Published: November 29 2023
Many Austrians are crossing the Hungarian-Austrian border in search of affordable driving lessons in Sopron, Hungary. With a large number of driving schools and German-speaking instructors, Sopron has become a hotspot for "driving tourism" from Austria. However, is it really worth it to travel all the way to Hungary for driving lessons? Let's explore the details.
"Driving tourism" in Sopron
Sopron, a town close to the Hungarian-Austrian border, has seen an influx of Austrians coming to its driving schools for cheaper driving lessons. The proximity of Sopron to the border and its status as a relatively large town in the region make it an attractive destination. With over ten driving schools in Sopron, the town is well-equipped to handle the demand from Austrians, who are drawn by the favorable pricing compared to Austria.
Overcrowding in Sopron
The high demand from Austrians has led to an increase in German-speaking instructors in Sopron's driving schools. However, locals have expressed frustration at the difficulty of securing driving lesson appointments, as instructors are often overbooked. Finding an available slot has become a matter of luck for those looking to take driving lessons in Sopron.
Requirements for driving lessons in Hungary
Austrians looking to take driving lessons in Hungary must meet certain requirements. These include presenting a certified primary school certificate, an ID card, proof of medical eligibility, and an address card. The address card proves residency in Hungary for at least six months, although temporary residence is sufficient. It is worth noting that while EU countries generally accept each other's driving licenses, there have been cases where authorities refuse to accept licenses obtained in other countries, leading to the need to restart the entire driving course.
Is it worth it?
The affordability of driving lessons in Hungary compared to Austria raises the question of whether it is worth obtaining a driving license in Hungary. Under current Austrian law, individuals can use their EU driving license in Austria for a maximum of five years before needing to exchange it for an Austrian license, which incurs additional costs. The cost of a category B license in Austria is nearly double the price in Hungary and does not include additional lessons or exams in case of failure. It is important to consider all factors and potential future costs before deciding to pursue a driving license in Hungary.
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Questions & Answers
Why are Austrians coming to Hungary for driving lessons? Austrians are coming to Hungary, specifically to towns like Sopron near the Hungarian-Austrian border, for cheaper driving lessons.
How equipped are the driving schools in Sopron to handle the influx of Austrians? The driving schools in Sopron are well-equipped to handle the influx of Austrians, as they employ numerous German-speaking instructors.
Why does Sopron attract many Austrians for driving lessons? Sopron attracts many Austrians for driving lessons due to its proximity to the border and its status as a relatively large town in the region.
How many driving schools are there in Sopron? Sopron already boasts over ten driving schools, which is a significant number considering the town's size and population.
Why are Austrians drawn to Hungarian driving schools? The most significant draw for Austrians is the favorable pricing offered by Hungarian driving schools. It costs half as much to undergo a course and pass an exam in Hungary compared to Austria.
Are the driving schools in Sopron run by locals? No, these driving schools in Sopron are not run by locals but by individuals from nearby towns.
How difficult is it to secure driving lesson appointments in Sopron? Locals express frustration at the difficulty of securing driving lesson appointments, as instructors are so overbooked that finding an available slot is largely a matter of luck.
What are the requirements for taking driving lessons in Hungary as an Austrian? Austrians must present a certified primary school certificate, an ID card, proof of medical eligibility, and an address card. They must demonstrate at least six months of residence in Hungary, which can be temporary residence.
Can EU countries accept each other's driving licenses without any issues? In theory, EU countries accept each other's driving licenses without any issues. However, there have been cases where authorities refused to accept licenses obtained in other countries, leading to complications for the license holders.
Is it worth obtaining a driving license in Hungary for Austrians? It is questionable whether it is worth obtaining a driving license in Hungary for Austrians. Under the current Austrian law, EU driving licenses can be used in the country for a maximum of five years before they must be exchanged for an Austrian license, which incurs additional costs.