If you're considering driving in Luxembourg and wondering about the requirements for your license or taking a local driving test, this article provides all the information you need for driving in the Grand Duchy.
Driving tests in Luxembourg
The Service des permis de conduire, part of the Société nationale de circulation automobile (SNCA), oversees all matters related to driving licenses in Luxembourg. The minimum age for obtaining a driving license varies based on the vehicle category. To obtain a license, applicants must enroll in a Ministry of Transport-approved driving school, where they'll complete at least 12 hours of theoretical lessons and 16 hours of practical training. The theory test, conducted by the SNCT, is mandatory and is followed by the practical test, which can be taken after completing at least 16 hours of driving lessons.
For a category B driving license, it is possible to opt for accompanied driving. This option allows individuals aged at least 17 to complete their theoretical and practical training by driving under the supervision of a relative who already holds a driving license.
Driver's license exchange in Luxembourg
If you already possess a driver's license from a European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) country, it's advisable to register it for free with the Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile (SNCA). To do this, you must complete a driver's license application form, available on the SNCA's Driver's License Department on the Sandweiler website. The required documents for submission are listed on the application form. The entire process is explained in detail on Guichet.lu.
However, if your driving license was issued by a country outside the European Union or European Economic Area, you can use it for maximum one year before needing to have it transcribed. Transcribing your driving license involves exchanging it for a Luxembourg license, and the process is the same as registering a European driving license, the difference being that the registration requires a fee of €30.
Lost or stolen driver's license in Luxembourg
If you misplace your driver's license, it's stolen, or it gets damaged, you are not allowed to drive. To get a replacement, you must complete a driver's license application form as soon as possible, which can be submitted at any SNCA office. They will provide you with a declaration of loss immediately, and your new license will be sent to you by mail within a few days. Please note that the declaration of loss does not serve as a provisional permit.
In the event of loss or theft of your driving license, it is strongly recommended to report it promptly to the police. This can be done either by going directly to a police station or by submitting the “PGD : Declaration of loss” or "PGD : Declaration of theft" form on MyGuichet.
Obtaining an International Driving License in Luxembourg
Some countries around the world do not recognize European driving licenses. If you are traveling outside Europe, it may therefore be necessary to have an international driving license. Luxembourg residents can obtain one by visiting the Automobile Club Luxembourg (ACL). It is issued on the spot without delay and costs €16 for ACL members and €30 for non-members. The international driving license is then valid for 3 years (1 year for Japan). It must always be accompanied by the driver's category B license to be valid.
Vehicle registration in Luxembourg
You cannot operate self-propelled vehicles and trailers on the road without license plates, and all vehicles must pass a technical inspection. The SNCT is responsible for assigning registration numbers. When moving a vehicle across borders, the owner of the imported vehicle has a six-month window to complete the registration procedures with the SNCT.
You can also apply for a personalized registration number by using a form available on the SNCA website. This document must be accompanied by a copy of an identity document and sent to SNCA by post, fax, or email.
Obtaining a personalized registration number comes with a “droit de chancellerie” fee. For the initial allocation, the applicant needs to pay 50 euros, and for transferring a number from a vehicle they own to another vehicle registered in their name, the fee is 24 euros. A personalized license plate must meet certain criteria (a specific number of letters and digits) and is therefore not completely unrestricted.
Technical inspection in Luxembourg
Every vehicle registered in Luxembourg must undergo a technical inspection supervised by the SNCT. This inspection is mandatory when purchasing a new or used vehicle, whether within Luxembourg or abroad before it can be driven in Luxembourg. Additionally, regular roadworthiness tests are required when the current roadworthiness certificate expires. You can have your vehicle examined for this periodic technical inspection at least eight weeks before your current certificate expires.
For a periodic inspection, you must provide the following documents: a registration card or Part I or II registration certificate, the old inspection certificate or European inspection certificate for vehicles registered after January 1, 1998, an insurance certificate, and a valid tax sticker.
You can schedule an appointment for a technical inspection at one of the SNCT's centers online through the “Book an appointment” section of the SNCT website. Alternatively, call (352) 35 72 14-222 or take your vehicle to an SNCT-approved garage.
If your vehicle is found to be not roadworthy, you are required to make the necessary repairs. During this time, a temporary certificate, valid for 21 days, is provided. This allows the vehicle to be driven from your home to a garage or the roadworthiness testing agency. After the repairs are completed, the vehicle must be returned to the inspection center for a follow-up inspection before the provisional inspection certificate expires.
Mandatory civil liability insurance in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, every vehicle owner is responsible for any material damage, physical injuries, or fatalities resulting from their vehicle's operation. It's a legal requirement for all drivers to have third-party liability insurance with an authorized insurance company. This insurance specifically covers damages inflicted on third parties. Additional coverage, such as passenger, driver, comprehensive, and legal expenses insurance, is not mandatory but is highly recommended.
Tax on motor vehicles in Luxembourg
Vehicle tax in Luxembourg is administered by the Customs and Excise Administration. This authority is responsible for informing vehicle owners about the tax amount they need to pay. The tax must be settled before the vehicle is driven on the road and is represented by a tax sticker known as “vignette fiscale”. This sticker should be kept inside the vehicle and ready to be shown during a traffic check. This vignette must be renewed every year, and its price varies based on different criteria. It starts at a minimum of €30 per year for electric vehicles, and the tax amount can be calculated on the ACL website.
Useful links:
Department of Transport – Driving license categories and minimum age
Guichet.lu – Registering a foreign driving license
Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile - SNCA
Application form for a driving license
Application for a personalized registration number
Société Nationale de Contrôle Technique - SNCT
SNCT – Garagistes agréés pour le contrôle technique
Road Safety Luxembourg
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