Exchange of driving licences from Australia, Canada, Israel, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea and the USA
If you have a driving licence from one of these countries, you can exchange it for a Norwegian one. See what criteria your driving licence must meet here.
In order to exchange your driving licence, you must hold a full and complete driving entitlement when you move to Norway and a valid driving entitlement when you apply for exchange.
What you need to do to exchange your driving licence
Submit an application for exchange
You may hand in your application at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office or send it by post. In both cases, you need to submit a completed application form, your original driving licence, and a certificate of residence or documentation of when you moved back to Norway.
You need to book an appointment before you go to a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office.
Have you moved to Norway from abroad?
If you have moved to Norway from abroad, you must provide documentation of the date when you took up normal residence in Norway. This is normally documented with a residence certificate from the Norwegian Tax Administration..
Did you acquire your driving licence during a temporary stay abroad?
If you acquired your driving licence abroad while you were registered with normal residence in Norway, you need to document that you either
- had normal residence in the country that issued your driving licence at the time when the driving licence was issued
or
- acquired your driving licence while living abroad as a student for at least six months
No deadline to apply for an exchange
There is no deadline for you to apply for exchange after you took up normal residence in Norway or moved back after a temporary stay abroad.
Is your driving licence in a different language?
If the text on your driving licence is not English, French or German, you must also submit an international driving licence or an approved translation into Norwegian.
Temporary driving permit
Normally, a driving licence from a country outside the EEA is valid for driving in Norway for up to three months after you came to Norway. If you submit an application for exchange within this period, you may be entitled to a temporary driving permit. If so, you need to present valid proof of identity at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office.
Do you need to submit an eyesight or health certificate?
You need to submit an eyesight certificate if you
- are exchanging light categories (motorcycles and cars) and you have impaired vision or there are other issues with your eyesight. You will be asked about this under the Personal Health Statement when you fill out the application form for exchange.
You need to submit a health certificate if you
- are exchanging heavy driving licence categories (lorry and bus categories) or
- are exchanging light categories (motorcycles and cars), and you have a health impairment that may affect road safety. You will be asked about this under the Personal Health Statement when you fill out the application form for exchange.
You will receive a decision letter
Once we have received your application, it normally takes up to four weeks for us to process it.
We will send the decision letter to your digital postbox. If you have opted out of receiving digital post, you will receive the decision by regular post.
If your application is granted, you will be informed in our decision letter how to proceed.
Passing a theory test and practical driving test for passenger cars
If your application is granted, you will need to pass a theory test and a practical driving test.
There is no limit to how many times you can take the theory test. You have two attempts to pass the practical driving test. If you have not passed the practical driving test after two attempts, you will not be able to exchange your driving licence for Category B. If you still wish to have a Norwegian Category B driving licence, you must then complete mandatory training in the regular way. See our website for more information about how to get a driving licence.
Once your application for exchange is granted, you have two years to pass the tests. If time runs out, you can re-apply. In the event of a new application, all attempts you have previously made at passing the practical driving test will be counted in. If you have already failed once, you will only have one remaining attempt.
If you have not been able to complete the exchange, and then later have emigrated from Norway, previous attempts at the driving test will not count when you submit a new application. You will then start a new exchange process from scratch.
Ordering a licence and completing the exchange
You should book a session for the theory test for Category B (passenger cars). You take the test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon).
At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office
When you present yourself for the theory test, you will have to show valid proof of identity and pay the fee for the theory test. You will also need to take and pay for a photo for your driving licence.
Eyesight test
If you were not told in the decision letter granting you an exchange that you must submit an eyesight or health certificate, you must take an eyesight test when you come to take the theory test.
Taking the theory test
In the test room, you answer the questions on a computer. You can ask for headphones if you want the questions and answer options read out aloud in Norwegian. For this you should select the language Norwegian Bokmål.
Language
You can take the theory test for Category B in Norwegian (Bokmål or Nynorsk), Sami, English, Sorani, Arabic (MSA) or Turkish.
Assisted theory test for special needs candidates
You may apply for an assisted theory test - a theory test for special needs candidates - if you have difficulties reading and understanding the questions. During an assisted theory test, there will be an examiner present. The examiner can help you understand the questions. You can also apply to use an interpreter if you find it difficult to understand the languages in which the theory test is available.
