Driving Licences in Austria in 2026: L17, Mopeds and Multi-Phase Training

If you or your child plans to obtain a driving licence in Austria, it is useful to understand the available routes in advance. This guide covers the AM moped licence, the B licence through the L17 programme and the mandatory multi-phase training after passing the test in 2026.

Where and how does the application start?

You must submit the driving licence application (Führerscheinantrag) through a driving school (Fahrschule), which you can choose freely anywhere in Austria. The authority responsible for the procedure is the one covering the area where the driving school is based. In Vienna, this is the Verkehrsamt of the Landespolizeidirektion Wien. An appointment is required for in-person services.

There are three training routes:

• full training at a driving school;
• full driving-school training combined with officially authorised accompanied practice (L17);
• minimum driving-school training combined with accompanied practice, known as “L”. This option does not apply to category A.

EU citizens are subject to the same rules. You must obtain your licence in the EU country where you have lived for at least 185 days during the last twelve months, or where you intend to live for that period.

For enrolment, you need an official photo ID. Proof of address registration (Meldezettel) makes the process easier, although it can also be requested from the central register (ZMR). A 35 × 45 mm photograph is required no later than the theory test, and you also need a medical certificate (ärztliches Gutachten).

AM moped licence from age 15

A moped is a motorised bicycle with a maximum engine capacity of 50 cm³ and a maximum design speed of 45 km/h. The AM category licence can be obtained through driving schools and motoring clubs.

Requirements

• you must have reached the age of 15;
• 6 lessons of theory, with lessons lasting 50 minutes, followed by a theory test;
• 6 lessons of practical training on a practice course, followed by 2 lessons on public roads;
• parental or guardian consent if you are under 16;
• a medical certificate from the age of 20.

There is no practical test and no first-aid course. The licence issue fee is 90 euros; ask the training provider about the cost of the course. The AM category also covers microcars and certain quadricycles. Existing moped licences (Mopedausweis) remain valid, but must be exchanged by 19 January 2033. The exchange fee is 73 euros.

Important: the alcohol limit for riding a moped under the age of 20 is 0.1 per mille.

L17: a category B licence from age 17

The L17 programme is available only for category B. Driving-school training can begin at 15.5 years of age, and the licence can be issued from the age of 17. Part of the training takes place with an accompanying driver, such as a parent, relative or friend, in a private car. The remaining training must be completed at a driving school.

Requirements for the practical test

• you must have reached the age of 17;
• all compulsory driving-school training must be completed;
• at least 3000 km of practice driving with an accompanying driver, recorded in a journey log (Fahrtenprotokoll);
• a valid medical certificate.

Practice driving is permitted only within Austria, but there are no route restrictions. The L17 licence is a probationary licence (Probeführerschein) for three years, and at least until the holder’s 21st birthday. Before the age of 18, according to information from the Austrian ministry, it is recognised outside Austria only in Germany, the United Kingdom and Denmark.

Tests and costs in 2026

The theory test is computer-based and is available in German, English, Croatian, Slovenian or sign language. No other language option is listed here. No more than 18 months may pass between the theory and practical tests; otherwise, the theory test expires.

• Theory test: 11 euros
• Practical test: 60 euros
• Licence issue fee for AM and B: 90 euros
• Category extension (Ausdehnung): 73 euros

If you take the test in an automatic car, your licence will be restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission. After passing the test, you receive a temporary licence that is valid for up to four weeks, only with photo ID and only in Austria. Once the fees have been paid, the card licence is posted within five to ten days.

Mandatory multi-phase training after the test

After obtaining a category B or A licence, a second training phase is compulsory, regardless of age.

Category B

• 1st advanced driving session (Perfektionsfahrt): in the 2nd–4th month after obtaining the licence;
• driving skills training plus the traffic-psychological component: in the 3rd–9th month;
• 2nd advanced driving session: in the 6th–12th month.

Category B after L17

• driving skills training plus the traffic-psychological component: in the 3rd–9th month;
• advanced driving session: in the 6th–12th month.

Category A

• training plus hazard-perception training: in the 2nd–12th month;
• advanced driving session: in the 4th–14th month.

An advanced driving session lasts approximately two hours. The second session focuses on environmentally friendly and economical driving. Training is offered by ÖAMTC, ARBÖ and certain driving schools. If you do not complete the modules on time, your licence may be withdrawn. An exception may be possible in cases such as serious illness or pregnancy if you provide evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Can you obtain a licence without a driving school?

No. The theory and practical training cannot be completed entirely without a driving school.

Do you need a separate moped licence if you have category B?

No. Category B, as well as A1, A2, A, BE, C, D, F and other categories, automatically includes category AM.

When can training begin?

Usually, training can begin no earlier than six months before the minimum age for the category. The exceptions are L17, which starts at 15.5 years, and the moped licence, for which training can begin two months before the 15th birthday.

Practical steps

1. Choose a Fahrschule in Austria and submit the Führerscheinantrag.
2. Prepare official photo ID, your Meldezettel if available, a 35 × 45 mm photograph and an ärztliches Gutachten.
3. Choose the appropriate route: AM, standard category B, L17 or another available category.
4. Complete the required theory and practical training and book the relevant tests.
5. Pay the applicable test and licence issue fees: 11 euros for the theory test, 60 euros for the practical test and 90 euros for the AM or B licence issue.
6. After passing category B or A, book every required module of the Mehrphasenausbildung within the stated time windows.

This information is based on sources available online and is not legal or professional advice. For individual guidance, contact the relevant authority, a driving school or another qualified professional.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at