Can I drive in Norway with a US driving licence?
The three-month rule, international permits and moving to Norway.
Short answer
Yes, you can drive in Norway with a valid US driving licence for up to three months after you arrive. An international driving permit is needed only in limited cases, for example if the licence has no photo. If you move to Norway, the three months count from your registration in the National Population Register.
Why
- The US State Department says US driving licences are valid in Norway for drivers aged 18 and for up to three months after arrival.
- Statens vegvesen says you need an international driving licence alongside your own if, for example, the licence has no photo or uses a non-Latin alphabet.
- The USA is on Statens vegvesen's list of countries whose licences can be exchanged for a Norwegian one, together with Australia, Canada, Israel, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino and South Korea.
Details
After moving, you can exchange a US licence for a Norwegian one, but for a car licence you must pass a theory test and a practical driving test, with two attempts at the practical test. There is no deadline for applying, but you may only drive on the US licence for the first three months.
Tip
If you are unsure whether your licence meets the conditions, get an international driving permit at home before you travel and carry it together with your licence.
What may differ
With a residence permit and an employment contract of more than three months, you can drive on a non-EU/EEA licence for up to six months, carrying both documents. A US provisional licence with restrictions often cannot be exchanged.
People also ask
- Can Americans drive in Norway?
- Can you drive in Norway with an American licence?
Sources
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Using a driving licence from a non-EU/EEA country in NorwayChecked at:
- U.S. Department of State: Norway international travel informationChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Exchanging a driving licence from a country outside the EU/EEAChecked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Exchange of licences from Australia, Canada, Israel, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea and the USAChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen before you travel.
Driving in Norway with a national licenceRelated questions
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Are Norway's mountain roads open in May, or is it too early for a road trip?
Some seasonal mountain roads in Norway are open by May, but others, such as Trollstigen and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, have opened as late as June in previous years.
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Has Norway banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars?
No, Norway has not banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, but it has a political goal that all new passenger cars should be zero-emission by 2025.
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Can other electric cars use Tesla Superchargers in Norway?
Yes, most Tesla Supercharger stations in Norway are now open to other electric cars with a CCS charging port, and you start and pay for charging in the Tesla app.
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Can I get E5 or 98 octane petrol in Norway?
Yes, you can still buy 98 octane petrol labelled 98 E5 in several places in Norway, but every pump marked 95 now sells E10 with up to 10 percent ethanol.