Accompanied driving in Luxembourg: conditions, age, process and insurance

What is accompanied driving in Luxembourg?

Accompanied driving, also known as early driver training, is an official scheme that allows a person to gradually take the wheel on open roads, even before sitting the practical driving test. It takes place under the active supervision of an accompanying driver, usually a parent or relative who meets the requirements set by the Luxembourg authorities.

Accompanied driving forms part of the Luxembourg category B driving licence framework and is governed by national regulations.

At what age can you start accompanied driving in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, the minimum age for starting accompanied driving is 17. It is therefore different from the age required to drive alone, which remains 18. Unlike in some neighbouring countries, there is no standard Luxembourg scheme allowing learners to start at 14 or 15.

Another notable difference from the French model is that Luxembourg does not impose a minimum distance threshold to be covered (there is no requirement to complete 3,000 km). Accompanied driving continues until the candidate feels sufficiently ready and the test date has been scheduled. 

This therefore makes it a gradual process, to be adapted to each individual's pace, without any formal mileage requirement.

Key point: Accompanied driving starts at age 17 in Luxembourg. There is no imposed mileage quota: it is the learner's progress that determines the duration of the training period.

What are the prerequisites for registering for accompanied driving?

Before taking the wheel as part of accompanied driving, several administrative and training steps must be completed. Here are the conditions to be met:

• Obtain a learner's permit: this official document, issued by the competent Luxembourg authorities, is essential. It formally authorises the candidate to drive on public roads under supervision. The supporting documents to be provided vary depending on the applicant's profile (residents and non-residents), but generally include a valid identity document, proof of residence and the required administrative forms.
• Complete or be enrolled in the theory course: before starting to drive, the candidate must have completed or be in the process of completing theory training at an approved driving school in Luxembourg. Passing the theory test (highway code) is generally a prior step to obtaining the learner's permit.
• Carry the required documents: throughout the accompanied driving period, the learner driver must have their learner's permit, identity card or passport, as well as the vehicle documents (registration certificate, insurance certificate) with them at all times.
• Comply with requirements applying to the accompanying driver: the approved accompanying driver must also meet specific conditions laid down by Luxembourg regulations, particularly regarding how long they have held their licence. It is recommended that you check with your driving school to find out the exact requirements currently in force.
• The vehicle must clearly display a distinctive sign at the rear
  Document compliance is essential at all times during accompanied driving, both for legal reasons and to ensure proper insurance cover.

Insurance and accompanied driving in Luxembourg

Driving as part of accompanied driving has insurance implications. Here is what you absolutely need to check before starting lessons on open roads.

Motor third-party liability insurance is compulsory in Luxembourg for any motor vehicle in use. It must cover use of the vehicle, including when it is driven by a learner as part of accompanied driving.

It is essential to check that the vehicle insurance policy properly covers this learning use and to obtain an official certificate from the insurer. Some policies include a specific wording or clause for accompanied drivers. If in doubt, contact your insurer before the first journey.

As for additional cover, optional casco cover (accidental damage) and assistance cover may also apply depending on the terms of your policy. Here again, checking is essential.

Our practical advice

• Inform your insurer that the vehicle will be used as part of accompanied driving training.
• Check that the policy does indeed cover the learner driver, even if they are not the usual driver designated in the policy.
• There is no compulsory insurance product specifically dedicated to accompanied driving in Luxembourg, but a careful contractual check is essential.
• In the event of a claim during the learning period, the accompanying driver physically present in the vehicle shares part of the responsibility. Make sure that your policy takes this specific context into account.