Minimum age for a car driving licence by country
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
Minimum ages for driving a car on a category B licence, and any official scheme for supervised driving before that age. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 18 years | 17 years | From 17 with a named companion (30+) | Non-EU/EEA licence: German minimum age applies |
| Netherlands | 18 years | 17 years | From 17 with a coach (27+), NL only | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United Kingdom | 17 years | 17 years | 16 with enhanced PIP mobility; otherwise 17 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| France | 17 years | 15 years | From 15 with an accompanying person (AAC) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Spain | 18 years | ⚠ Not yet verified | None yet; EU scheme due 26 November 2028 | Non-EU/EEA permit: Spanish minimum age applies |
| Italy | 18 years | 17 years | From 17 with A1 licence and a named driver | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United States | — | — | — | — |
| Canada | — | — | — | — |
| Mexico | — | — | — | — |
| Ireland | 17 years | 17 years | ⚠ Not yet verified | EU/EEA licence: 17+ for category B |
| Australia | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Sweden | 18 years | 16 years | Practice from 16 with a learner permit; supervisor 24+ | Swedish age rules also apply to foreign licences |
| Austria | 18 years | 15½ (supervised training drives, L17) | L17: practical test at 17, training from 15½ | Non-EEA licence: holder must be 18 (A1: 16) |
| Denmark | 18 years | 17 years | From 17 with a companion (24+) at night, Denmark only | Visitors: licence valid as in issuing country |
| Norway | 18 years | 16 years | Practice from 16 after a course; supervisor 25+ | Norwegian age rules apply to non-EU/EEA licences |
Before you rely on it
This comparison covers national rules, and for the United States, Canada and Mexico also state or provincial rules where the topic is set regionally. Other regional or local rules can apply on top of them, and rules change. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details before you act.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.