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-   -   Drivers License in Norway (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/drivers-license-in-norway-1013399/)

anjun May 5th, 2014 03:52 AM

Drivers License in Norway
 
I am renting a car for the Lofotens, and maybe for the Fjords, I read in Rough Guide that you need an international license to drive in Norway. We are from the US. Is that true?

colduphere May 5th, 2014 04:03 AM

We rented in Oslo last year with only a Canadian driver's license.

Mimar May 5th, 2014 05:36 AM

The rental car company may not require the International Driver's Permit, but the police may -- should you encounter them. The IDP is just a translation of your license and, in North America, is easy and inexpensive to get at your local AAA/CAA office. About $25 including photo.

You'll need to bring both the IDP and your original license.

dulciusexasperis May 5th, 2014 07:28 AM

Mimar has given you correct information.

It is not a 'license' as such, merely a translation of your US state driving license. It is intended to allow the police if you are stopped, to read the information in their own language.

A rental company may not require you to have one as colduphere's comment indicates. That has nothing whatsover to do with the law however.

In most countries you are required to carry an IDP by law. Failing to do so may have consequences you would prefer to avoid. So it's a good idea to get one. Just go to your local AAA office as Mimar suggests.

anjun May 6th, 2014 03:50 AM

Thank you for the information. I will contact the AAA.

dyoll May 7th, 2014 08:21 AM

You will not need an International Driving Licence - a licence in English is quite acceptable to the police and AFAIK car hire companies (you could double check with them). A car hire company would not be able to hire out a vehicle to you if you did not have a license valid in that country.

Extract from the licensing authority - "Driving licences issued outside the EU/EEA are valid for driving in Norway for up to 3 months after entering Norway. This also applies if you take up ‘normal residence’ in Norway."

http://www.vegvesen.no/en/Driving+li...nces+in+Norway

anjun May 7th, 2014 05:44 PM

Great thanks!

dulciusexasperis May 7th, 2014 06:35 PM

Here we go. Information taken out of context.

Many times an International Driving Permit is not necessarily required in a country. However, having one even in countries where it is not a legal requirement can make life easier.

Therefore, it's always a good idea to get one. http://www.drivers.com/article/206/

Note that it includes the 'Scandinavian languages'. Why would that be? Because it CAN make life easier for you if stopped.


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