Getting around by car

Even though bicycles are becoming more popular in Luxembourg, cars are still number one. Statistics tell us that the number of vehicles per inhabitant is particularly high in the Grand Duchy. 

However, given citizens' greater awareness of the environment and welfare, Luxembourgers still mainly travel by car. That being said, they use it less than before by opting for other modes of transport. It does not come as a surprise  as Luxembourg's public transport network   is optimal and keeps getting better.

Public authorities have also express their goal that by 2020, 25% of all daily journeys should be made by the public transportation system, 25% should be made on foot or by bike, and the remaining 50% made by car. 

Good examples are the promotion of cycling, the development of a national network of cycle paths, urban bicycle rental services, the introduction of more flexible communal bus services and car-sharing(carsharing)

By car

In Luxembourg, just as in any other country, driving is a pleasure and tantamount to freedom. Statistics put the Grand Duchy near the top of the list of countries for the number of cars in relation to the population, and there has been a constant increase in road traffic in recent years. In fact the number of cars in Luxembourg has reached 415,002 in 2019, compared to 403,115 in 2018, according to a KPMG study focusing on the automotive sector.

To drive a vehicle in the Grand Duchy, the following are compulsory:

  • possession of a driving licence appropriate to the class of vehicle used;
  • register the vehicle concerned;
  • be in possession of a roadworthiness certificate;
  • payment of  the motor vehicle tax;
  • possession of third-party liability insurance.

Driving licence

Anyone wishing to drive a vehicle must be in possession of a driving licence valid for the category of vehicle being used. The points system for driving licences was set up in the Grand Duchy in 2002.

To drive with a motor vehicle on the Grand Duchy's public roads, you imperatively need a driving licence that is valid for that category of vehicle. The Driving Licence Department of the  National Society of Automobile Traffic ( Société nationale de circulation automobile, SNCA) handles everything connected with driving licences, except for matters involving the points system, disputes, and medical issues. The latter are dealt with directly by  theDepartment of Transport

Obtaining a driving licence

To obtain a driving licence in the Grand Duchy, candidates must:

  • be at least 18 years old for vehicles in category B (17 years in the case of learning to drive under the  accompanied learning scheme). Minimum age requirements for driving motorised vehicles in other categoriesare indicated on  the website of the Department of Transport;
  • sign up with  a driving school  approved by the Minister responsible for Transport for at least 12 hours of theory lessons and 16 hours of practical lessons;
  • pass a  theoretical examination  organised by the SNCA;
  • pass a practical examination.

Details of the procedure for obtaining  a category B driving licence are set out on  the website of the Department of Transport.

Licences valid in Luxembourg

The points system for driving licences was set up in the Grand Duchy in 2002. The driving licence has 12 points and each time that its holder commits an offence, he loses some points. Once all the points have been lost, the licence is no longer valid.

If you arrive in Luxembourg and have a foreign driving licence, don't worry! The standard European driving licence was introduced in the Grand Duchy in January 2013. Licences issued by an European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) member state are recognised in Luxembourg. As a result, such holders do not need to exchange or get a re-transcription of their licence. However, if they wish to exchange it or get a re-transcription thereof, the following steps are required: 

  • If your licence was issued by an EU  or EEA member state, it is recommended that you have your licence registered so that the Luxembourg authorities can quickly issue you with a Luxembourgish licence if your own licence is lost or stolen.
  • If your licence was issued by a  country that is not in the EU, you are entitled to use your licence for a period of one year before having it transcribed, i.e. exchanged for a Luxembourgish licence.
  • It is recommended you replace your driving licence if it has been stolen, lost or damaged. The following steps are required:

www.copilote.lu: the national carpooling platform "CoPilote" was launched in May 2018

Carsharing: sharing a car without having it personally, an emerging and constantly growing trend.

Car-pooling: connected hitch-hiking

Are you a commuter looking for car-pooling opportunities in order to get to work?

Car-pooling is a collective means of transport that is growing in significance in our neighbouring countries. It is a trend that is developing slowly but surely on the roads of the Grand Duchy as well.

Car-pooling is highly valued by cross-border workers who are even more exposed to never-ending congestion when commuting. Connected hitch-hiking allows people to make savings (saving on fuel and parking) and limit their ecological impact, but can also be seen as a means of strengthening social ties while contributing to convivial times on the way.  

As the car-pooling trend is gaining ground, car-pooling websites are on the rise.  

You will find information on car-pooling opportunities in Luxembourg and its neighbouring countries here.

Car-pooling in the Grand Duchy

Car-pooling in Belgium

Car-pooling in France

 Car-pooling in Germany

Carsharing: ultimate flexibility

In the context of shared mobility,  carsharing  is a form of vehicle rental whereby users share cars without being car owners. They can rent the vehicle at any time they want and park it where they want after use.

Two carsharing services currently exist in  Luxembourg

  •  Carloh: service offered by the City of Luxembourg;
  •  Flex: CFL's alternative mobility.

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