How to Obtain a Czech Driver’s License
To be eligible for a Czech driver’s license, you must meet several criteria. First, you need to be at least 18 years old and hold either permanent or temporary residency in the country. An essential part of the process includes obtaining a medical certificate from your doctor—this must be issued no more than three months before submitting your application.
The application itself requires personal identification documents, proof of residency, and the mentioned medical certificate. Once your paperwork is in order, you must enroll in a certified driving school, where you’ll attend both theoretical and practical lessons. The final step is to pass both the written and practical driving exams.
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Exchanging a Foreign Driver’s License
If you hold a valid driving license from a non-EU country and have been living in the Czech Republic for over a year (either permanently or temporarily), you’re required to exchange your license for a Czech one. This can be done at any municipal office with extended powers.
To complete the exchange, bring your valid foreign driving license along with a valid identity document. Additionally, there are certain situations when you’ll need to apply for a new license—such as if your current one is lost, stolen, damaged, expired, or if your personal details (like your name) change.
Rules of the Road
Speed Limits
Speed limits in the Czech Republic are strictly enforced, and police officers are authorized to issue on-the-spot fines for violations. These must be paid immediately.
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Outside towns/cities: 90 km/h (56 mph)
- Motorways: 130 km/h (81 mph)
Alcohol Policy and Driver Responsibility
The Czech Republic enforces a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving. If stopped by police, drivers must submit to a breath test. A positive result leads to a mandatory blood test to determine the exact blood alcohol content.
Safety Regulations
Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers. Children under 36 kg or shorter than 150 cm must travel in a proper child safety seat or booster appropriate to their size and weight.
The use of mobile phones while driving is only allowed with a hands-free system. Holding a phone while driving is strictly prohibited.
Important Road Rules
Certain rules in the Czech Republic may differ from what foreign drivers are used to:
- Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, throughout the year.
- No right turn on red unless indicated by a specific green arrow signal.
- Do not block intersections—enter only when you can fully clear the crossing.
- Always yield to public transport vehicles (buses, trams) merging back into traffic.
- Car horns are subject to local noise restrictions, especially in Prague:
- October–March: banned from 8 PM to 6 AM
- April–September: banned from 9 PM to 5 AM
In Case of an Accident
It is mandatory to call the police (dial 158 or 112) in the following situations:
- One or more vehicles have sustained damage making them unfit for safe driving (e.g., leaking fluids, broken lights).
- The total material damage exceeds CZK 100,000 (approx. €4,000).
- Anyone is injured or killed.
- Property owned by someone not involved in the accident—like a fence, parked car, or road infrastructure—is damaged.
If you’re ever unsure, calling 112 is the safest choice, as it connects you to the unified European emergency line, and the operator will direct your call to the correct service.
Keep the following emergency numbers in mind:
- Police: 158
- Firefighters: 150
- Ambulance: 155
- General Emergency (EU-wide): 112