After the theory test
You will get the result displayed on the screen immediately after completing the test. You can there review the questions you have answered incorrectly. The result of the test will also be sent to you along with a summary of your answers under the various topics.
If you fail the theory test
If you fail the theory test, you need to wait two weeks before you can take a new test. When you present yourself for the new test, you need to show valid proof of identity and pay a new test fee.
When you have passed the theory test
When you have passed the theory test, you can order a practical driving test. You take your driving test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon). You can either authorise your driving school to book a test session for you or you can book the test yourself.
Before you can take the driving test
You may book a session for the practical driving test when
- you have passed the theory test
- the police have approved your conduct history
- you have submitted an eyesight or health certificate, if required
Conduct history is checked routinely. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration asks the police to do this check when you have applied for an exchange. Processing time with the police is normally up to four weeks, but it may also take longer.
Payment for the driving test
When you book a session for the practical driving test, you will be given a deadline for how late the session may be cancelled. Once the cancellation deadline has expired, you will receive an SMS saying that you can pay for the test on Your Page. You can also pay for the test when you come to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office, but this will be more expensive.
If you cancel a session less than two business days before the test, you will have to pay for the session.
Taking the practical driving test
When you arrive for your practical driving test, you will have to present valid proof of identity. You have to provide a vehicle for the test yourself. The vehicle you use for your practical driving test must be approved by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and must be rented from a driving school.
The test lasts up to 75 minutes and is divided into three parts:
- Preparing the vehicle
- Safety check. You will be given a randomly selected question/task, for example on testing the brakes or refilling windscreen washer fluid.
- Driving. The drive itself is the most extensive part and it follows a predetermined route. Your examiner will provide you with directions as you go.
You must drive and solve the tasks you are given without assistance. The test will, to the extent that this is possible, be assessed as a whole. It is you who are the driver, and who are responsible for what is done during the test.
Taking the driving test with manual or automatic transmission
If you pass your driving test with a manual transmission car, your Norwegian driving licence will allow you to drive cars with both transmission systems.
If you pass your driving test with automatic transmission, you will get a driving licence with a code showing that you may only drive vehicles with automatic transmission. If you later need to drive cars with manual transmission, you will have to take a new driving test with a manual transmission car.
After the practical driving test
As soon as the test is over, you will be told whether you passed or not, and you will be given a written statement explaining the decision made.
If you fail the practical driving test
If you fail the practical test at the first attempt, you will have to wait four weeks before you can take the next and final test. When you present yourself for the final test, you need to show valid proof of identity and pay a new test fee.
Passing a theory test and practical driving test for motorcycles
If your application is granted, you will need to pass a theory test and a practical driving test (riding test).
There is no limit to how many times you can take the theory test. You have two attempts to pass the practical driving test. If you have not passed the practical driving test after two attempts, you will not be able to exchange your driving licence for motorcycles. If you still wish to have a driving licence for Category A, A1 or A2, you will then need to complete mandatory training in the regular way. See our website for more information about how to get a driving licence.
Once your application for exchange is granted, you have two years to pass the tests. If time runs out, you can re-apply. In the event of a new application, all attempts you have previously made at passing the practical driving test will be counted in. If you have already failed once, you will only have one remaining attempt.
If you have not been able to complete the exchange, and then later have emigrated from Norway, previous attempts at the driving test will not count when you submit a new application. You will then start a new exchange process from scratch.
Ordering a licence and completing the exchange
You should book a session for the theory test for motorcycles (A categories). You take the test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon).
At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office
When you present yourself for the theory test, you will have to show valid proof of identity and pay the fee for the theory test. You will also need to take and pay for a photo for your driving licence. Eyesight test If you were not told in the decision letter granting you an exchange that you must submit an eyesight or health certificate, you must take an eyesight test when you come to take the theory test.
Taking the theory test
In the test room, you answer the questions on a computer. You can ask for headphones if you want the questions and answer options read out aloud in Norwegian. For this you should select the language Norwegian Bokmål.
Language
For the A categories you can take the theory test in Norwegian (Bokmål) or English. You can change your language preference during the test.
Assisted theory test for special needs candidates
You may apply for an assisted theory test - a theory test for special needs candidates - if you have difficulties reading and understanding the questions. During an assisted theory test, there will be an examiner present. The examiner can help you understand the questions. You can also apply to use an interpreter if you find it difficult to understand the languages in which the theory test is available.
