Getting a driving license is still a necessity for many people. Here’s everything you need to know about the process of getting a category B (cars) license in Luxembourg.

Approaching your 18th birthday often brings up new responsibilities – and for many, getting a driving licence is one of the most significant. Whether you're preparing early, considering accompanied driving, or deciding to pursue a licence later in life (there's no deadline - everyone moves at their own pace), the process in Luxembourg is structured, clear, and very achievable once you know the steps.

This guide brings together everything you need to know about obtaining a Category B driving licence, from paperwork and costs to exams and safety training. Licence categories and age requirements Luxembourg offers two main options for those looking to drive a standard car:

  • Accompanied Driving (Category B): Available from age 17. This option allows learner drivers to practise with an adult after completing part of their training.

  • Standard Category B Licence: Available from age 17.5 to start theory lessons. The practical exam can only be taken from age 18.

Some learners choose to begin with accompanied driving, while others prefer to wait and go through the full process once they turn 18. Both are valid paths, and the choice depends on the individual's circumstances.

Driving schools and how to enrol

To begin, a learner must register with an approved driving school. All licences are issued through certified schools, and the full list is available via the SNCA website. Learners can switch schools at any time if their initial choice doesn't meet expectations.

Before starting lessons, a set of documents must be gathered and submitted through the school to the National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA):

  • A copy of a valid ID or passport

  • A medical certificate confirming the learner is fit to drive (issued by a general practitioner)

  • A recent passport photograph

  • A criminal record extract (Luxembourg and, if applicable, the country of origin)

  • A €30 tax stamp (provided by the school)

  • If under 18, a copy of a parent or guardian's ID and signed consent

  • A learner's certificate (issued by the school)

Once submitted, the learner can begin with theory lessons.

Theory lessons and exam

All applicants must complete 12 one-hour theory lessons, which cover road signs, traffic rules, and best practices for safe driving in Luxembourg. These courses are offered in several languages depending on the school - typically including English, French, German, Portuguese, and Luxembourgish.

Course content is based on the Code de la Route, Luxembourg's Highway Code. The book is available in bookshops and can be useful when preparing for the exam, even if it's second-hand.

After completing the lessons, learners may register for the digital theory exam, which is held at SNCA centres in Sandweiler, Diekirch, and Esch-sur-Alzette. Registration can be done via phone, email, or MyGuichet.lu.

Results are issued immediately. In case of failure, the learner must retake the full theory course and pay a re-entry fee. If you do not pass on your first attempt, please also consider the potential cost of additional lessons.

Practical lessons and optional accompanied driving

Following the theory exam, learners must complete a minimum of 16 one-hour practical driving lessons. More lessons may be required depending on the individual's progress and instructor feedback.

An optional accompanied driving programme is available from age 17 for those who wish to gain additional experience alongside formal instruction. To be eligible, a learner must have passed the theory exam and completed at least 12 practical lessons.

To qualify as an accompanying driver, the individual must:

  • Have held a valid licence for at least six years

  • Have no serious traffic offences in the past three years

  • Be a parent, guardian, or close relative/friend

  • Attend two of the learner's lessons with the school

Additional documents are required for accompanied driving:

  • The accompanying driver's name and licence number

  • Their ID and criminal record extract

  • A certificate from the learner's insurer covering civil liability

  • Proof of the relationship, if applicable

While driving with an accompanying person, certain rules apply: only vehicles displaying a red L sign in the rear window may be used; driving is only permitted between 6am and 11pm, and only within Luxembourg. Before taking the practical exam, learners must complete at least four more lessons after accompanied driving.

Without accompanied driving, learners can proceed to the practical exam once the minimum 16 lessons are complete.

Practical exam

The practical exam lasts about 30 minutes and must be booked by the driving school. Learners should follow up if the school does not initiate the process. The exam takes place on public roads and is monitored by an examiner from the SNCA.

If the learner fails, they must complete at least eight additional lessons before retaking the exam. There is no upper limit on the number of attempts.

Cost breakdown

The cost of obtaining a Category B driving licence varies by school and personal progress, but an approximate breakdown is as follows:

  • Registration: €90

  • Chancellery stamp: €30

  • Theory lessons (12 hours): €230

  • Practical lessons (16 hours minimum): €1,280

  • Practical exam: €120

Estimated total: ~€1,750

Additional lessons or retakes will increase the overall cost.

After passing: Provisional licence and safety training

Upon passing the practical exam, the learner receives a provisional licence valid for two years. It looks identical to a standard licence but is part of a mandatory trial period. A green training booklet is also issued, which must be kept in the car and can be used to record any traffic offences.

During this two-year period, drivers must attend a one-day mandatory safety training course at the driving centre in Colmar-Berg. The course includes practice in hazardous conditions (such as wet roads and emergency manoeuvres) and aims to reinforce good driving habits.

This training must be completed before the provisional licence expires. Once it is done and no major offences have occurred during the trial period, the driver is issued a full licence valid for 10 years.

Final notes

Whether you're preparing months in advance or pursuing your licence later in life, the process is open, structured, and tailored to different needs and stages. Accompanied driving offers extra support for early learners, while the trial period and safety training ensure that all drivers on Luxembourg's roads meet high standards of safety and responsibility.

For more detailed information and official updates, visit here.