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Driving a Car

In this section, you will find information about driving motor vehicles in the Czech Republic, driving licences, and vehicle registration.

 

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    Motor Vehicle Driving in the CR and Driving Licences

    To drive a motor vehicle in the CR, you need a driving licence, which serves as a proof of your entitlement to drive. A driving licence is issued after you have successfully completed driving school and passed the required examination. Some driving schools offer instruction in foreign languages; however, you should check the conditions with the individual driving school. If you take the examination in a language other than Czech, you will generally need to arrange an interpreter. To obtain a driving licence, you must, among other things, meet the requirement of having your habitual residence in the Czech Republic. Habitual residence means your permanent residence in the Czech Republic or the place where you spend at least 185 days of the calendar year due to personal or professional ties. Personal ties include, for example, family, a shared household, or ownership or rental of property.

    Driving licences are issued by the relevant municipal offices with extended powers. In Prague, this agenda is handled by the Register of Drivers of the Prague City Hall.

    When driving a motor vehicle in the Czech Republic, drivers are not required to carry their driving licence or vehicle registration certificate, as the relevant information is recorded in electronic registers. However, drivers are required to prove their identity when requested to do so by the police. When travelling abroad, we recommend carrying your driving licence and vehicle documents with you. Drivers over the age of 65 are required, during a road check, to present a valid medical fitness certificate for driving motor vehicles upon request. During a road check, the police may also check the technical condition of the vehicle and its compulsory equipment, in particular the warning triangle and first-aid kit.

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    The Czech Republic has a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol and other intoxicating substances when driving motor vehicles. The police are authorised to require drivers to undergo a breath test or an examination for the presence of other intoxicating substances.

     

    Driving licences issued in the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein

    If you have a driving licence issued in an EU country or Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein, you are entitled to drive a car in the Czech Republic. If you habitual residence is in the Czech Republic, you may, but do not have to exchange your driving licence for a Czech one.

    For detailed information, visit the official website of the European Union Your Europe.

     

    Driving licences from third countries (other than those stated above)

    If you have a driving licence issued in another country, you need to find out whether it meets the requirements of the relevant international conventions – the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. These conventions stipulate the essential elements of driving permits.

    If you come to the CR on the basis of a short-term or long-term visa or hold a permanent residence permit valid for up to 1 year, you may, but do not have to. exchange your driving licence for a Czech one, if your normal residence is in the CR.

     

    International Driving Licence

    Holders of the International Driving Licence are allowed to drive a car in the Czech Republic. International Driving Licences issued by foreign states under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic are usually valid for three years from the date of issue.

    International Driving Licences issued by foreign states under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic are usually valid for one year from the date of issue.

     

    If you are a member of the staff of a foreign diplomatic mission and hold a valid driving licence, you are also allowed to drive a car in the CR.

    Do you need to exchange your driving licence? See also Driving Licence Exchange.

    Useful links:

     

    7. October, 2026

     

    7. October, 2026