Do you need an International Driving Permit in Austria?

Yes. Austria is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1968 Vienna Convention
Permit valid up to
3 years
In force since
11 August 1981

Austria and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionRatified11 August 19813 years
1949 Geneva ConventionRatified2 November 19551 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Austria

Austria applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The German page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The German page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Austria would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Austria

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • German
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. Austria appears on it.

What the road rules say in Austria

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted in Austria.

Minimum driving age
18 years
Blood alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency services
police 133, fire 122

Common questions about driving in Austria

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Austria?
Up to 3 years. Austria joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 11 August 1981 by ratification, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Austria on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Austria if you are aged 18 or over." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Austria's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Austria?
Reach police on 133, fire on 122. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Austria. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
What is the drink-drive limit in Austria?
0.05% blood alcohol. That is lower than many drivers expect, and a single drink can put you over it.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Austria?
No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.