Driving licence for foreigners in Norway

Driving licence for foreigners in Norway

If you have moved to Norway from abroad, your options for getting a Norwegian driving licence depend on where your current licence was issued.

EU/EEA licence holders

If you have a driving licence from an EU or EEA country, it is valid in Norway for as long as it remains valid. You do not need to exchange it, though it is recommended if you plan to stay permanently.

Licence from outside EU/EEA

If your licence is from a country outside the EU/EEA, you can use it in Norway for up to one year after becoming a resident. After that, you must exchange it for a Norwegian licence.

Exchange agreements

Norway has exchange agreements with several countries outside the EU/EEA. If your country has an agreement, you can exchange your licence without taking a new driving test. Countries with exchange agreements include the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several others. Check the current list on vegvesen.no as agreements change.

If your country has an exchange agreement:

If your country does not have an exchange agreement:

You must go through parts or all of the Norwegian driver training process and pass both the theory test and practical driving test.

Starting from scratch

If you need to start from scratch in Norway, the process is the same as for Norwegian citizens. See our guide "How to get a driving licence in Norway" for the full details.

Key points:

Driving in Norway with a foreign licence

Tourists and short-term visitors can drive in Norway with their foreign licence for the duration of their stay. An international driving permit (IDP) is recommended as a supplement for licences from outside the EU/EEA.

Practical tips for expats