Good to know! Using a foreign driver's license in Norway is a situation many foreign citizens and tourists encounter, whether they are on short visits or planning to settle in Norway. The rules for using foreign driver's licenses depend on the country of issuance, how long you plan to stay in Norway, and what type of vehicle you wish to drive.
Summary:
Tourists and short-term visitors: Can generally use their foreign driver's license in Norway for up to three months.
Residents from EEA countries: Can use their national driver's license for a longer period and exchange it for a Norwegian license without needing a driving test.
Residents from countries outside the EEA: Must exchange their license for a Norwegian one within a certain time, depending on the license and residency status. Exchanging to a Norwegian license requires both a theory and driving test.
Tourists and Short-term Visits
If you are visiting Norway as a tourist or staying temporarily, you can generally use the driver's license issued in your home country without needing to exchange it for a Norwegian one. This applies to licenses from both EEA countries (European Economic Area) and non-EEA countries.
Conditions for tourists and short-term visitors:
You can use a driver's license from any country in Norway for up to three months. The license must be valid, and you must meet the Norwegian age requirements.
This applies whether you are temporarily staying in Norway or have moved here.
If you have not permanently moved to Norway but have a temporary residence permit for up to six months in connection with temporary work, you can drive with a license from other countries for the duration of your temporary stay in Norway. You must carry both your residence permit and your employment contract while driving.
General requirements:
The driver's license must be valid and lawfully issued.
You must be over 18 years old.
If the driver's license is not issued in English, German, or French, an official translation or an international driver's license may be required.
The license must be valid for the class of vehicle you wish to drive.
Use of Foreign Driver's License for Residents from EU Countries, the UK and Switzerland
For individuals moving to Norway from an EU country, the driver's license from your home country can be used for the full validity period without needing to exchange it for a Norwegian license. However, it may be practical to exchange it for a Norwegian license eventually, especially if you plan to stay for a longer period or settle permanently.
Conditions for EU citizens:
The license must be valid and comply with international driving license regulations.
It can be used as long as you are temporarily staying in Norway. If you become a permanent resident, you can continue to use it until it expires.
EEA licenses can be exchanged for a Norwegian license without having to take a driving or theory test.
Use of Foreign Driver's License for Residents from Countries Outside the EU
For individuals moving to Norway from countries outside the EU, the rules are stricter. You can use your foreign driver's license for up to three months after you have registered as a resident in Norway. After that, you must exchange your license for a Norwegian one if you wish to continue driving.
Conditions for individuals from non-EU countries:
You can use your valid foreign driver's license for up to three months after you have established permanent residence in Norway.
Within these three months, you must either exchange your driver's license or pass a Norwegian driving test to obtain a Norwegian license.
For some countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and others, there are simplified exchange agreements, but most require both a theory and practical test.
Translation Requirements or International Driver's License
If your driver's license is issued in a language not easily understood in Norway (English, German, or French), you must carry an official translation or an international driver's license. This is especially relevant for licenses from non-EEA countries, where many licenses are issued in local languages or character systems.
Keep it Legal on the Road
Using a foreign driver's license in Norway is relatively straightforward for most tourists and residents from EEA countries, while residents from non-EEA countries must adhere to stricter rules. It is always advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations that apply to your home country to avoid issues with the authorities and ensure you can continue driving legally in Norway.
In Norway, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen) is responsible for issuing driver's licenses. You can find more information on their website here.
Have a great time on the Norwegian roads!