2017 Driving Licence in Lithuania – Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning to hit the road in Lithuania, the first legal hurdle is getting a Lithuanian driving licence. 2017 was a pivotal year – the country fully implemented the EU’s Directive 2006/126 (the “New Driving Licence” directive), which brought a modern plastic card, updated categories, and stricter testing standards. In this guide you’ll find a step‑by‑step walkthrough of the whole process, a handy breakdown of licence categories, and all the fees you’ll have to pay.
Why 2017 matters – The 2017 rollout meant that every new licence issued after 1 January 2017 complied with the EU‑wide format, making it easier to drive across Europe and simplifying the renewal process. If you applied before the change you may still hold an older paper licence, but you’ll eventually need to exchange it for the new card.
Below you’ll discover exactly what you have to do, what you’ll need to bring, and how long each step typically takes. All the information is written in the second person so you can picture yourself at every stage of the journey.
1. Who Can Apply?
| Eligibility Criterion | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 18 years for a Category B (car) licence. You can start learning at 16 years for a Category A1 motorcycle licence. |
| Residency | You must be a legal resident of Lithuania (registered at a gyvenamosios vietos address) for at least 6 months before applying. |
| Health | A medical‑fitness certificate from a recognised state‑approved doctor is mandatory. Certain visual or neurological conditions may disqualify you. |
| Criminal Record | No recent convictions for traffic‑related offences (usually within the past 3 years). |
| Previous Licences | If you hold a licence from another EU country, you can exchange it without taking theory or practical tests. Non‑EU licences require a full conversion. |
If you tick all the boxes above, you’re ready to move on to the next stage.
2. The Road‑to‑Licence Process – Step by Step
Below is a concise roadmap that you can print out and stick on your fridge.
| Step | Action | Time Required | Key Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Medical Examination | Book an appointment with a VŠ (State Health Service) doctor. | 1 day (appointment) | ID, passport‑size photo, completed health questionnaire |
| 2. Register at a Driving School | Choose a licensed school; most offer bundled theory‑plus‑practical packages. | 1‑2 weeks (school enrollment) | Proof of residence, health certificate |
| 3. Theory Course & Test | Attend 30 hours of classroom (or online) lessons, then take the computer‑based theory exam. | 4‑6 weeks (incl. test scheduling) | Theory‑test confirmation, school receipt |
| 4. Practical Training | Complete at least 20 hours of behind‑the‑wheel instruction (minimum 7 hours for Category B). | 2‑4 weeks (depends on availability) | Training logbook |
| 5. Practical Test | Pass the on‑road driving examination. | 1‑2 weeks (waiting list) | Test appointment, valid ID |
| 6. Pay Fees & Receive Card | Submit payment receipt at the Civil Service Department (VŠĮ „Vairuotojo pažymėjimų centras“) and pick up your plastic licence. | 1‑3 days (card production) | Fee receipt, photo, completed application form |
Tips for Moving Quickly
- Book the medical exam early – the state clinics often have a 2‑week waiting list.
- Choose a school with high pass‑rate statistics – they usually schedule theory tests within a week of course completion.
- Practice the theory app – the official e‑Test simulator mirrors the exact question pool.
- Bring a calm mindset to the practical test – examiners favour safe, predictable driving over speed.
3. Licence Categories – What You Can Drive
Lithuania follows the EU classification system. Below is a quick reference so you can decide which category suits your needs.
| Category | Vehicle Type | Minimum Age | Key Restrictions (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds ≤ 50 cc, max 45 km/h | 15 | No passenger transport |
| A1 | Light motorcycles ≤ 125 cc, ≤ 11 kW | 16 | Power limit 11 kW, ratio ≤ 0.1 kW/kg |
| A2 | Mid‑size motorcycles ≤ 35 kW | 18 | Power ≤ 35 kW, reduction of 0.2 kW/kg |
| A | Any motorcycle | 20 (or 24 if no A2) | Full power, no restrictions |
| B | Cars ≤ 3 500 kg, ≤ 9 seats | 18 | Trailer ≤ 750 kg or combined ≤ 4 250 kg |
| BE | B‑category car + trailer > 750 kg | 18 | Combined weight ≤ 7 000 kg |
| C1 | Light trucks 3 500‑7 500 kg | 21 | No passenger restrictions |
| C | Trucks > 7 500 kg | 21 | Requires C1 first if under 21 |
| D1 | Minibuses up to 16 seats | 21 | Must have held B for ≥ 2 years |
| D | Buses > 16 seats | 24 (or 21 with professional driver licence) | Full passenger transport |
Pro tip: If you already hold a Category B licence, you can add B1 (quadricycles) or BE (car‑plus‑trailer) on the same plastic card for a modest additional fee.
