How to Choose a Driving School, How Long Does Training Take, and How Much Does a Driving Licence Cost?
Three driving schools can offer three different prices, different lesson schedules, and completely different waiting times for practical training. Yet all of them must meet the same minimum legal training requirements.
For someone getting behind the wheel for the first time, choosing a driving school usually starts with two simple questions: Which one is closest, and how much does it cost?
However, a difference of a few thousand Serbian dinars may be far less important than how long you will have to wait for an instructor, how frequently you will be able to drive, and how much you will ultimately pay before receiving your driving licence.
If you are planning to obtain a Category B driving licence in Serbia, this guide will help you understand how driver training works, how long it takes, what costs to expect, and what to consider before enrolling.
At What Age Can You Enrol in a Driving School?
In Serbia, you can begin training for a Category B driving licence at the age of 16, while the minimum age for taking the practical driving test is 17.
This means you do not need to wait until adulthood to begin training, pass your driving test, and obtain a probationary driving licence.
However, there is an important difference between holding a licence and being allowed to drive independently.
Drivers under the age of 18 who hold a probationary licence must be accompanied by a person who meets the legally prescribed supervision requirements, including having held a valid Category B driving licence for at least five years.
Enrolment requires identification documents and a training agreement with the driving school. For minors, the agreement must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Before starting practical training, candidates must obtain an appropriate medical certificate. First-aid training and examination must also be completed before a driving licence can be issued.
AutoKonekt Tip: If your child plans to start driving lessons at 16, contact driving schools several months in advance. Theory class schedules, school commitments, and instructor availability can significantly affect how long the entire process takes.
How to Choose a Good Driving School: Seven Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
A good driving school is not necessarily the most expensive one. But neither is the cheapest option automatically the best choice.
What matters most is that future drivers receive high-quality instruction, sufficient attention from their instructor, and a realistic schedule that allows them to learn consistently.
Before paying the enrolment fee, ask these seven questions.
1. When Can I Start Theory Classes?
Some driving schools organise classes according to fixed schedules, while others start new groups more frequently.
Enrolling today does not necessarily mean classes will begin tomorrow.
Check when the next group starts and whether the available times fit your schedule.
2. How Long Will I Have to Wait for My First Driving Lesson?
This is one of the most important questions.
A driving school may have an excellent reputation and competitive prices, but if it does not have enough available instructors, practical training may start much later than expected.
Ask how many candidates are currently waiting and how long it realistically takes between passing the theory test and beginning driving lessons.
3. How Often Will I Be Able to Drive?
There is a significant difference between completing four to six driving lessons per week and managing to schedule only one.
Long gaps between lessons can slow your progress because part of each new session is spent reviewing previously learned skills.
Consistency is especially important during the early stages, when beginners are developing coordination, spatial awareness, and confidence behind the wheel.
4. Can I Choose or Change My Driving Instructor?
A good instructor does not necessarily have to be the strictest or the most lenient.
What matters is their ability to explain mistakes clearly, remain patient, and adapt their teaching style to the individual candidate.
Some learners respond better to direct communication, while others progress more effectively with a calmer approach.
Before enrolling, check whether changing instructors is possible if the working relationship is not productive.
5. What Vehicles Are Used for Training?
Training vehicles must meet legal requirements, but that does not mean all cars are equally comfortable for beginners.
Check the condition of the vehicle, visibility, ease of using the controls, and whether your practical test will be conducted in the same vehicle or a suitable equivalent.
It is also worth asking about training in a car with a manual or automatic transmission and whether this could affect the driving privileges stated on your licence.
6. What Exactly Is Included in the Price?
Do not simply ask: "How much does a Category B driving licence cost?"
Request a detailed breakdown covering theoretical and practical training, examination fees, administrative charges, the medical certificate, first-aid training, and any additional lessons.
Only when you have a complete picture of the costs can you make a fair comparison between driving schools.
7. What Do Previous Students Say?
Read online reviews, but focus on their content rather than just the average rating.
The most useful reviews describe the instructor's attitude, whether scheduled lessons were respected, how long the training lasted, and whether pricing was transparent.
Whenever possible, speak to someone who has recently completed their training.
The most important rule: Do not choose a driving school based on price alone. Choose one based on training quality, lesson availability, and the total cost of obtaining your licence.
How Long Does Theoretical Training Take for Category B?
For candidates obtaining their first Category B licence, without a previously acquired relevant driving category, Serbian regulations require 40 lessons of theoretical training.
These consist of:
30 classroom lessons,
10 practical theory exercises.
