When and why are we changing the driving licences rules in Norway?
When the changes are introduced, it will be easier to use driving licences across national borders. Find out here when the changes come into effect.
A new Driving Licence Directive – what does that mean?
The fourth Directive (EU) on driving licences was adopted in 2025 and sets out common rules for driving licences in the EU and the EEA. The directive is part of the EU's road safety package and involves extensive modernisation of the rules concerning driving licences.
The goal is to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in traffic, make it easier to use driving licences across borders, and adapt the rules to new technology, new vehicles, and more digital solutions. The changes also aim to support the green transition and the use of environmentally friendly technology.
The changes are not yet in effect, and the rules you follow today still apply. We will introduce the changes in several stages and the work will continue over several years.
What does this mean for Norway?
We need to make changes to laws and regulations, adapt our IT systems and update our driver training, theory tests and driving tests. Over time, the directive will lead to new rules for both new and experienced drivers. We are doing this because Norway, as an EEA member, must implement the directive when it is incorporated into the EEA Agreement.
When will the changes be implemented?
We will introduce the changes in several stages and the work will continue over several years.
- The rules for alternatively-fuelled vehicles will come into effect on 26 November 2027.
- Accompanied driving from the age of 17 will come into effect on 26 November 2028.
- Other changes will come into effect on 26 November 2029.
- A common EU standard digital driving licence will come into effect in 2031.
The dates for when the changes are to come into effect are set out in the Driving Licence Directive and are common to all countries in the EU and EEA. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration cannot introduce the changes earlier than these dates.
Endringene gjelder for både nye og erfarne sjåfører.
Status of the work
The first proposals for new rules will be circulated for consultation and comment in the autumn of 2026. The proposals concern accompanied driving from the age of 17 and new rules for alternatively-fuelled vehicles.
What is the next step in the process?
The proposals for new rules will be circulated for consultation and comment before they are adopted. The circulated proposals will be posted on this page (Norwegian only).