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Commercial Driver’s License
- 1/30If driving a truck over 3,500 kg
Drivers must hold a Category C licence to operate goods vehicles over 3,500 kg, excluding buses.
When driving a truck with a trailer over 750 kg
Category CE allows operation of a Category C vehicle towing a trailer exceeding 750 kg, subject to additional training and testing.
If applying for Category C licence
Drivers must be at least 21, unless they are 18 and have completed the special Code 95 training under EU rules.
If applying for Category CE licence
Category CE applicants must first have a valid Category C licence and meet extra training requirements.
When aged 18 and applying for truck licence
Drivers aged 18 can hold a Category C/CE licence only if they complete the full or accelerated Code 95 programme.
If driving professionally in Austria
All professional truck drivers must complete Code 95 initial qualification as per EU Directive 2003/59/EC.
When completing Code 95 full course
The full initial qualification involves 280 hours of combined theory and practical training before testing.
If choosing accelerated Code 95 course
The accelerated initial qualification requires 140 hours of training before theory and practical exams.
When applying for a truck licence
Applicants must present a valid health and vision certificate during the licence process.
If renewing Category C or CE licence
Renewal requires proof of medical fitness through periodic health and vision examinations.
When driving commercially
The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) must be held by all commercial goods vehicle drivers.
If renewing CPC
Drivers must complete 35 hours of approved periodic training within each 5-year CPC renewal period.
When taking CPC training
Only government-approved centres can provide valid CPC courses and certifications.
If applying for Category C licence
Applicants must pass both large-vehicle theory and practical driving tests.
If applying for Category CE licence
Applicants must demonstrate skill in handling articulated or drawbar combinations in the CE practical test.
When licence is issued
Category C/CE licences are valid for 5 years and must be renewed with medical and CPC proof.
If licence is expiring
Drivers must submit renewal forms, updated medical certificates, and CPC training proof before expiry.
If licence expires
Operating without a valid licence after expiry is prohibited and subject to penalties.
When moving to Austria from non-EU country
Foreign drivers must exchange their non-EU licence for an Austrian one and meet all Code 95/CPC requirements.
If exchanging a non-EU licence
Depending on agreements, some foreign licences may need full or partial retesting.
If licence is lost or stolen
Drivers must report the loss, apply for a duplicate, and provide identification and proof of entitlement.
When applying for first truck licence
A standard passenger car licence is required before training for Category C.
If training for Category C
Only certified Austrian driving instructors can provide official truck licence training.
When taking practical test
The test assesses manoeuvring, safety checks, and real-traffic driving for large vehicles.
If taking CE practical test
Drivers must demonstrate safe coupling, uncoupling, and reversing with a trailer.
If CPC training is incomplete
Commercial driving is only legal if CPC is valid and up to date.
When medical fitness changes
Drivers must notify authorities if any health condition affects their ability to drive safely.
If failing medical exam
Loss of medical fitness can lead to suspension or revocation of the truck licence.
When training abroad
Training taken in other EU states must comply with Directive 2003/59/EC to be valid in Austria.
If caught driving without CPC
Driving a truck commercially without CPC can result in significant fines and enforcement action.