Driving licences in Norway

Førerkort i Norge
Here you can read about how to take a driving test and renew a driving licence in Norway, and about using a Norwegian driving licence abroad.

What types of driving licence are there in Norway?

The international standards for driving licence classes apply in Norway. The classes have different age requirements. There are various driving licence models that are valid, but you should have one of the newest models (EEA plastic driving licence) if you are planning to drive abroad. It is the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) that issues driving licences in Norway. 

    Using a foreign driving licence in Norway

    You can generally use driving licences from other countries, providing they are valid. 

    Driving licences issued in another EU/EEA country

    If you have a driving licence issued in another EU/EEA country,  it is valid  for driving in Norway providing the licence is still valid. If you are living permanently in Norway, you can use your driving licence for driving in Norway or exchange it for a Norwegian driving licence.

    Commuters from other Nordic countries may use their driving licences from their home countries if the licence is valid there. If you must renew a driving licence, this must done in the country in which you permanently reside.

    Driving licences from countries outside the EU/EEA

    If you have a driving licence issued in a country outside the EU/EEA, you may use it for up to three months, both during a temporary stay and permanent residence. The driving licence must be valid, and the Norwegian age requirements must be satisfied.

    Validity and renewal of driving licences

    Since 2013, a new driving licence has been valid for 15 years, providing there are no health-related reasons that limit this. Driving licences for heavy vehicle classes are generally valid for 5 years. If you have a driving licence from an old system, this must be renewed. Different dates apply. If you want to renew your driving licence, visit one of the offices of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to get a new one. 

    Regardless of your age, a doctor is obligated to notify the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) if they feel you do not satisfy the health requirements for a driving licence.

    Using a Norwegian driving licence abroad

    If you are planning to drive in another country, you are recommended to use an EEA plastic driving licence. This can help you avoid misunderstandings with foreign public agencies, banks, car rental firms, etc. These small driving licences are also more easily accepted as proof of identity in various situations.

    If you are planning to drive a car in a country outside the EU/EEA, many countries accept the EEA model, so you do not need to take an international driving licence as well. Before travelling, you should contact the authorities in the country in question, or the country’s embassy in Norway, to ask about the regulations that apply.

    How do I take a driving test in Norway?

    You can apply for a driving licence electronically on the website of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. If you are to become a professional driver, in addition to holding a driving licence you must also obtain a special professional driver qualification.

    To get a driving licence, you must

    • have been living in Norway for at least 6 months
    • satisfy the age requirement
    • submit an application for a driving licence
    • satisfy health requirements and have documented good conduct (issued by the police) the first time you apply for a driving licence.

    All the compulsory training that is necessary to apply for a driving licence must be completed through an approved driving school (trafikkskole/kjøreskole).

    More information

    Ask Info Norden

    Please fill in our contact form if you have any questions or if you have encountered an obstacle in another Nordic country.

    NB! If you have questions regarding the processing of a specific case or application, or other personal matters, please contact the relevant authority directly.

    Info Norden is the information service of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Here you can find info and tips if you wish to move, work, study, seek support or start a business in the Nordic region.