Getting your driving licence in Luxembourg is a key moment, towards greater independence. Whether you're a young adult wishing to get your first licence, a parent accompanying their child or an expat wishing to drive here legally, we have a comprehensive guide to help you understand the essential steps, the rules to obey and all about registering foreign licences.
Driving licences in Luxembourg: the basics
Driving licences in Luxembourg comply with European standards and are divided into several categories, the most common being:
Category B: To drive a car (up to 3.5 tonnes and up to 8 passengers maximum in addition to the driver);
Category AM: For mopeds up to 50 cm³;
Category A1, A2 and A: For motorcycles, according to their power.
The majority of new drivers first get their category B licence, which allows them to drive their first vehicle. You can start your trainings at the age of 17 and a half.
Young drivers: how to get your driving licence?
Plan your budget ahead: a driving licence could cost you between €1,200 and €2,000, not including insurance and vehicle registration.
Pay a visit to the doctor: To ensure that you are fit to drive, a medical examination by an approved doctor is mandatory. You will need a medical certificate that is less than 3 months old.
Sign up with a driving school: Choosing the right driving school is essential as it will guide you throughout your training. With our partner Drivelo.lu, you can easily compare the prices and services offered by Luxembourg’s approved driving schools, see reviews from other students and book your lessons online.
Take the theory course and pass the Highway Code test: Before being allowed to drive, you must first know the Highway Code. For categories A, A1, A2, AM, B and F, candidates must complete a minimum of 12 one-hour lessons. Driving schools offer courses and, once you’re ready, you must sit the theory test in one of the examination centres in Sandweiler, Esch-sur-Alzette or Fridhaff.
Follow the practical training in a dual-control car from the driving school: Once you have passed the theory test, you must complete a minimum of 16 hours' driving accompanied by an instructor. Some people will need more hours depending on their progress. Take the time you need to ensure you're ready to drive alone.
Take the practical test: When you are ready, the driving school will sign you up for the driving test. If you pass, you’ll get a provisional licence valid for 2 years max.
Your provisional licence and complementary lessons: Once you’ve received your provisional licence, you must take a compulsory one-day training course at the Colmar-Berg Learners Centre, within 24 months. This course costs around €250 including a number of driving exercises simulating possible dangerous situations. Once you've passed this stage, you will get your full licence.
Key step: taking out compulsory car insurance for your own car
Before you start driving on the road, you must take out car insurance covering at least compulsory third party liability. It is forbidden to drive without this type of insurance and you will not be able to register your car in Luxembourg. Don't forget about the young driver excess, which can lead to additional costs in the event of a claim.
At LALUX Assurances, young drivers registered on their vehicle's green card do not have to pay a young driver's excess, which helps avoid unexpected costs if involved in an accident. Plus, taking out insurance in your own name is a strategic choice: it allows you to accumulate years of good driving and benefit later on from discounts on your bonus-malus, thereby reducing the cost of insurance in the long term.
Read our article to find out all you need to know about car insurance in Luxembourg and think about contacting your LALUX agent to get the best protection to suit you.
For parents: how to guide your child through this stage?
As a parent or chaperone, you play a vital role in helping your child get their driving licence. Here are some tips to follow:
Help your child to choose a trustworthy driving school: find out about the rates of success and read reviews;
Encourage them to learn the Highway Code: consistency is key;
Be patient and kind: driving can be stressful for a young person;
Explain the importance of good car insurance: the right protection helps to avoid unexpected costs and to remain calm in the event of an accident;
Set a good example: be a responsible and respectful driver yourself
And why not try accompanied driving?
If your child is aged 17 or over, they can opt for accompanied driving after passing the theory test. It's a great way of getting more experience before the practical test. It's also a good option for you to support your child and help them gain confidence behind the wheel, while reducing the risk of them failing their driving test.
The steps to follow for accompanied driving:
Pass the theory test and apply for a learner's certificate from the SNCA, the National Society of Automobile Traffic, valid for 3 years
Take a minimum of 12 hours' driving lessons at a driving school
Choose a chaperone who must:
Be a member of the candidate's immediate family
Hold a category B driving licence for at least 6 years
Not ever have had a conviction for Highway Code offences or lost their licence in the past 3 years;
Have attended at least 2 of the candidate's practical lessons, taught by the driving instructor from the driving school.
Continue practical training by driving under the supervision of the chaperone who must be seated in the front of the vehicle. Driving is permitted only on Luxembourg territory and forbidden between 11 pm and 6 am. The vehicle used must belong to category B and have L plates (red background) stuck to the rear.
Before sitting the practical exam, you must take at least 4 extra lessons in the company of the driving instructor from the driving school.
Papers needed for accompanied driving
You must have several documents on board in case you are stopped by the public authorities:
A valid learner's certificate
The chaperone's driving licence
The vehicle registration documents
The special insurance certificate issued by the insurer, valid for the learning period. This can easily be obtained via the easyAPP or easyAPP Home.
Driving licences for expats: what do you need to know?
If you are an expat and already have a foreign driving licence, you should check whether you need to register it or exchange it for a Luxembourg licence.
Registering a European licence
If you're the holder of an EU or EEA licence, it will also be valid in Luxembourg.
However, you are advised to register it with the SNCA to make it easier to renew in the event of loss or theft.
Exchanging a licence from outside the EU/EEA
If your driving licence was issued in a country outside the European Union, you must exchange it within a period of one year after moving to Luxembourg.
Some nationalities must retake a theory and/or practical test.
To find out more about the steps to take, consult our guide for newcomers.