Each lesson lasts 45 minutes, meaning the total theoretical training consists of 30 hours of actual instruction.
As a general rule, candidates may attend no more than three theory lessons per calendar day.
This means the 40 lessons require at least 14 teaching days when the maximum usual daily schedule is used.
In practice, the total duration depends on the driving school's timetable, working days, and public holidays.
What Do You Learn During Theory Classes?
Theoretical training covers traffic regulations, road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, behaviour at intersections, basic principles of safe driving, responses to different traffic situations, and drivers' legal responsibilities.
The theory test is conducted electronically, using examination questions established by Serbia's Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Candidates must achieve at least 85% of the available points to pass.
Important: The theory test is not simply an obstacle you must overcome before getting behind the wheel. The rules you learn during this stage will be relevant every time you enter traffic.
How Long Does Practical Training Take?
Standard practical training for Category B requires at least 40 driving lessons, each lasting 45 minutes.
Candidates may complete no more than two practical driving lessons per day.
Practical training can begin only after passing the theory test and meeting the necessary medical requirements.
During training, candidates progress through several stages: from becoming familiar with the vehicle's controls and basic manoeuvres on a training ground to driving in real traffic conditions.
Training covers driving in urban and non-urban areas, varying traffic conditions, required night-driving elements, and manoeuvres assessed during the practical examination.
The goal is not simply to learn how to park or perform a hill start correctly. It is to develop the ability to recognise potential hazards and respond safely and independently.
How Many Weeks Does It Take to Complete 40 Driving Lessons?
Consider a candidate who completes two lessons on each scheduled training day.
Driving Days per WeekLessons per WeekTime to Complete 40 Lessons2 days410 weeks3 days6Approximately 7 weeks5 days104 weeks
These are mathematical examples based on consistent lesson attendance, not guaranteed driving school schedules.
In reality, you also need to consider instructor availability, potential breaks, weather conditions, examination dates, and the possibility of needing extra lessons.
As a result, two candidates who enrol on the same day may receive their driving licences in entirely different months.
Practical Tip: Before enrolling, ask for a realistic estimate of the total training duration. Knowing that you can drive three times a week is far more useful than simply being told that practical training includes 40 lessons.
How Much Does It Cost to Obtain a Category B Driving Licence in Serbia?
Driving school prices vary depending on the school, its pricing policy, the training package, and additional fees.
To provide a more concrete picture, we compared publicly available price lists from three driving schools in different Serbian cities, as available on November 1, 2026.
City and Driving SchoolPublished PriceBelgrade – Auto škola PavlinRSD 94,000Novi Sad – Auto škola Dunav MDMRSD 108,000Niš – Auto škola Start DNJRSD 114,000
All three offers cover the standard 40 theory lessons, 40 practical lessons, and one attempt at both the theory and practical examinations.
Auto škola Pavlin also advertises a lower price for full upfront payment, while Dunav MDM includes Ministry of Internal Affairs examination fees for both tests in its package.
Start DNJ states that the medical certificate, first-aid training and examination, and administrative fees for issuing the driving licence are charged separately.
Important Note: These are individual examples, not a representative national average. Prices, discounts, and package conditions may change. Always confirm the current offer directly with the driving school before enrolling.
Sources: Pavlin, Dunav MDM, and Start DNJ.
What Additional Costs Should You Expect?
The advertised training price is not necessarily the final cost of obtaining your licence.
Make sure you check the following items:
Medical certificate: Is it included in the package or charged separately?
First-aid training: How much do the training and examination cost, and where are they organised?
Examination fees: Does the price include the first theory and practical test attempts, along with the relevant administrative fees?
Additional driving lessons: How much does each extra lesson cost?
Retaking an examination: What will you pay if you do not pass on your first attempt?
Licence issuance: Which administrative costs remain after passing your exams?
For example, if a training package costs RSD 100,000, and you also need to pay for a medical certificate, first-aid training, administrative charges, and several extra driving lessons, your final expenditure could be significantly higher.
The best approach is to request two figures from the driving school: the price of the standard training package and the estimated total cost of obtaining your licence if you pass both tests on your first attempt.
What Are the Theory and Practical Driving Tests Like?
After completing theoretical training, candidates take a theory test assessing their understanding of traffic rules and safe driving behaviour.
Only after passing the theory test can practical training begin.
After completing the required driving lessons and meeting all other conditions, candidates can take the practical driving test.
The practical examination assesses vehicle control, correct execution of driving manoeuvres, and safe behaviour in traffic.
Knowing the rules is not enough. You must demonstrate that you can apply them in real situations.
