Candidates for a Category B driving licence may choose to be accompanied drivers, which is further training in addition to that provided by a driving school.

After passing the theory test and successfully completing the practical instruction (12 one-hour lessons) at a driving school, candidates continue their practical training by driving with a relative or close friend who, drawing on their personal experience, assists the candidate and gives them advice to help develop their sense of responsibility.

Who is concerned

All persons who:

• wish to pass their Category B drivers' license;
• reside in Luxembourg;
• are at least 17 years old.

There is no maximum age limit.

Prerequisites

Candidates must:

• fulfil the minimum age requirements;
• pass the medical examination declaring them fit to drive vehicles corresponding to Category B.

Accompanying drivers must:

• be the parents, first- or second-degree relatives or close friends of the candidate;
• have held a Category B licence for more than 6 years;
• not have been convicted of traffic offences or stripped of the right to drive in the last 3 years;
• attended at least 2 practical lessons taught by the driving instructor with the candidate.

How to proceed

Registration with an approved driving school

For candidates, the procedure for obtaining a driving licence starts with choosing an approved driving school in Luxembourg.

The driving school completes the application for a driving licence and indicates accompanied driver status on the application. After the candidate signs it, the driving school sends the application to the 'Driving Licence Office' of the National Society of Automotive Traffic (Société nationale de circulation automobile - SNCA), along with the following documents:

• a recent passport photograph taken from the front) in 45 × 35 mm format;
• a medical certificate from within the past 3 months, on an official form, issued by an authorised general practitioner and/or internist in Luxembourg, certifying that the candidate has the requisite physical and mental abilities;
• a tax stamp of EUR 30 attached by the driving school;
• a recent copy of the criminal record (police record extract), if the candidate is at least 18 at the time the application is filed (and a copy from the country of origin if the candidate has been resident in Luxembourg for less than 5 years);
• the signature of a guardian if the applicant is not yet 18 at the time of application and a copy of their identity document;
• a copy of a valid ID card/passport, to formally identify the applicant;
• the name and driving licence number of the accompanying driver;
• a special certificate from the insurer: stating that any damage caused in the event of an accident during accompanied driving is covered by compulsory civil liability insurance;
• the original version of the learner's certificate.

Theoretical learning and test

Candidates must have at least 12 one-hour theory lessons from a driving school.

The theoretical topics regarding the rules of the road are included in the Highway Code, published by Sécurité Routière a.s.b.l. (available at booksellers).

Theoretical learning is tested by a computerised test. It is necessary to make an appointment in order to take the theory test. Candidates must arrive with a valid identity document and their learner's certificate.

The theory test may:

• be taken in Luxembourgish, French, German, Portuguese or English at the SNCA sites in Sandweiler (Tuesdays), Esch-sur-Alzette (Thursdays) or Diekirch (Wednesdays);
• on request, be taken as an oral examination, accompanied by a sworn interpreter if necessary, to be held at Sandweiler, Esch-sur-Alzette or Diekirch.

Candidates who fail the theory test must repeat half of the mandatory theory hours before retaking the test. An application for readmission must be made (with payment of the EUR 30 tax stamp).

As regards theoretical learning and testing, a common core has been introduced for the first application for a licence. In case of extension to another category, only instruction and tests focusing on topics specific to that category are required.

Practical learning at driving school

After passing the theory test, candidates must also take practical lessons at a driving school, for at least 12 one-hour lessons, including 2 with the accompanying driver. Then they can continue their practical training while driving under the supervision of their accompanying driver. Before taking the practical test, however, candidates will have to take four driving lessons again accompanied by the driving instructor.

Candidates receive a learner's certificate as proof of the lessons they have taken. This certificate has a validity period of 3 years from the date it was issued. It may be issued 6 months before the candidate reaches the minimum driving age. Candidates must keep it in their possession while they are taking theoretical and practical lessons.

Accompanying drivers

Accompanying drivers must fulfil a number of conditions and are subject to several obligations.

Mandatory documents for accompanying drivers

Several documents must be submitted when applying to become an accompanying driver:

• for accompanying drivers with a Luxembourg driving licence:
  • a certificate for an insurance policy valid for the learning period with the names of the accompanying driver and the candidate;
  • a photocopy of a valid identity document;
  • a recent copy of the criminal record;
• for accompanying drivers with a foreign driving licence registered in Luxembourg:
  
  • a photocopy of a valid identity document;
  • a photocopy of the driving licence;
  • a certificate for an insurance policy valid for the learning period with the names of the accompanying driver and the candidate.

Requirements for accompanying drivers

Accompanying drivers must:

• be able to present the special certificate issued by the motor insurer, attesting to civil liability insurance;
• play an important educational role. They intuitively recognise certain dangerous situations that students are as yet unable to detect. Since awareness of real danger is undeveloped in learner drivers, it is this gap that the accompanying driver's know-how is supposed to fill, above all else;
• prepare a written report for the instructor. Submission of this report must be recorded on the learner's certificate.

Under certain conditions, accompanying drivers may be replaced.

Equipment conditions for vehicles used for accompanied driving

Vehicles used for accompanied driving must be cars that people with Category B driving licences can drive.

To let other road users know that a car is being driven by a candidate with accompanied driving status, a special sign showing a white letter 'L' on a red background, measuring 20 × 13 cm, must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Accompanied driving conditions

Candidates with accompanied driving status are subject to certain specific driving rules:

• they cannot drive outside the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg;
• they cannot drive between 23:00 and 06:00;
• they can drive only Category B cars;
• accompanying drivers must sit in the front of the vehicle.

Papers to be carried in the vehicle

If a vehicle is inspected by the public authorities, drivers must be able to present several documents:

• a duly validated learner's certificate;
• the accompanying driver's driving licence;
• the vehicle's registration papers;
• the special certificate issued by the insurer, valid for the learning period.

Practical test

After the additional learning from accompanied driving sessions – i.e. when candidates feel they are ready to take the practical test – they must take at least 4 additional lessons with the driving school instructor.

In addition, the accompanying driver prepares an evaluation report for the candidate, using a questionnaire prepared by the Department of Mobility and Transport of the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works. This report will be given to the instructor before the instructor dispenses the last mandatory lessons prior to the practical test.

Candidates who fail the practical test must take at least 5 additional practical lessons.

Mandatory participation in practical training

Upon passing the practical test, candidates shall be issued a Category B driver's license valid for a period of 24 months, which constitutes a training period. For that period, the holder receives a training record containing all of the offences committed by the learner driver.

During the training period, the holder is required to take part in a one-day training course at the Training Centre in Colmar-Berg. That training may be taken from the third month following the issuance of the driving licence. The certificate of participation for completing this course is required for the issuance of the final licence, which is valid for a period of 10 years. Although application for the final permit may be submitted at any time after the course in Colmar-Berg, the final licence is not issued until one month before the expiry date of the probationary licence.

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