Provisional licenceAustria

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Austria. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


52. Provisional licence

A provisional licence allows a learner driver to practise driving on public roads before obtaining a full driving licence. The conditions vary between countries and may determine whether the learner must be accompanied by an approved supervisor, which vehicles may be driven, where and when driving is permitted and how long the licence remains valid. A provisional licence is normally subject to stricter rules than a full licence and is intended specifically for learning and gaining practical driving experience.

Provisional licence
Volkswagen Golf driving-school car. (St. Johann, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Usien • CC BY-SA
What is a provisional driving licence?

The meaning depends on the jurisdiction. In Great Britain and Flanders, a provisional licence can authorise learning under specified conditions. In the Australian Capital Territory, a provisional licence follows the learner stage and assessment. It is not a universal synonym for a learner licence.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

Can you drive alone with a provisional licence?

Check the jurisdiction, licence stage and its conditions. In Flanders, some provisional licences require a registered supervisor, while another option permits independent practice after approved training. In Great Britain, car learners must follow the supervision rules. Other countries may use provisional for a later licensing stage.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

How long is a provisional licence valid?

There is no universal validity period or renewal procedure. Check the issuing authority’s rules for the particular licence. For example, Flanders distinguishes 18-month and 36-month provisional learner licences; another jurisdiction may use provisional for a different stage altogether.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flanders, obtaining a category B driving licence; learner provisional licences

🔗 accesscanberra.act.gov.au • ACT Government, obtaining a provisional driver licence; post-learner stage

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, driving lessons and learning to drive; GB learner rules

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...