Driving License in Norway for Expats
Complete guide for foreigners getting a driving license
Quick Answer: Can you drive in Norway with a foreign license?
Yes, for 3 months from residency (non-EU). After that, you must convert to a Norway license. The official test is only in Norwegian (Bokmål), but you can practice in English with AutoviaTest.
Key Facts: Norway Driving License for Expats
| Test Authority | SVV (Statens vegvesen (Norwegian Public Roads Administration)) |
| Official Test Language | Norwegian (Bokmål), Norwegian (Nynorsk) |
| Grace Period | 3 months from residency (non-EU) |
| Theory Test Required | Yes (if no exchange agreement) |
| Practical Test Required | Yes (if no exchange agreement) |
| Medical Exam | Required |
| Total Cost | NOK 1,500-3,000 (exchange) or NOK 25,000-40,000 (full test - most expensive in Europe) |
| Processing Time | 2-6 weeks |
Official test only in Norwegian (Bokmål)?
Practice in English first with AutoviaTest. Learn all the rules and questions before taking the official test.
🇳🇴 Practice Norway Test in EnglishEligibility by Nationality
🇪🇺 EU/EEA Citizens
EU/EEA licenses valid for driving in Norway. Must exchange if from non-EU country within 3 months.
🇺🇸🇬🇧 US/UK Citizens
USA/UK: Full test required including theory, practical, dark driving course, and slippery road course.
🌍 Other Non-EU Citizens
Must exchange within 3 months of establishing residency. Exchange agreements with EU/EEA, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea.
🎓 Students
Can use foreign license during studies with valid IDP. Must convert if staying permanently.
License Exchange Agreements
✅ Direct Exchange (No Test Required)
EU/EEA countries, Iceland, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea
❌ No Agreement (Full Test Required)
USA, UK, Canada, Australia - must take full tests including mandatory courses
Required Documents
- ✓D-number or Norwegian personal number
- ✓Valid residence permit
- ✓Original foreign license
- ✓Health declaration
- ✓Passport photos
Costs Breakdown
| Conversion/Exam Fee | NOK 370 (exchange) |
| Medical Exam | Included in health declaration |
| Translation | Not usually required |
| Total Estimated | NOK 1,500-3,000 (exchange) or NOK 25,000-40,000 (full test - most expensive in Europe) |
Tips for Expats in Norway
- 💡Test ONLY in Norwegian - practice in English is essential
- 💡Most EXPENSIVE driving license in Europe (NOK 25,000-40,000 for full test)
- 💡Mandatory dark driving course (mørkekjøring) required for full test
- 💡Mandatory slippery road course (glattkjøring) required for full test
- 💡Very strict DUI laws - 0.02% BAC limit
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Norwegian driving test in English?
Why is the Norwegian driving license so expensive?
What is the dark driving course?
How long can I drive in Norway with my foreign license?
Ready to Practice?
Start practicing for your Norway driving test in English.