4. Fees – How Much Will It Cost?
All fees listed below are 2017 rates (prices are still a good benchmark for 2025, though a modest inflation adjustment may apply).
| Service | Fee (EUR) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|
| Medical fitness certificate | 12,00 | Applicant |
| Theory course (30 h) | 180,00 | Driving school (included in package) |
| Theory test (computer‑based) | 22,00 | Applicant |
| Practical training (minimum 20 h) | 250,00‑350,00 | Driving school |
| Practical test (road) | 30,00 | Applicant |
| Licence card issuance (new or renewal) | 45,00 | Applicant |
| Additional categories (e.g., BE) | 20,00‑30,00 per add‑on | Applicant |
| Total (average for Category B) | ≈ 639 EUR | — |
Note: If you already hold a non‑EU licence and need a full conversion, an extra 35 EUR is charged for the document translation and verification.
5. Common Pitfalls – What to Avoid
- Skipping the medical exam – the licence is automatically void if the certificate is older than 6 months at the time of application.
- Using an outdated photo – the EU licence card requires a strictly neutral background and a frontal, non‑smiling portrait.
- Procrastinating on theory study – the question pool was refreshed in 2017; many older practice books are now obsolete.
- Driving without an accompanying instructor after the first 10 hours – the law demands at least 10 hours of supervised driving before the practical test.
Avoid these mistakes and you’ll keep the process smooth and stress‑free.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a Lithuanian ID to apply? | Yes. You must present a personal ID card (or passport if you are a foreign resident) and proof of address (e.g., utility bill). |
| Can I take the theory test in English? | The computer‑based test is available in Lithuanian, Russian, English, Polish and Latvian. Choose English when you book the slot. |
| How long is the licence valid? | For most categories the card is valid for 10 years (until age 70). After 70, the licence is renewed every 5 years with a new medical check. |
| What if I fail the practical test? | You can retake it after a minimum 7‑day waiting period. The fee is the same (30 EUR). Most schools offer a “re‑test” package with extra instructor time. |
| Is there a “quick licence” for tourists? | No. Lithuania does not issue temporary licences. Visitors must use an international driving permit together with a valid home‑country licence. |
| Do I need a separate licence for a scooter (50 cc)? | Yes. A scooter up to 50 cc falls under Category AM; you must pass the AM theory test, but the practical test is a short on‑road assessment. |
| Can I exchange a 2015 paper licence for the new card? | Absolutely. Bring the old licence, a recent photo, and a 12 EUR exchange fee to the Vairuotojo pažymėjimų centras. |
| Are there any discounts for students? | Some driving schools offer a 10 % student discount on the full package; check the school’s website before enrolling. |
7. Quick‑Reference Checklist
- [ ] Verify age and residency requirements.
- [ ] Schedule a medical exam (keep the certificate ≤ 6 months old).
- [ ] Choose a licensed driving school (compare fees & pass‑rate).
- [ ] Attend 30 h theory and pass the computer‑based test (English option available).
- [ ] Complete minimum 20 h practical training (logbook signed).
- [ ] Book and pass the on‑road practical test.
- [ ] Pay all fees and submit the photo, ID, and application form at the licence centre.
- [ ] Collect your plastic EU licence card (usually within 3 days).
8. Final Thoughts – Why the 2017 Changes Matter for You
The 2017 overhaul aligned Lithuania with the rest of the EU, giving you a licence that is recognised across 30+ European countries with a single, sturdy card. The tighter medical standards and updated testing procedures also mean that every driver on Lithuanian roads is better prepared, which translates into safer journeys for you and your passengers.
By following the roadmap above, you’ll avoid common delays, keep your wallet happy, and be behind the wheel legally in no time. Whether you’re heading to Kaunas for a weekend road trip, commuting daily in Vilnius, or planning cross‑border adventures, a 2017‑compliant Lithuanian driving licence is your passport to the open road.
Good luck, drive safely, and enjoy the freedom that comes with a proper licence!