Iceland Driving Test
Pass First Time

Iceland's driving licence system is run by Samgöngustofa — the Icelandic Transport Authority — and uniquely tests skills that no other European country covers: gravel-road handling, midnight sun driving, and single-lane bridge etiquette. Here's the 2-minute breakdown. [0:06 Theory Test Format] Iceland's theory test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 45 correctly to pass — a 90% threshold. It's available in Icelandic, English, Polish, and several other languages. You're tested on both standard European road rules and Iceland-specific hazards like sudden weather, loose gravel, and wildlife on the road. [0:20 Cost of an Icelandic Licence] Expect to pay roughly 270,000 to 400,000 Icelandic krónur — around €1,800 to €2,700 — for your licence. That includes mandatory classroom lessons at an approved ökuskóli (driving school), practical driving lessons, the medical check, and Samgöngustofa exam fees. Unlike some countries, there's no shortcut: all lessons at a registered ökuskóli are mandatory. [0:35 Icelandic Speed Limits] Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel rural roads, and 90 km/h on paved rural roads — Iceland is one of the only countries where gravel is a distinct legal speed category. There are no motorways above 90 km/h anywhere in the country. [0:47 Traffic Fines] Fines are among the steepest in Europe per offence. Speeding 21 to 30 km/h over the limit is around 30,000 krónur. Using a phone while driving is 40,000. No seatbelt is 20,000. Drink-driving above the 0.05% BAC limit triggers an automatic minimum 20-day licence suspension and fines starting at 100,000 krónur. [1:02 Key Road Rules] Iceland drives on the right. Headlights must be on 24 hours a day, year-round. Off-road driving is strictly illegal and carries heavy fines — Iceland's fragile volcanic soil takes decades to recover from tyre damage. Winter tyres are legally required from November to mid-April. [1:14 Step-by-Step Licence Process] The process: pick an approved ökuskóli, complete mandatory classroom training, pass the 50-question theory exam, take practical lessons, and pass the driving test with a Samgöngustofa examiner. Minimum age is 17 for Class B. Full licensing typically takes 3 to 4 months. [1:29 Emergency Numbers] Iceland uses 112 for all emergencies — police, ambulance, and fire. Rescue services (Landsbjörg) are also reached through 112. The tourist emergency line SafeTravel is 1717. [1:37 Driving Myths vs Facts] Myth: you can drive on any road with a regular rental car. Fact: F-roads — marked with the letter F — legally require a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, and driving a 2WD car on them voids your insurance. Myth: the theory test is just European basics. Fact: Iceland-specific questions on gravel, wildlife, and single-lane bridges are common and frequently fail unprepared drivers. Practice the full Samgöngustofa question bank for free on AutoviaTest to prepare for your Icelandic theory exam.