Getting a driver’s license in Montenegro is a straightforward process that typically takes 2-3 months for first-time applicants. Whether you’re planning to live in Montenegro long-term or simply want to obtain a local license, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, costs, and requirements updated for 2026.
Prerequisites: Understanding the Boravak Requirement
Before you can apply for a Montenegrin driver’s license, you must obtain a boravak (temporary residence permit). This is the legal document that grants you the right to reside in Montenegro beyond the standard tourist visa period.
Visa-free stay limitations:
- Without a visa: 30 days for most nationals
- With a tourist visa: up to 90 days
Grounds for Obtaining Temporary Residence in Montenegro
You can apply for a boravak based on the following reasons:
- Employment or entrepreneurial activity
- Seasonal labor activity
- Medical treatment
- Education, traineeship, or research activities
- Family reunion
- Real estate ownership in Montenegro
- Other grounds provided by law
Benefits of Having a Boravak
As a temporary resident with a boravak, you gain access to:
- Healthcare benefits: Up to 98% discount on medical services and medicines at Montenegrin hospitals
- Personal medical card: Your primary identification document for residing in Montenegro
- Legal residency status: Required for obtaining a driver’s license and other official documents
Note: Temporary residents must pay monthly taxes in Montenegro.
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Driver’s License in Montenegro
– Enroll in a driving school
– Pass a medical examination
– Learn traffic rules and pass a theoretical exam in Serbian
– Complete driving lessons and pass a practical exam
– Apply to the municipal authority, pay fees, and receive your license
Step 1: Get Your Medical Certificate
You should obtain your medical certificate as soon as possible after enrolling in a driving school, ideally on the same day.
Medical Examination Requirements
- Location: Health centers (clinics) throughout Montenegro
- Cost: Approximately €40-45 (updated for 2026)
- Duration: About 1 hour
- Examinations required:
- Ophthalmologist (eye examination)
- Psychiatrist evaluation
- Certificate processing
Important: The ophthalmologist may be located at a different facility. Local residents can direct you to the ophthalmology clinic. You’ll receive the original certificate after completing driving school to submit with your license application.
Step 2: Enroll in a Driving School
You have the freedom to choose any licensed driving school in Montenegro. Major cities like Podgorica, Budva, and Kotor offer multiple options.
Required Documents for Enrollment
- Valid passport
- Boravak (temporary residence permit)
Driving School Costs (2026)
- Total package: €300-350 (includes tuition, theoretical exam, and practical exam)
- Retake fee: €30 per exam (limited to one retake attempt)
- Fuel costs: Included in the package price
Study Materials Provided
Upon enrollment, you’ll receive comprehensive study materials in both paper and electronic formats:
- Ten practice test variants with answer keys
- Self-teaching manual with illustrations and diagrams
- Traffic sign reference guide
Note: Driving schools in Montenegro focus on test preparation rather than traditional lectures. You can study independently or work with an instructor.
Step 3: Pass the Theoretical Exam
The theoretical examination tests your knowledge of Montenegrin traffic rules and road safety. You must present your medical certificate before taking this exam.
Theoretical Exam Format
- Language: Serbian (you may use a dictionary)
- Format: Paper-based exam with four sections
- Duration: 1 hour
- Passing score: Minimum 60 points out of 70 possible
- Results: Available on the same day via phone
Exam Content Breakdown
- Parking and Overtaking: Visual diagrams showing permitted maneuvers
- Traffic Signs and Intersections: Sign recognition, police signals, and intersection rules
- Vehicle Components: Text-based questions about car parts and mechanics
- Road Safety: Text-based safety principles and regulations
Step 4: Complete Practical Driving Training
Driving lessons begin immediately after passing the theoretical exam. The duration depends on your individual progress and prior experience.
Training Schedule and Duration
- Recommended frequency: 45-minute sessions daily
- Typical completion time: 1 week to 1 month
- Schedule: Flexible, arranged with your instructor
Skills Taught During Training
Basic maneuvers:
- Starting and stopping
- Reversing techniques
- Hill starts and stops
Training ground exercises:
- Angled parking (reverse)
- Perpendicular parking/garage parking (reverse)
- Parallel parking (reverse)
- Starting on an uphill slope from reverse position
Tip: Non-Serbian speakers should focus on learning basic driving commands in Serbian to communicate effectively with instructors during lessons.
Step 5: Pass the Practical Driving Test
Once your instructor determines you’re ready, you’ll be scheduled for the practical examination with a government inspector.
Practical Test Structure
The exam consists of two parts:
Part 1: Training Ground Assessment
- Starting and reversing
- Driving up a hill
- Stopping on a hill
- Hill start
- Reverse angled parking
- Reverse garage parking
- Reverse parallel parking
Part 2: City Driving Assessment
- Navigating urban streets
- Following traffic signals and signs
- Making proper turns and lane changes
- Demonstrating defensive driving
Important Test Guidelines
- Maximum errors allowed: 3 mistakes
- Common traps: Inspectors may suggest stopping in prohibited zones or making illegal maneuvers to test your knowledge
- Success tip: Strictly follow all traffic rules, even if the inspector suggests otherwise
Upon passing, you’ll receive congratulations from the inspector and be given your driving school completion certificate along with your original medical certificate.
Step 6: Apply for Your Driver’s License
After passing both exams, you’ll need to apply at the municipal government office to receive your physical driver’s license.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Driving school completion certificate
- Medical certificate
Administrative Fees (2026)
- Photo processing: €5
- Fingerprinting: €10
- Total administrative costs: €15
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 3-7 business days
- Example timeline: Submit documents on Monday → receive license by Friday
Total Cost Summary for Getting a Driver’s License in Montenegro
- Medical examination: €40-45
- Driving school package: €300-350
- Administrative fees: €15
- Total estimated cost: €355-410
Additional costs may apply for exam retakes (€30 per attempt).
International Driving Permits for Montenegro
If you already hold a valid national driver’s license from another country, you may not need to obtain a Montenegrin license for temporary stays.
Who Needs an International Driving Permit?
- Short-term visitors: Those staying less than 90 days with a valid foreign license in Latin alphabet
- Non-Latin alphabet licenses: Drivers with licenses in Cyrillic, Arabic, or other scripts
- Long-term residents: After 3 months, you must obtain a local license or exchange your foreign one
If you don’t have an International Driver’s Permit for Montenegro, you can quickly process one through our website. An International Driving Permit allows you to legally drive throughout Montenegro and is recognized worldwide.
Published March 04, 2026 • 6m to read
