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Q: On which side of the road do you drive in Austria?

On the right side. Austria follows right-hand traffic rules. All vehicles must drive on the right side of the road.

Q: At an unmarked intersection in Austria, who has the right of way?

The vehicle coming from the right. In Austria, at unmarked intersections the rule of priority from the right (Rechtsregel) applies. Vehicles approaching from the right have priority.

Q: What is the minimum age to obtain a regular driving license (Class B) in Austria?

18 years. The minimum age for a regular Class B driving license in Austria is 18 years. However, with the L17 program, supervised driving is possible from age 17.

Q: Are all passengers in a vehicle required to wear seatbelts in Austria?

Yes, all passengers must wear seatbelts. In Austria, all occupants of a vehicle must wear seatbelts, regardless of their seating position. This applies to front and rear seats.

Q: What does a steady red traffic light mean in Austria?

Stop and wait behind the stop line. A red traffic light means you must stop completely behind the stop line and wait until the light turns green.

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On which side of the road do you drive in Austria?

Austria

Driving Rules & Facts

1

Drive on the Right — Austria uses right-hand traffic. Overtake on the left only. On multi-lane roads, the right lane is for normal driving.

2

BAC Limit 0.5‰ — General limit 0.5‰ for all drivers. Novice drivers (Probezeit) and professional drivers limited to 0.1‰. BAC ≥0.8‰ triggers licence revocation and mandatory Nachschulung.

3

Motorway Vignette (Maut) — All vehicles under 3.5t must display a valid Vignette to use Austrian motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen). Available as digital Vignette or windscreen sticker. 10-day, 2-month, or annual options.

4

Winter Tyre Mandate — Winter tyres (or all-season M+S tyres) mandatory from November 1 to April 15 when road conditions require them (snow, ice, slush). Fine: up to €5,000 for non-compliance.

5

Rettungsgasse (Emergency Corridor) — On multi-lane roads and motorways during traffic jams, drivers must form a Rettungsgasse (rescue lane) between the left lane and the adjacent lane. Failure to form it: up to €2,180.

6

Pickerl (§57a Inspection) — All vehicles must pass the annual §57a technical inspection (Pickerl/Begutachtung). New cars: first inspection after 3 years, then after 2 years, then annually. Driving without a valid Pickerl is illegal.

How to Get Your Driving License in Austria

Everything you need to know about enrolling in a driving school and getting your B license in Austria.

Typical Cost

€1,500–€2,500

Total driving school cost including lessons and materials

Prices vary by school, location, and number of lessons needed.

Typical Lessons Needed

~18

50-minute lessons on average

Mandatory Theory Hours

32h

Required classroom or online theory instruction

Mandatory Practical Hours

18h

Required behind-the-wheel training with an instructor

License Requirements in Austria

Minimum Age18 years old

Theory Exam Fee€1,200–€2,000 (total driving school + test)

Car License CategoryB

Driving SideRight (drive on the right)

Learner/Provisional LicenseYes, required before driving

Accompanied DrivingYes, learner must be accompanied

Online Theory StudyYes, available online

Theory Test Languages

The BMIMI theory test is available in these languages:

GermanEnglishCroatianSlovenian

Tips for Choosing a Driving School in Austria

Compare prices from at least 3 schools before enrolling. The cheapest option is not always the best — check what is included in the package.
Ask schools about their pass rates. A higher pass rate often indicates better instruction quality.
If Austria's official language is not your first language, ask if the school offers instruction or materials in your language.

Source: Bundesministerium für Innovation, Mobilität und Infrastruktur · Last updated: 2026-03-15

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