After the theory test
You will get the result displayed on the screen immediately after completing the test. You can there review the questions you have answered incorrectly. The result of the test will also be sent to you along with a summary of your answers under the various topics.
If you fail the theory test
If you fail the theory test, you need to wait two weeks before you can take a new test. When you present yourself for the new test, you need to show valid proof of identity and pay a new test fee.
When you have passed the theory test
When you have passed the theory test, you can order a practical driving test. You take your driving test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon). You can either authorise your driving school to book a test session for you or you can book the test yourself.
Before you can take the driving test
You may book a session for the practical driving test when
- you have passed the theory test
- the police have approved your conduct history
- you have submitted an eyesight or health certificate, if required
Conduct history is checked routinely. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration asks the police to do this check when you have applied for an exchange. Processing time with the police is normally up to four weeks, but it may also take longer.
Payment for the driving test
When you book a session for the practical driving test, you will be given a deadline for how late the session may be cancelled. Once the cancellation deadline has expired, you will receive an SMS saying that you can pay for the test on Your Page. You can also pay for the test when you come to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office, but this will be more expensive.
If you cancel a session less than two business days before the test, you will have to pay for the session.
Taking the practical driving test
When you arrive for your practical driving test, you will have to present valid proof of identity. You have to provide a vehicle for the test yourself. The motorcycle you use for your practical driving test (riding test) must be approved by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and must be rented from a driving school.
The test lasts up to 65 minutes and is divided into three parts:
- Preparing the vehicle
- Safety check. You will be given randomly selected questions/tasks, for example on testing the brakes
- Driving. The drive itself is the most extensive part and it follows a predetermined route. Your examiner will provide you with directions as you go.
You must drive and solve the tasks you are given without assistance. The test will, to the extent that this is possible, be assessed as a whole. It is you who are the driver, and who are responsible for what is done during the test.
Taking the driving test with manual or automatic transmission
If you pass your driving test with a manual transmission motorcycle, your Norwegian driving licence will allow you to drive motorcycles with both transmission systems. If you pass your driving test with automatic transmission, you will get a driving licence with a code showing that you may only drive vehicles with automatic transmission. If you later need to drive motorcycles with manual transmission, you will have to take a new driving test with a manual transmission motorcycle.
After the practical driving test
As soon as the test is over, you will be told whether you passed or not, and you will be given a written statement explaining the decision made.
If you fail the practical driving test
If you fail the practical test at the first attempt, you will have to wait four weeks before you can take the next and final test. When you present yourself for the final test, you need to show valid proof of identity and pay a new test fee.
Passing the practical driving test for passenger cars with trailers, or lorry and bus categories.
If your application is granted, you will need to pass a practical driving test. If you hold more than one of these categories, you only need to pass the highest category.
The highest category will be, in ascending order: BE, C1E/D1E, C1E/D1E, C, D, DE, CE.
You have two attempts to pass the practical driving test. If you have not passed the practical driving test after two attempts, you will not be able to exchange your driving licence. If you still wish to acquire a Norwegian driving licence for these categories, you will need to complete mandatory training in the regular way. See our website for more information about how to get a driving licence.
Once your application for exchange is granted, you have two years to pass the practical driving test. If time runs out, you can re-apply. In the event of a new application, all attempts you have previously made at passing the practical driving test will be counted in. If you have already failed once, you will only have one remaining attempt.
If you have not been able to complete the exchange, and then later have emigrated from Norway, previous attempts at the driving test will not count when you submit a new application. You will then start a new exchange process from scratch.
Ordering a licence and completing the exchange
You take your driving test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon). You can either authorise your driving school to book a test session for you or you can book the test yourself.
Before you can take the driving test
You can book a session for the practical driving test when you have submitted a health certificate.
Payment for the driving test
When you book a session for the practical driving test, you will be given a deadline for how late the session may be cancelled. Once the cancellation deadline has expired, you will receive an SMS saying that you can pay for the test on Your Page. You can also pay for the test when you come to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office, but this will be more expensive.
If you cancel a session less than two business days before the test, you will have to pay for the session.
Taking the practical driving test
When you arrive for your practical driving test, you will have to present valid proof of identity. You have to provide a vehicle for the test yourself. The vehicle you use for your practical driving test must be approved by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and must be rented from a driving school.
