Bus driving licence category D in Austria: minimum age, prior category B, first-aid training and access from age 21 under sections 6 and 20 FSG.
BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte
Law firm in Salzburg
Every matter is handled by a coordinated team of lawyers, legal staff and specialists. In driving licence cases we look at the file, deadlines and commercial consequences together.
In Austria, category D for buses generally requires the applicant to be 24. Granting from age 21 is possible where a statutory qualification route for passenger transport or one of the grounds listed in section 20(2)(3) and (4) FSG applies. The applicant must also hold category B and be appropriately trained in first aid.
Age is therefore only one part of the assessment. The relevant documents also cover category B, the specific qualification certificate, first-aid training and the theory and practical tests. This article addresses first access to category D and distinguishes it from category C, Code 95 in goods transport and later renewals.
Section 6(1)(10) FSG sets the general minimum age for categories D and DE at 24. The provision also refers to the exception in section 20(3) FSG. From age 21, category D or DE may be granted when one of the statutory qualification routes in that provision is fulfilled.
Section 20(3) FSG identifies two groups of routes. They include certain grounds from section 20(2)(3) and (4), such as successful completion of the professional-driver apprenticeship or driving certain vehicles for the armed forces, civil protection, the fire service or authorities responsible for public order. Section 20(3) also refers to a driver qualification certificate under section 14b(1) GelverkG or section 44b(1) KflG. The certificate must match the entitlement sought.
Age and the statutory route to the licence must be assessed together.
| Age | Legal basis | Additional review |
|---|---|---|
| From age 24 | Regular minimum age under section 6(1)(10) FSG | Category B, first aid, fitness, tests and granting decision |
| From age 21 | Exception under section 20(3) FSG with a suitable qualification certificate or special purpose | The exception must be proven and the scope of the entitlement must match it |
Category D may be granted from age 21 only within a statutory exception route.
Under section 20(1) FSG, category D or D1 may be granted only if the applicant holds a category B driving entitlement. Category B is therefore a separate access requirement. Starting a category D course does not replace that prior entitlement.
Where several categories are applied for at the same time, the applicant must pass the theory and practical test for the prerequisite category before admission to the practical test for the other category. For category D, review the status of category B and the test confirmations against the actual documents. A general training confirmation does not prove that sequence.
Section 20(3) FSG requires appropriate training in first aid for the granting of category D or DE. This requirement stands alongside the minimum age and the qualification route. A driver qualification certificate does not automatically replace first-aid training.
Keep the first-aid certificate separate from the category B record, age documents and professional qualification. The authority must be able to recognise the training as sufficient. If the document is unclear or was issued for another purpose, clarify its acceptance before planning the examination.
Access from age 21 requires a specific statutory basis. For the cases referred to in section 20(3) FSG, this may include a completed professional-driver apprenticeship, certain public or technical uses or a driver qualification certificate under the provisions named there.
An employment contract with a bus company, enrolment in a course or practical experience alone does not prove the exception route. Copy the exact designation, issue date and any restrictions from the qualification document. The article on extending a driving licence class explains the general application, testing and granting process.
The check organises age, exception route, category B and first-aid proof.
Already know you want to get in touch? Go straight to the enquiry form.
Organise the date of birth, qualification certificate and intended granting route. Without the regular route from age 24 or a suitable exception route from age 21, the basis for category D is missing.
Review the licence, authority records and test status. Category D may generally be granted only when category B is held.
Obtain the first-aid certificate and clarify whether the competent authority recognises it for category D.
Now review the exact qualification certificate, the theory and practical tests, medical fitness and the intended scope of the entitlement.
Arrange the documents by age, prior entitlement, qualification, first aid and tests. This shows whether category D is sought under the regular route or an exception and whether the documents fit together.
In driving licence law, deadlines and the file decide. Call us directly or send an email, callback within one business day.
Address
BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte GmbH Giselakai 51 5020 Salzburg
Phone
+43 662 6280000