Expat

Foreign driving Licenses in Norway

In Norway, separate rules apply for driving licences issued in EU/EEA countries and driving licences issued in non-EU/EEA countries. There is also a difference between the right to drive in Norway with the foreign driving licence, and the right to exchange it for a Norwegian driving licence.

As a main rule, driving licences issued in EU/EEA countries can be used in Norway for as long as they are valid, and they can be exchanged for a Norwegian driving licence without any tests. The rules for driving licences issued in non-EU/EEA countries are stricter. Driving licences from most countries outside the EU/EEA can be used in Norway for up to three months. Driving licences from only a few of these countries can be exchanged for a Norwegian driving licence, provided you pass a new practical driving test (and in some cases also a theory test) within given deadlines.

The distinction is a result of Norway’s obligation through the EEA Agreement to implement EU regulations relating to driving licences. An important principle of these regulations is mutual recognition of driving licences. Norway does not have any similar agreements with countries outside the EU/EEA.

Driving licences from the following non-EU/EEA countries may be exchanged:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong
  • Israel
  • Monaco
  • New Zealand
  • San Marino
  • South Korea
  • USA
  • Switzerland
  • Greenland
  • Japan

 

If you have a full driving licence from a non-EU/EEA country that is not on the list above, you have to obtain your driving licence in the same manner as Norwegian first-time appliers. You are exempt from some parts of the basic traffic course, but you do have to complete the compulsory night driving instruction, first aid and behaviour in the event of an accident.

Steps easy explained:

  1. Get your personal identification number and Bank ID. ( You can meet up in person if you do not have Bank ID)
  2. Go to vegvesen.no, log in to “your page” and apply for driving license.
  3. Find your driving school and startup.

The average cost for a skilled driver changing in there license is about 25 000,- Nok.

NOTE: This cost varies from person to person and is not a fixed price, just an indication.