14. February, 2021
Can I use my foreign driver's license in Norway?
Ever wondered if you can use your home country's driving license in Norway? Or how long you can use it in Norway before you have to convert it to a Norwegian license, and what rules apply to your driving license?
You're not alone. It's a complicated system to navigate for everyone. We'll try to give you an overview of what you need to be aware of. All of the following text refers to driving license class B for cars.
Are you an EU/EEA/UK citizen?
If you're a EU/EAA/UK citizen and are permanently residing in Norway, you can use your driving license for 15 years, as long as the driving license is valid for that time period.
At any time during this period you can apply to convert your driving licence to a Norwegian driving licence. Please contact the Norwegian Public Roads Administration for more information about documentation requirements.
NB! If you hold an EU/EAA/UK driving license, but this was obtained because you changed your original driving license to an EU/EAA/UK license, then you need to contact the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to see which rules apply to you.
If you are a citizen of a country outside EU/EAA/UK these are the rules to follow when in Norway:
Rule 1:
You can use your driving license, regardless of origin, in Norway for three months from the date of entering the country. This rule is the same for visitors and residents alike.
NB! Norwegian age rules apply, which means you are not permitted to drive a car here if you're under 18 years old.
Rule 2:
If you are here on a work permit, then you can use your driving license-regardless of origin- in Norway for six months. But it is important that you carry your resident permit and your work contract with you in the car, as you may be asked to provide these at internal checkpoints.
Rule 3:
None of the above rules apply if the driving license you hold does not:
Rule 4:
If you're from a country outside EU/EAA/UK and your country is not listed in rule 5, please scroll down to rule number 10.
Rule 5:
If you're from one of the following countries, you can convert your driving license without any tests or mandatory classes within the first 12 months.
NB! For rules 4-6 to apply the driving license that you hold must be compatible with the Norwegian driving license. This means that you cannot hold a driving license that has limitations such as age, where and when you can drive or any other limitations that are in direct violation of the Norwegian driving license. If you're unsure about this, we recommend you contact the relevant authorities for further clarification.
Rule 6:
You have one year to convert your driving license to a Norwegian driving license. This period begins from the date you register yourself as a Norwegian citizen. Be aware that for this change to take place, you need to pass a Norwegian driving test within this time limit.
Rule 7:
If you fail your driving test then you need to do the following:
Rule 8:
If you don't manage to convert your driving license within the first year of your residency in Norway, you will need to take the following steps:
Rule 9:
If you fail to convert your driving license within the first two years of your residency, then you need to start from scratch and complete a full Norwegian driving license course. You can learn more about this process here.
Rule 10:
If you're from a country outside the ones mentioned in Rule 5, then you're required to take all the mandatory classes and courses, including driving in the dark and the first aid course. You also have to pass the theory test before you're ready for the driving test.
Remember that these rules change from time to time. We do our best to try to keep this info updated, but for the most recent information and law, always visit The Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
You're not alone. It's a complicated system to navigate for everyone. We'll try to give you an overview of what you need to be aware of. All of the following text refers to driving license class B for cars.
Are you an EU/EEA/UK citizen?
If you're a EU/EAA/UK citizen and are permanently residing in Norway, you can use your driving license for 15 years, as long as the driving license is valid for that time period.
At any time during this period you can apply to convert your driving licence to a Norwegian driving licence. Please contact the Norwegian Public Roads Administration for more information about documentation requirements.
NB! If you hold an EU/EAA/UK driving license, but this was obtained because you changed your original driving license to an EU/EAA/UK license, then you need to contact the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to see which rules apply to you.
If you are a citizen of a country outside EU/EAA/UK these are the rules to follow when in Norway:
Rule 1:
You can use your driving license, regardless of origin, in Norway for three months from the date of entering the country. This rule is the same for visitors and residents alike.
NB! Norwegian age rules apply, which means you are not permitted to drive a car here if you're under 18 years old.
Rule 2:
If you are here on a work permit, then you can use your driving license-regardless of origin- in Norway for six months. But it is important that you carry your resident permit and your work contract with you in the car, as you may be asked to provide these at internal checkpoints.
Rule 3:
None of the above rules apply if the driving license you hold does not:
- Have a photograph
- Have information written in the latin alphabet
- Follow other vehicle classes than the international classes as outlined in the Genève or Wien convention
Rule 4:
If you're from a country outside EU/EAA/UK and your country is not listed in rule 5, please scroll down to rule number 10.
Rule 5:
If you're from one of the following countries, you can convert your driving license without any tests or mandatory classes within the first 12 months.
- Australia
- Canada
- Great Britain
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- USA
NB! For rules 4-6 to apply the driving license that you hold must be compatible with the Norwegian driving license. This means that you cannot hold a driving license that has limitations such as age, where and when you can drive or any other limitations that are in direct violation of the Norwegian driving license. If you're unsure about this, we recommend you contact the relevant authorities for further clarification.
Rule 6:
You have one year to convert your driving license to a Norwegian driving license. This period begins from the date you register yourself as a Norwegian citizen. Be aware that for this change to take place, you need to pass a Norwegian driving test within this time limit.
Rule 7:
If you fail your driving test then you need to do the following:
- Complete the following mandatory courses: driving in the dark, first aid course and safety course on track module. You can learn more about these courses here.
- Pass the theory test
- Repeat the driving test and pass.
Rule 8:
If you don't manage to convert your driving license within the first year of your residency in Norway, you will need to take the following steps:
- Complete the following mandatory courses: driving in the dark, first aid course and safety course on track module. You can learn more about these courses here.
- Repeat the driving test and pass.
Rule 9:
If you fail to convert your driving license within the first two years of your residency, then you need to start from scratch and complete a full Norwegian driving license course. You can learn more about this process here.
Rule 10:
If you're from a country outside the ones mentioned in Rule 5, then you're required to take all the mandatory classes and courses, including driving in the dark and the first aid course. You also have to pass the theory test before you're ready for the driving test.
Remember that these rules change from time to time. We do our best to try to keep this info updated, but for the most recent information and law, always visit The Norwegian Public Roads Administration.