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Driving licenceNorway

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Norway. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Norway

22. Driving licence

A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.

Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.

Front of a Norwegian driving licence.
Wikimedia.org • CC0
Which driving-licence entitlement is needed for an ordinary car in Norway?

In Norway, an ordinary passenger car generally falls under category B, subject to the vehicle and trailer rules. A different entitlement may be needed for motorcycles, heavy vehicles, trailers or passenger transport.

🔗 vegvesen.no • Norwegian Public Roads Administration — passenger car category B

Can a visitor drive in Norway using a driving licence issued abroad?

A valid, full EU/EEA licence is generally recognised for the categories it covers, subject to local conditions. Other foreign licences, learner permits and residents can be subject to different rules; check the national licensing authority.

🔗 vegvesen.no • Norwegian Public Roads Administration — valid EU/EEA driving licences, recognised categories and Norwegian conditions

🔗 vegvesen.no • Vegvesen — ordinary car category B, separate licence/vehicle scope

Does an International Driving Permit replace the original licence in Norway?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone driving licence. Where it is recognised or required, carry the underlying valid licence as well and check the accepted convention or translation requirements. An IDP cannot override a suspension, unsuitable vehicle category or local minimum age.

🔗 vegvesen.no • Norwegian Public Roads Administration — non-EU/EEA licence and additional IDP/translation conditions

🔗 vegvesen.no • Vegvesen — ordinary car category B, separate licence/vehicle scope

1 Norway 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Tunnel 6 Speed bump 7 Slope 8 Bus lane 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Priority road 12 Railway crossing 13 School area 14 Crossing animals 15 Rockfall 16 Aircraft 17 Curve 18 Roadworks 19 Radar speed sign 20 Traffic lights 21 Traffic lights warning 22 Driving licence 23 Cycling route 24 Parking 25 No parking 26 Parking disc 27 Reversing 28 Horse riding 29 City limit 30 Licence plate 31 Charging station 32 Dangers 33 Truck 34 Bus 35 Police 36 Ambulance 37 Taxi 38 European emission standard 39 Pothole 40 Path 41 Particulates 42 Air pollution 43 Rush hour 44 Road code 45 Street gutter 46 Cargo bike 47 Forestry vehicle 48 Construction vehicle 49 Semi-trailer truck 50 Trolleybus 51 Speed pedelec 52 Delivery vehicle 53 Idling 54 Tow truck 55 Four-wheel drive 56 Bicycle 57 Motorcycle equipment 58 Rail track 59 Caravan 60 Trailer 61 Tow hitch 62 Fire truck 63 Siren 64 Convoy 65 Emergency vehicle lighting 66 Agricultural machinery 67 Electric bicycle 68 Electric vehicle 69 Pedelec 70 Quadricycle 71 Microcar 72 All-terrain vehicle 73 Van 74 Recreational vehicle 75 Scooter 76 Trikke 77 Personal mobility device 78 Skateboard 79 Segway 80 Kick scooter 81 Roller skates 82 Mailman 83 Hitchhiker 84 Toddler 85 Child 86 Disability 87 Snowmobile 88 Motorail 89 km/h 90 mph 91 Speedometer 92 Ride height 93 Dirt road 94 Driving 95 Start-stop system 96 Manual transmission 97 Automatic transmission 98 Throttle 99 Tachometer 100 Steering wheel ...