One important requirement candidates sometimes overlook is that no more than 18 months may pass between passing the theory test and taking the practical examination.
What Happens If You Do Not Pass on Your First Attempt?
Failing a test does not mean that your previous training was wasted.
Candidates can retake examinations in accordance with the prescribed procedure, but each additional attempt may involve extra costs.
If you fail the practical test, taking a few additional driving lessons may be helpful, particularly if a considerable amount of time has passed between attempts.
For this reason, it is sensible to leave some room in your budget instead of assuming that the advertised training package will be your only expense.
You Have Passed Your Driving Test. What Does a Probationary Driving Licence Mean?
In Serbia, drivers who pass their first Category B driving test receive a probationary driving licence.
If they pass before turning 19, the probationary licence remains valid until their 21st birthday.
If they pass at the age of 19 or later, the probationary licence generally remains valid for two years.
During this period, several specific restrictions apply. The most important include:
Driving is prohibited between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances is prohibited.
The maximum permitted speed is 110 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on expressways, and 90% of the posted speed limit on other roads.
Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited, including hands-free communication devices.
Drivers may not operate vehicles with engines exceeding 80 kW, except under the legally prescribed supervision of an eligible family member.
A visible "P" sign must be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Additional supervision and passenger restrictions apply to drivers under 18.
Before your first independent journey, make sure you understand all the applicable restrictions under Serbia's Road Traffic Safety Law, particularly Article 182.
What Might Driving School Not Teach You About Your First Car?
Passing your driving test confirms that you have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to begin participating independently in traffic, subject to the conditions of your licence.
But holding a driving licence is not the same as knowing how to maintain a vehicle.
Many beginners encounter questions they have never had to answer before.
When should engine oil be changed? How do you check tyre pressure? What does a warning light on the dashboard mean? When should you stop driving immediately?
Every new driver should develop a few essential habits:
Check the condition and pressure of your tyres regularly.
Learn how to check engine oil and other fluid levels according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Familiarise yourself with the meaning of dashboard warning lights.
Do not postpone an inspection if you notice unusual noises, vibrations, or changes in braking performance.
Keep a record of servicing and routine maintenance.
Find a reliable repair workshop before you urgently need one.
For more advice, read our guide: The First 20,000 Kilometres of Every Driver – Building Safe and Confident Driving Skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Category B Driver Training
How long does driving school take from enrolment to receiving a licence?
There is no single timeframe that applies to everyone. Candidates must complete 40 theory lessons and at least 40 practical driving lessons, pass both examinations, and meet the remaining legal requirements. The process often takes several months, depending on lesson schedules and examination availability.
Can I enrol in driving school at 16?
Yes. In Serbia, Category B training can begin at the age of 16, while the practical driving test can be taken from the age of 17.
How long is one driving lesson?
One practical driving lesson lasts 45 minutes. Candidates may complete no more than two practical lessons per day.
Are 40 driving lessons enough to pass the test?
Forty lessons represent the mandatory minimum for standard training for candidates obtaining their first Category B licence. Some candidates may be ready after completing this minimum, while others may benefit from additional lessons to build confidence and prepare more thoroughly for the test.
Can I change driving schools during training?
Yes, it is possible to continue your training at another driving school. Before transferring, check your contractual obligations, outstanding payments, and the documentation confirming the lessons you have already completed.
Does a cheaper driving school necessarily mean lower-quality training?
No. Price alone is not a reliable indicator of quality. When comparing schools, consider instructor quality, lesson continuity, pricing transparency, vehicle condition, and the experiences of previous students.
Conclusion: A Good Driving School Is the Beginning, Not the End of Learning
A driving licence gives you the freedom to travel independently, but it also comes with responsibility towards yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
That is why choosing a driving school should involve more than simply finding the nearest or cheapest option.
Ask how often you will be able to drive. Find out more about the instructors. Request a complete breakdown of costs.
Most importantly, choose a training programme that helps you become a safe driver, not just someone who can pass an examination.
And once you receive your driving licence, the learning continues.
Your first service appointment, tyre replacement, vehicle inspection, or brake check are just some of the responsibilities you will encounter as a car owner.
At AutoKonekt, you can find automotive service providers, explore their offers and available information, and book an appointment that suits your needs.
AutoKonekt – Everything for Your Car, All in One Place.
Information concerning legal requirements has been checked against the available versions of Serbia's Road Traffic Safety Law and the regulations governing theoretical and practical driver training. Prices are based on publicly available driving school price lists as of November 1, 2026, and are subject to change.
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