JOHNROB

Hi all,
we are travelling to England and Norway, Will our Australian drivers licence be all we need over there or do we need to get an International drivers licence
Many thanks
John

hetismij

I'm pretty sure you won't need an IDL. Remember that Norway has huge fines for speeding, drink driving is an absolute no-no - they have the strictist laws in Europe, 0.1mg/ml.
Also make sure your hire car comes with areflective vest for emergencies - these are compulsory in Norway (as well as Belgium, Spain, Italy and Austria).

deladeb

Travel guides suggest an IDL. There are speed cameras in Norway, which photograph your license plate and mail you the fine or send it to your car rental company. Hertz held 3000 NOK on our credit card in case we got any fines...luckily we did not.

LisaG

Johnrob,

We rented a car in Norway a few years ago and did not need an IDL. We had no problems whatsoever.

We've also rented cars many times in the UK and did not need one there either.

Renting in both countries was quite easy (normally Hertz in the UK, and can't remember who in Norway).

Have a great time! Driving in Norway was spectacular, by the way.

LisaG

alanRow

<<< We rented a car in Norway a few years ago and did not need an IDL. >>>

Just because you aren't asked for an IDP desn't mean you don't legally require an IDP

Vimsen

You don't need an IDL in Norway. Check out www.vegvesen.no for information on driving in Norway (there is a link to info in English on the top of the screen). Please be aware that there are a number of toll roads in Norway, also around the major cities. For ease of payment, I'd recommend that you acquire an autopass tag for your stay. That way you won't have to stop to pay, but can drive straight through. You'll find information on this on www.autopass.no. Otherwise, you can usually pay with credit cards in the manual booth or with Norwegian coins in the self-service booth. Be aware that you cannot use euro coins in these! Another tip: you can buy a mug at petrol stations like Statoil - costs 49 kroner and is valid to the end of the year (costs 99 in the beginning of the year and is reduced to half that when only the half year remains) - and enjoy free refills at every Statoil petrol station in the country for the duration of your stay. Good value if you like a cup of coffee/tea/hot chocolate when you are driving. Have a great trip!

LisaG

Almost forgot! Thanks Vimsen for reminding me about the tolls!

If you rent your car at the Oslo airport, you will be required to pay a toll on the road into Oslo. We made the mistake of not changing any money at the airport, and assumed we'd get money at an ATM in Oslo. That was a funny scene (well, I can laugh at it now) and took about 30 mins. of talking with an agent. He did not let us use a credit card. There may be a recent change per Vimsen's advice, and you may be able to use one. We ended up turning around and going back to the airport to get money.

Please learn from our stupidity! Get Norwegian kroner before you get in the car!

Happy travels,

Lisa

janisj

it is not an IDL. IDP = International Drivers Permit. Not required of course in the UK since it is really just to translate parts of your own license - and presumeably it is already in English.

Not required in Norway either - but some travelers do get them - only $15 at any AAA office.

Both countries are totally carpeted w/ speed cameras. You WILL get a ticket if you speed - and the rental agency will charge you for it.