Driving Licence Guide
Driving in Norway With a Foreign Licence
EU/EEA Licence
- Valid in Norway indefinitely
- No need to exchange unless it expires
- If you become a permanent resident, you should exchange it eventually
Non-EU/EEA Licence
- Valid for 3 months after registering as a resident
- After 3 months you must exchange or get a Norwegian licence
Exchanging Your Licence
Which Countries Can Exchange Without a Theory or Practical Test?
Norway has exchange agreements with several countries. Requirements vary:
| Country | Theory Test | Practical Test |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA countries | ❌ | ❌ |
| USA | ❌ | ❌ |
| Canada | ❌ | ❌ |
| Australia | ❌ | ❌ |
| Japan | ❌ | ❌ |
| South Korea | ❌ | ❌ |
| Other countries | ✅ | ✅ |
Japan – Special Note
- Japanese licence holders can exchange to a Norwegian licence (class B) without a practical test
- Must have a valid driving licence from Japan
- To drive in Japan with a Norwegian licence: You need an international driving licence
How to Exchange
- Book an appointment at your nearest Statens vegvesen office
- Bring your foreign licence, passport, and proof of residence
- Pay the fee
- Your foreign licence will be kept by Statens vegvesen
Processing Time
- Usually same day to a few days
Getting a Norwegian Licence From Scratch
Process
- Mandatory first aid course
- Mandatory dark driving course
- Theory lessons
- Practical lessons
- Theory test (teoriprøve)
- Practical test (oppkjøring)
Costs
- Total cost: Approximately 25,000–35,000 kr
- Varies depending on how many lessons you need
Age Requirements
- Moped (AM): 16 years
- Car (B): 18 years (17 with accompanied driving)
- Motorcycle (A): 20–24 years depending on class
International Driving Licence
- Apply at Statens vegvesen
- Valid for 1 year
- Required when driving in some countries with a Norwegian licence
Traffic Rules in Norway
Speed Limits
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (sometimes 30 or 40)
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Motorways: 100–110 km/h
Important Rules
- Winter tyres: Mandatory from conditions require it (typically November–April)
- Headlights: Must be on at all times
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.2‰ (very strict)
- Mobile phone: Strictly prohibited while driving
- Seatbelt: Mandatory for all passengers
Toll Roads (Bomring)
- Most major cities have toll rings
- You are charged automatically via AutoPASS
- Register your car at autopass.no to avoid higher fees
- Rental cars are usually registered automatically