Driving licences in Norway

In Norway, the international standards regarding driving licence classes apply. The classes have different age requirements. Valid driving licence models are the EEA models (a plastic card the size of a bank or credit card), issued from 1998. It is the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) that issues driving licences in Norway. 

You can generally use driving licences from other EU/EEA countries, the UK and Swizerland, providing they are valid. Driving licences from countries outside the EU/ EEA are normally valid for three months.

Do you want to take a driving test in the normal way in Norway? You can read more about how to apply for a driving licence, the different classes, the theory test, and the driving test on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website. 

All the obligatory training required to apply for a driving licence must be taken at an approved driving school.

Special regulations apply if you want to become a professional driver.

Driving licences issued from 2013 are 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. These classes are renewed on production of a health certificate.

After an 80th birthday, the driving licence can be renewed on production of a health certificate, and can be renewed for up to three years at a time.

If your driving licence was issued in the period 1998 to 2013, which is therefore valid until your 100th birthday, you must renew it before 2033 or the date of your 80th birthday.

If you need to take a new photo for your new driving licence, you need to book a time at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office and take the photo there.

If you are renewing your licence with a health certificate, you can send it to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and order a new driving licence at www.vegvesen.no. 

Regardless of your age, a doctor is obligated to notify the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) if they feel that the patient does not satisfy the health requirements for a driving licence. You can find information about health certificates and driving licences on the website of the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet).

Norwegian driving licences that are issued according to the EEA models (a plastic card in bank or credit card format) are valid for driving in all EU and EEA countries.

If you plan to drive a car in a country outside the EU/EEA, many countries accept the EEA model. In some countries, you may need an international driving licence in addition to your usual driving licence. Before travelling, you should  contact the relevant agency in the country in question or the country’s embassy in Norway to see what regulations apply.