Driving Licences in Norway for Visitors & New Arrivals

Can you use a foreign driving licence in Norway? Here's what you need to know about the rules, whether you're visiting or relocating.

Driving in Norway is a great way to explore the country’s scenic landscapes, whether you’re on a short visit or settling in for the long term. But before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to understand the rules around driving licences.

As with many aspects of moving to Norway, the rules around driving licences depend on where your current licence was issued.

Citizens from EU and EEA countries face a simpler process than those from further afield, but short-term visitors from most countries can still drive legally for a limited time.

Driving in Norway with an EU/EEA Licence

If you hold a valid driving licence from an EU or EEA country, you are permitted to drive in Norway without restriction, whether you are here for a holiday or have moved to Norway permanently.

Even though you're permitted to drive, it's very important to know the rules of the road in Norway.

Should you wish to, you can exchange your EU or EEA licence for a Norwegian one. This process does not involve any theory or practical testing, and your new Norwegian licence will be valid in all EU and EEA countries. Your original licence will be returned to the issuing country.

To exchange your licence, you can either visit a Norwegian Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon) in person or submit your application by post. Once approved, you will be issued with a temporary document while you wait for your full Norwegian licence to arrive.

Using a Foreign Licence in Norway

Planning a Norwegian road trip adventure? If you are visiting Norway for a short period, you can use a valid driving licence from any country for up to three months.

This rule applies regardless of whether the licence is from an EU or non-EU country, although age restrictions for vehicle categories must be met. For example, you must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Norway, regardless of the minimum age in your home country.

An international driving permit (IDP) is not compulsory for everyone, but it is strongly recommended if your licence is not written in English or another widely understood European language. The IDP is a translation of your licence and can help avoid confusion during police checks or rental car agreements.

If you are in Norway on a temporary work-related residence permit, your foreign licence can be used for up to six months, provided you carry documentation proving your employment and residence status.

Moving to Norway from Outside the EU/EEA

The process becomes more complex if you plan to stay in Norway long term and your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA. Whether or not you can exchange your foreign licence for a Norwegian one depends on which country issued it.

Countries with Full or Partial Exchange Agreements

Some countries have special agreements with Norway that allow you to exchange your licence, either with or without the need for a practical test.

Without a practical test: If your licence is from Japan or Switzerland, you can exchange it for a Norwegian licence without taking a practical test. This must be done within one year of registering a permanent address in Norway.

With a practical test only: Citizens of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea and the United States can exchange their licence by passing just the practical driving test, without having to sit the theory test or complete the full training programme. This must also be completed within one year of relocation.

If you miss the one-year deadline, you will need to complete mandatory training and pass both a theory test and a practical driving test. You must complete the full process within two years of acquiring a registered address in Norway, or your right to exchange will expire.

All Other Countries

If your licence was issued in a country not listed above, you will not be able to exchange it. Instead, you must obtain a Norwegian driving licence by following the same procedure as a first-time applicant in Norway.

You may be exempt from some of the most basic training if you already have driving experience, but you must still complete all compulsory elements. These include:

• A basic traffic course (if under 25)
• Night driving training
• First aid and accident training
• Hazard awareness sessions (glattkjøring or slippery road training)
• A theory test
• A practical driving test

Once passed, your Norwegian licence will be valid for up to 15 years for light vehicles.

Digital Driving Licence in Norway

Since 2019, Norway has offered a digital driving licence through the Førerkort app, developed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. The app is free to download and provides a legal alternative to carrying the plastic card, so long as you're driving within Norway.

It requires BankID to activate and verify your identity, and displays a scannable QR code that police and other authorities can use to confirm your licence details in real time.

While the digital licence is accepted by police and some businesses, it is not considered a universal form of ID. It also cannot be used abroad, so you must carry your physical licence when travelling outside Norway.

Only one phone can be linked to the app at a time, and your device must be charged and functional if stopped. A temporary digital permit is also issued through the app if you’re waiting for a new licence to arrive.

Summary: Driving in Norway for Foreigners

The rules can be complex, so here's a simplified overview depending on your situation:

Scenario	Can You Drive?	What You Need to Know
Visiting (up to 3 months)	✅ Yes	Use your valid foreign licence. An IDP is recommended if your licence is not in English.
On a short-term work permit (up to 6 months)	✅ Yes	You can drive with your licence, but carry documentation of your employment and residence permit.
Moving from the EU/EEA	✅ Yes	Exchange your licence at any time without tests. Your Norwegian licence will be valid in the EU/EEA.
From Japan or Switzerland	✅ Yes, for 1 year	You can exchange without a test within 12 months of moving. After this, full testing is required.
From USA, Canada, Australia and others	✅ Yes, for 1 year	You can exchange with a practical test within 12 months. After this, full testing and training are required.
From all other countries	✅ Yes, for 3 months	You must pass theory and practical tests, along with mandatory training, to obtain a Norwegian licence.

Driving a Foreign-Registered Car in Norway

If you bring a foreign-registered vehicle to Norway, the rules depend on how long you stay. You can generally use the car for up to one year without any special permit.

If you remain in Norway into a second year, you must apply for a temporary driving permit using form RF‑1330, and you must do this before the end of your first year. After two years, the vehicle will no longer be considered temporary and different rules apply.

I hope this article helps you on your driving adventures. However, for the most up-to-date rules and further details, visit the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) website or speak to staff at your local traffic station.