Multi-phase training – general information

Once you have obtained a licence for category A and/or category B, you must complete a second phase of training. After taking your test, you must complete a maximum of three modules within one year (category B) or 14 months (category A).

This applies to new drivers of all ages.

Caution

In general, these rules also apply to EU citizens in Austria.

Content of the second phase of training for the individual licence categories:

  • Second phase of training for category B
    • First on-road skill refinement session: 2 to 4 months after obtaining a licence, together with an instructor
    • Road safety training with a traffic psychology portion: 3 to 9 months after obtaining a licence
    • Second on-road skill refinement session: 6 to 12 months after obtaining a licence
  • Second phase of training for category B in combination with L17
    • Road safety training with a traffic psychology portion: 3 to 9 months after obtaining a licence
    • On-road skill refinement session: 6 to 12 months after obtaining a licence
  • Second phase of training for category A
    • Road safety training with a traffic psychology portion and hazard perception training: within 2 to 12 months after obtaining a licence
    • On-road skill refinement session: within 4 to 14 months after obtaining a licence
  • Second phase of training for categories A and B
    • The modules for both categories must be completed

On-road skill refinement sessions

During on-road skill refinement sessions as part of the multi-phase training for category B, including in combination with L17, a particular focus is placed on the driver’s observation skills, defensive accident prevention behaviour, and use of an environmentally conscious, economical driving style, as well as their social behaviour towards other road users.

The new licence holder will receive professional and objective feedback on their driving behaviour and skills. On-road skill refinement sessions last around 2 hours, and consist of a practical portion and a feedback session (50 minutes).

The second on-road skill refinement session focuses on environmentally conscious and economical driving behaviours:

  • Drive of at least 15 minutes, during which fuel consumption and trip duration are measured
  • Discussion of the main aspects of environmentally conscious and economical driving
  • Second drive, during which fuel consumption and trip duration are measured again
  • Comparison of the two trips
  • Analysis of the results of the two drives in terms of environmentally conscious driving and road safety

The on-road skill refinement sessions can be carried out at a driving school of your choice or, for categories A1, A2 and A, at ÖAMTC or ARBÖ. This can be done in your own vehicle.

Road safety training with traffic psychology portion

The road safety training focuses on risk management strategies (e.g. braking technique and swerving exercises).

Category B: the category B road safety training comprises a total of six sessions, and is divided into a theoretical part (one session) and a practical part (five sessions).

On the same day as the road safety training, new drivers will participate in a group discussion on traffic psychology, which will primarily focus on accident types and risks (e.g. ‘thrill-seeking’ tendencies among new drivers). This group discussion will take place over two 50-minute sessions.

Category A: for category A, the group discussion on traffic psychology lasts only 75 minutes instead of 100. However, licence holders will then have to participate in an extra hazard perception training session lasting 75 minutes.

The road safety training can be provided by → ÖAMTCGerman text, → ARBÖGerman text or a driving school (→ WKO)German text.

Caution

If the training phases are not completed by the relevant deadlines, licence holders may have their licence withdrawn. There are exceptions in certain cases (e.g. serious illness, pregnancy), where suitable evidence is provided to the driving licence authority. Detailed information about what happens if you miss a deadline can also be found at oesterreich.gv.at.

Further links 

Legal basis

Translated by the European Commission
Last update: 11 April 2024

Responsible for the content: Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology