Austria implements driving license reforms

Starting September 1, 2026, the 23rd amendment to the Austrian Driving License Act (FSG-Novelle) will introduce several regulatory changes aimed at reducing bureaucracy and adjusting testing timelines.

Professional drivers holding C or D class licenses who are 60 years of age or older will see their license validity extended from two years to five years. International driving permits issued under the Vienna Convention will also increase in validity from one year to three years, though permits under the Geneva and Paris conventions—used in countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan—will remain valid for only one year.

Regarding testing, individuals who fail a driving exam will be permitted to retake it after 12 days, a reduction from the previous 14-day waiting period. However, the penalty for cheating during a theoretical exam will increase, with a suspension period rising from nine to 18 months. Additionally, in cases of lost or stolen licenses, the temporary driving authorization provided by a police report will be extended from four weeks to eight weeks.