in some tunnels).
Aligned with France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Professional bus/coach drivers in Monaco face a stricter 0.02% limit.
Same as France (40). Italy, Spain and Germany use 30. Monaco has its own highway code.
Mid-range — cheaper than Germany, dearer than Italy or Spain. No minimum-hour requirement keeps costs flexible.
Monaco's tiny scale makes counts volatile — 0 in 2024, 6 in 2023. Larger neighbours report thousands per year.
Road deaths: Monaco 0 (Monaco Government, 2024), France ~3,200, Italy ~3,000, Spain ~1,800, Germany 2,770 (Destatis, 2024). Licence costs are typical totals including driving school and vary widely by individual. Monaco and France both use 40-question theory tests.
Sources & Methodology
Primary Sources
- Service des Titres de Circulation — Driving Licence — Government of Monaco
- Tarifs STC 2026 — Journal Officiel de Monaco — Government of Monaco
- Driving licence exam procedures (Category B) — Service Public Particuliers, Monaco
- Law No. 1.582 — Road Safety Law (14 November 2025) — Conseil National de Monaco
- Emergency telephone numbers — Government of Monaco / Visit Monaco
- Road accident statistics 2023–2024 — Monaco Government (cited in the 2025 road safety law debate)
Verification Methodology
Every fact on this page has been cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. Our process:
- Primary data collected from official Monaco government portals and the Journal Officiel
- The 2025 road safety reform verified against Conseil National records and Monaco news reporting
- Test format and fees confirmed against the Service des Titres de Circulation
- 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 do I get a driving licence in Monaco?
What is the Monaco theory test format?
How much does a driving licence cost in Monaco?
What are the speed limits in Monaco?
What is the blood alcohol limit in Monaco?
What is Monaco's 2025 road safety law?
Does Monaco use a driving points system?
Can I use my French driving test pass in Monaco?
What is the minimum age to drive in Monaco?
How long is a Monaco driving licence valid?
Do I have to use a driving school in Monaco?
What are the emergency numbers in Monaco?
What is it like to drive in Monaco?
Is car insurance mandatory in Monaco?
Can children sit in the front seat in Monaco?
Cite This Page
Use the following citations when referencing this article in academic papers, journalism, or reports.
APA 7th Edition
MLA 9th Edition
Chicago 17th Edition
Ready to Pass Your Monaco Theory Test?
Practise with official-style examen théorique général questions, detailed explanations, and an AI driving coach. Available in 30+ languages.
More Country Driving Guides
French Driving Licence 2026 — The Complete Guide
Code de la route, auto-école costs, speed limits, traffic fines, and the permis à points system.
Italian Driving Licence 2026 — The Complete Guide
Motorizzazione quiz patente, autoscuola costs, ZTL zones, speed limits, and the patente a punti system.
Luxembourg Driving Licence 2026 — The Complete Guide
SNCA theory test, auto-école costs, Code de la Route fines, speed limits, and the 12-point system.
German Driving Licence 2026 — The Complete Guide
TÜV/DEKRA test format, Fahrschule costs, Autobahn rules, speed limits, and the Flensburg points system.
Spanish Driving Licence 2026 — The Complete Guide
DGT test format, autoescuela costs, speed limits, traffic fines, and the points system.
India Driving Licence Facts & RTO Guide
RTO test format, fees, speed limits, traffic fines, and state-wise information for driving in India.
Pawan Priyadarshi
Founder & Chief Engineer
Data sourced from the Service des Titres de Circulation, the Journal Officiel de Monaco, the Conseil National, and official Monaco government sources. Cross-referenced with multiple authoritative sources for accuracy.
Press Inquiries & Corrections
Journalists, researchers, and educators are welcome to cite this page. If you spot an error, please let us know so we can correct it immediately.