Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Norwegian one

If you are going to live in Norway and already hold a driving licence from another country, you may wonder whether you can keep driving or need a Norwegian licence. Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Norwegian one follows different rules depending on whether the licence was issued in the EU/EEA or in a country outside that area. The rules determine both how long you may drive on the old licence and whether you have to take tests at the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

Table of contents

• EU/EEA licences
• Licences from countries outside the EU/EEA
• Deadlines for driving on a foreign licence
• How to apply for an exchange
• When you have to take a test again

EU/EEA licences

If you hold a valid licence issued in an EU/EEA country, you may as a rule drive in Norway for as long as the licence is valid. So you do not have to exchange it straight away. Many people still choose to switch to a Norwegian licence because it is practical when the licence needs renewing, or because the Norwegian authorities then have your details on record.

Exchanging an EU/EEA licence is easier than exchanging one from other countries. For class B, no new theory test or driving test is normally required – you hand in the foreign licence and receive an equivalent Norwegian one. You must meet the health and vision requirements for your class.

• The licence must be genuine and valid
• You must have permanent residence in Norway
• You must meet the current health and vision requirements
• The old licence is kept by the Norwegian authorities on exchange

Read more about the different driving licence classes and what is required in health and vision requirements .

Licences from countries outside the EU/EEA

For licences from countries outside the EU/EEA the rules are stricter, and they vary from country to country. Some countries have an agreement with Norway that makes exchange easier, while others require you to take a full test. In general:

Always check which category your issuing country falls into before you plan. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration keeps up-to-date lists, and you can find many of the services at the Public Roads Administration .

Deadlines for driving on a foreign licence

How long you may drive on the foreign licence in Norway again depends on where it was issued:

1. EU/EEA licence: can be used for as long as it is valid, even after you have moved to Norway.
2. Licence from a country outside the EU/EEA: can usually be used for a limited period after you take up permanent residence in Norway. After this period you must have exchanged it or obtained a Norwegian licence to drive legally.

It is important to start the exchange in good time, especially if a test is required, because it can take a while to get an appointment. If you are going to drive abroad in the meantime, you should read up on the rules for driving abroad .

How to apply for an exchange

The procedure for exchanging a foreign licence follows a few fixed steps:

1. Check which rules apply to your issuing country.
2. Book an appointment at a traffic station.
3. Bring valid identification, the foreign driving licence and, if needed, a translation if the licence is not in a Nordic language or English.
4. Complete the required self-declaration about your health, with a medical certificate if necessary.
5. Take a test if one is required for your country.
6. Receive your Norwegian driving licence once the application is approved.

Keep receipts and confirmations along the way. If you should later lose your licence , having the documentation in order makes the job easier.

When you have to take a test again

Whether you have to take a test depends on the issuing country:

• No test: Valid EU/EEA licences for class B are usually exchanged without a test.
• Driving test: Some countries with an agreement require a driving test, but not necessarily a theory test.
• Full test: Licences from countries without an agreement, or expired licences, may require both a theory test and a driving test – in practice nearly the whole process for a Norwegian class B licence .

If you have to take the theory test again, it pays to practise well in advance. Try a free theory test and use the Eteo app to train steadily towards the theory test, so you are confident with signs, rules and risk on the day. Remember also to keep your licence up to date later – see how to renew your licence .