Do you need an International Driving Permit in Norway?

Norway and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Norway

Norway applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Norway

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Norway

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Norway, for stays of up to 90 days.

Blood alcohol limit

0.02%

Emergency services

police 112, ambulance 113, fire 110

Common questions about driving in Norway

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Norway?

Up to 3 years. Norway joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 1 April 1985 by ratification, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Norway on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Norway for up to 90 days." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Norway's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Norway?

Reach police on 112, ambulance on 113, fire on 110. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Norway. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

What is the drink-drive limit in Norway?

0.02% blood alcohol. That is lower than many drivers expect, and a single drink can put you over it.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Norway?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.