Renew a class B driving licence – deadline, medical certificate and price

A driving licence does not last forever. For most car drivers the right is granted in periods of 15 years, and when that date approaches you have to renew your class B driving licence. The driving right itself does not disappear – it is the physical card that has an expiry date. In this guide we cover the deadline, validity period, when you need a medical certificate, what renewal costs and what to do if the card has already expired.

Table of contents

• When must you renew?
• Validity period for class B
• Do you need a medical certificate?
• Price and what is included
• How to renew step by step
• If the licence has expired

When must you renew?

Renewal becomes relevant when the validity period on the card runs out. You will find the expiry date on the back of the licence, in the field for class B. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) usually sends a reminder in good time, but the responsibility for renewing on time rests with you as the licence holder.

You can start the renewal several months before the card expires, so it is wise to be early – especially if you need a vision test or a medical certificate. Your driving right remains even if the card expires, but you cannot drive legally with an expired card.

Validity period for class B

The validity period depends on age and health. A normal class B card is issued for up to 15 years. From a certain age the validity is shortened, and a medical certificate is required for each renewal.

The table is indicative. The specific age limits and periods are set by the authorities and may be adjusted, so always check what it says on your own card and with Statens vegvesen. The general health and vision requirements apply regardless of age.

Do you need a medical certificate?

For most younger and middle-aged drivers the answer is no – you renew without a visit to the doctor. A requirement for a medical certificate mainly arises in two cases:

1. You have passed the age limit where a certificate is required at renewal.
2. You have a health condition that affects your driving ability, for example vision, heart or use of certain medicines.

The medical certificate is filled in by your doctor after an examination that, among other things, looks at vision and general fitness. If you use medicines that can affect driving, it is also relevant to read about medicines and driving ability . For older drivers the topic is expanded in the article on older drivers and health .

Price and what is included

Renewal does not cost very much. You pay a fee to Statens vegvesen for issuing a new card, plus a small addition if you have to take a new passport photo at the traffic station. If a medical certificate is required, you also pay the doctor’s fee for the consultation.

The exact amounts change from year to year, so find the current rates before you turn up. You can read more about which tasks you handle where in the overview of Statens vegvesen services .

How to renew step by step

The procedure is simple once you know the order:

1. Check the expiry date on the back of the card.
2. Clarify whether you need a medical certificate (age or health).
3. Obtain a certificate from the doctor if required.
4. Book an appointment at the traffic station, or start the process online where possible.
5. Take a new passport photo and confirm your details.
6. Pay the fee and receive the new card by post.

While you wait for the physical card, you can in many cases use the digital driving licence as valid documentation within Norway. Remember that a digital licence is not always accepted abroad.

If the licence has expired

An expired card does not mean you have lost your driving right, but you no longer have valid documentation and cannot drive legally until you renew. You renew in the same way as above, but you cannot use the car while the card is invalid.

If you wonder about the age limits for class B, you will find answers in the article on the age limit for a class B licence . If you are taking your licence for the first time, the whole process is covered in the guide how to get a class B driving licence . Remember that a passed theory test has a limited validity along the way.

If you need a brand-new card with a new class, it can also be useful to see the overview of driving licence classes .

Still need to pass the theory? Test yourself with a free theory test and keep practising in the Eteo app until you are confident and ready for the theory exam.