🚗 Can you drive in Norway with a national driving licence: rules, tips and important details

A car is the best way to travel around Norway: it gives you freedom and the opportunity to discover incredible places that are inaccessible by public transport. However, tourists often wonder whether they can drive in Norway with their national driving licence or whether they need to obtain an international driving licence. In this article, we will examine this issue in detail and answer the 10 most frequently asked questions from tourists. You will also find useful links to the following blog sections: ‘Transport, roads, car rental’, ‘Useful tips for tourists’, ‘Safety, sustainable tourism and accessibility’ and other categories.

❓10 FAQs about driving licences in Norway

1. Can you drive in Norway with a national driving licence?

Yes, tourists can drive a car in Norway with a national driving licence if it was issued in a country that signed the Vienna Convention (1968) and the information on it is duplicated in Latin characters. It is advisable to supplement licences in Russian or another language (without Latin characters or an English translation) with an international driving permit (IDP). In practice, car rental companies usually accept national licences with Latin characters or an English translation. If your licence is only in Cyrillic, be sure to obtain an international licence. It is important that your national licence is valid for the entire duration of the car rental and trip. For useful tips on renting a car and traffic rules, see the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

2. When and why do you need an international driving permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your national driving licence into several languages. In Norway, it is not strictly required if you have a national driving licence with a Latin translation.

However, many travel companies and car rental companies strongly recommend that you have an IDP to avoid any misunderstandings on the road or when dealing with local authorities, especially in remote areas. An IDP will also help speed up the car rental process. Obtaining an international driving licence is easy: it is issued in your country on the basis of your national licence and is valid for 3 years. Tips on how to obtain an IDP are described in detail in the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

3. What are the age and experience requirements for driving a car in Norway?

The minimum age for driving a car in Norway is 18, but most car rental companies set an age limit of 21 to 25 (depending on the class of car). For premium and SUV rentals, the driver must usually be at least 25 years old. Companies also require at least one year of driving experience. If the driver is under 25, rental companies may charge an additional fee. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of the company you choose before renting. Useful tips on renting a car and choosing a company can be found in the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

4. What documents are required to rent a car in Norway?

To rent a car in Norway, you will need:

• National driving licence (in Latin) or international driving permit (IDP).
• International passport.
• Credit or debit card with sufficient funds to cover the deposit.
• Car reservation confirmation (if you booked in advance).

Make sure that your documents are valid for the entire rental period. It is also advisable to have medical insurance and documents confirming your financial solvency. For details on the documents required for car rental, please refer to the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

5. How long can I drive with my national driving licence in Norway?

Tourists can drive with their national driving licence for the entire duration of their Schengen visa or visa-free stay (usually up to 90 days). If you plan to stay in Norway for more than 90 days (e.g. for work or study), you will need to obtain a Norwegian driving licence. For short-term visits, there will be no problems using your national licence. Useful tips for long-term travel can be found in the ‘Work & Life’ section.

6. What are the special features of driving in Norway?

Important features:

• Speed limits are strictly enforced (50 km/h in towns, 80–90 km/h outside built-up areas).
• There are many toll roads and tunnels (payment via AutoPASS or online after the trip).
• It is mandatory to drive with headlights on at all times.
• There are severe penalties for traffic violations.
• Narrow mountain roads require careful driving.

Detailed driving rules, fines and tips are described in the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

7. Do I need to book a car in advance for a trip to Norway?

Yes, it is advisable to book a car in advance, especially in summer (June-August) and winter (Northern Lights season).

Booking in advance allows you to choose a car at the best price and with suitable rental conditions. It is best to book a car 2–4 months before your trip to avoid high prices and a lack of available options. For more information on car booking and useful tips, see the ‘Planning & Budget’ section.

8. Can I use car sharing in Norway with a foreign driving licence?

Car sharing is less common in Norway than traditional car rental. Foreign driving licences are usually accepted by car sharing services (e.g. ShareNow) if they comply with international standards (Latin alphabet or IDP). However, please check the terms and conditions of the specific operator in advance.

For more information on car sharing and car rental, see the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

9. What should I do if I lose my driving licence in Norway?

If you lose your driving licence, contact the police immediately and obtain a certificate of loss. Then contact your country's consulate or embassy to obtain temporary documents. If you have rented a car, immediately inform the rental company of the situation. For useful tips on what to do in an emergency, see the section ‘Safety, sustainable tourism and accessibility’.

10. Is it worth insuring a car in Norway?

Yes, insurance is compulsory and included in the basic rental price. We also recommend collision damage waiver (CDW), theft insurance and extended insurance (SuperCover), which covers the excess. This will protect you from major financial costs in the event of an accident or damage to the car. For more information on car insurance, please refer to the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

Make sure you have your driving documents in order and follow our recommendations — then your road trip in Norway will be a success.