Overview
In Austria the theory test is one step of getting a driving licence (Fuehrerschein). It cannot be taken on its own. The government portal oesterreich.gv.at states that the training is given in a driving school and that the law does not allow the theoretical or practical training to be done entirely without one. The licence requires a passed theoretical and a passed practical driving test.
Requirements
Reaching the minimum age for the class applied for.
A medical report (aerztliches Gutachten) showing fitness to drive. It must be no older than 18 months when the licence is granted.
Instruction in life-saving emergency measures, or a first aid course.
A passed theoretical and a passed practical driving test.
Training may begin at the earliest six months before the minimum age for the class. Exceptions are class AM, where it is two months, and L17, where it is 15.5 years.
How to apply
Apply through any driving school in Austria. The school enters the data into the licence register and gives you a record to check and sign, which replaces the application form.
Complete the driving school training (theory and practice).
Provide the medical report and the life-saving measures or first aid certificate.
Pass the theoretical and practical tests.
The authority responsible for the licensing procedure is the one covering the area where the chosen driving school is based.
Training paths
For car licences (class B) there are three ways to train:
Full training in a driving school.
Full driving school training combined with approved training drives (L17, a car licence at 17).
Minimum driving school training combined with approved practice drives with an accompanying person ("L"); this option does not apply to class A.
Minimum lessons
Lessons are 50 minutes each. Theory has a basic part of at least 20 lessons for all classes, plus a class-specific part.
| Class | Class-specific theory lessons |
|---|---|
| A | 6 |
| B | 12 |
| BE | 3 |
| C or C1 (added to B) | 10 |
| CE, C1E, DE or D1E | 6 |
| D or D1 (added to B) | 12 |
| F | 4 |
Practical training for class A is 14 lessons, with at least 10 on public roads. Class B practical training is split into 3 lessons of preliminary instruction, 3 of basic training, 6 of main training and 5 of perfection training.
After the test
After the practical test you receive a provisional licence, valid for a maximum of four weeks, together with a cost sheet. The card licence follows by post within a few days of payment. All new licences are on probation (Probefuehrerschein).
Costs
The medical examination costs 35 euros for classes A, A1, A2, B, BE and F, and 50 euros for classes C, C1, D, D1 and their trailer classes. Class D also needs a traffic psychology screening costing 130 euros. Driving school fees are set by each school.
Preparation tips
Attend the full class-specific theory lessons given by the driving school.
Ask the driving school which question set and format it uses for the theory test, as this is arranged through the school.
Note
The official pages used here describe the licensing process. They do not give the number of questions or the pass mark of the theory test, so ask your driving school or the licensing authority for those details.