The test lasts for 65 -75 minutes, depending on the category you are being tested in, and is divided into three parts
- Preparing the vehicle
- Safety check. You will be given a randomly selected question/task, for example on testing the brakes or refilling windscreen washer fluid.
- Driving. The drive itself is the most extensive part and it follows a predetermined route. Your examiner will provide you with directions as you go.
You must drive and solve the tasks you are given without assistance. The test will, to the extent that this is possible, be assessed as a whole. It is you who are the driver, and who are responsible for what is done during the test.
Taking the driving test with manual or automatic transmission
If you pass your driving test with a manual transmission vehicle, your Norwegian driving licence will allow you to drive cars and relevant bus and lorry categories with both transmission systems. If you pass your driving test with automatic transmission, and you already hold a Category B licence for manual transmission, you will also be able to drive vehicles with both transmission systems.
If you pass your driving test with automatic transmission, and you already hold a Category B licence that is restricted to automatic transmission, you will get a driving licence with a code showing that you may only drive vehicles with automatic transmission. If you later need to drive vehicles with manual transmission, you will have to take a new driving test with manual transmission.
After the practical driving test
As soon as the test is over, you will be told whether you passed or not, and you will be given a written statement explaining the decision made.
If you fail the practical driving test
If you fail the practical test at the first attempt, you will have to wait four weeks before you can take the next and final test. When you present yourself for the final test, you need to show valid proof of identity and pay a new test fee.
If you have licence categories corresponding to more than one of the categories BE, C1, D1, C1E, D1E, C, D, DE and CE on your foreign driving licence, and you fail the first test, your final attempt at the test can only be made in the same or in a lower category. For example, if you have licence categories corresponding to BE, C1 and C, and you fail the first test in Category C1, your final test at can only be taken in Category BE or C1.
Ordering a Norwegian driving licence
When you have passed your driving test, you need to order a Norwegian driving licence before you are allowed to drive.
You should order your driving licence at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office. You need to book an appointment before you go to a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office.
In order for you to exchange your driving licence, it must meet certain criteria.
These criteria must be met
You must hold a full and complete driving entitlement when you move to Norway.
The entitlements your foreign driving licence gives you must be the same as those a Norwegian driving licence in the corresponding category will give you.
This means, among other things, that your foreign driving entitlement should allow you to
- drive whenever and wherever you want
- decide for yourself who you will bring along as a passenger when you drive
- upgrade your licence to include other categories of your choice
You must have completed all training and tests for the driving licence category, in the country in which the driving licence was issued.
Many countries, including the United States and Canada, have a system with graduated driver licensing. For example, an American “Provisional Driver’s License” will often give the holder a restricted driving entitlement compared to a Norwegian driving licence in the same category. If your licence had such restrictions at the time when you left the issuing country, it cannot be exchanged for a Norwegian driving licence.
If your foreign driving licence has restrictions, but you still believe that you held a full and complete driving entitlement at the time when you left the issuing country, you need to present a written, stamped and signed confirmation from the driver licensing authorities in the issuing country. The confirmation must include your full name and driving licence number, and be stamped and signed by the driving licence authorities in the issuing country.
The confirmation should clearly state that all restrictions had expired (ceased to apply) by the time when you moved to Norway. This applies, for example, to restrictions related to
- when, where and with whom you may drive
- upgrading to include other licence categories
- remaining training or tests to be completed
Your driving entitlement must be valid when you apply for exchange
If the term of validity of your driving entitlement has expired when you apply for exchange, but you believe that you still hold a valid driving entitlement in the country where your driving licence was issued, you need to present confirmation from the driver licensing authorities in the issuing country that you still hold a valid driving entitlement in that country.
The confirmation document must include
- your driving licence number
- your name
- your date of birth
The document must be dated, signed and stamped by the driver licensing authority in the issuing country.
If you acquired your driving licence while living abroad temporarily as a student, you must be able to document your stay
If you have normal residence in Norway and acquired your driving licence while living abroad temporarily as a student in a country outside the EEA from which driving licences may be exchanged, the following applies: You need to provide documentation of your stay abroad as a student, including a start date and an end date. The start date and end date must cover the period when you acquired your driving licence. The documentation may, for example, be a confirmation from your school or university in the issuing country or in Norway.
If you use a diploma or transcript of results as documentation, it must contain the start and end dates. You must also document your return journey at the end of the stay, for example by a copy of your flight ticket.