The process for exchanging a foreign driving licence (from outside the European Union) for an Icelandic driving licence
An applicant who holds a driving licence from a non-EU country is required to exchange it for an Icelandic driving licence after 1 month of permanent residence in Iceland.
To avoid the risk of paying high traffic fines, it is recommended to start the process of exchanging your foreign licence as soon as possible.
Below are examples of penalties for driving without a valid licence:
First offence: ISK 40,000 fine and a 4-month delay before you are allowed to take the practical driving test.
Second offence: ISK 80,000 fine and an 8-month delay before you are allowed to take the practical driving test.
1. Complete the online application form on the website island.is. To finalise the process, a payment of ISK 8,600 by card is required for the issuance of the new licence.
2. Submit a passport-sized photo and your foreign driving licence at the District Commissioner’s office:
- Hlíðasmári 1, Kópavogur – if you live in the capital area.
- Vatnsnesvegur 33, Keflavík – if you live in the Reykjanesbær area.
You may be asked to provide a certified translation of your driving licence. In that case, the driving instructor can provide information about certified translators.
3. Go to the website of Frumherji, the company responsible for the theory and practical driving tests: https://prof.is/ There, you must register for the theory test and pay by card to complete the process.
The fee charged by Frumherji for the theory test is ISK 7,090. When registering, you must indicate at which location you wish to take the test (Reykjavík 109 or Reykjanesbær 230).
The test can be taken in several languages, including English, and you must select the language when booking the appointment.
4. It is highly recommended to prepare thoroughly before taking the theory test, and the applicant is responsible for doing so.
At the driving school Netökuskólinn, it is possible to purchase online access to theory courses for preparation. All the material is available in English. Click here to access the Netökuskólinn website.
5. Go to Þarabakki 3, Reykjavík or Hringbraut 101, Reykjanesbær to take the theory test on the scheduled date and time. It is important to bring a valid form of identification.
The test consists of 50 statements with two possible answers (True/False). A maximum of five errors is allowed. The duration of the test is 45 minutes.
6. Inform your driving instructor once you have passed the theory test, in order to start the practical part, by completing the online form available here.
The instructor will contact you, and you will first complete an assessment driving lesson followed by a preparation lesson for the practical test and its oral component (a total of 90 minutes).
It is important to inform the driving instructor if you prefer to take the test in a manual or automatic car.
7. The driving instructor will register you for the practical test, which you must attend on the scheduled date and time. It is important to bring a valid form of identification.
The fee charged by Frumherji for the practical test is ISK 18,820.
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The test in a manual car is available only in Keflavík.
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The test in an automatic car is available in both Keflavík and Reykjavík.
8. The practical test lasts approximately 40 minutes, and it is essential to bring a valid photo ID.
The test is taken in the instructor’s car, as it is not permitted to use your own vehicle.
The practical test begins with an oral quiz consisting of five questions about the vehicle (for example: dashboard lights, controls, safety devices, and basic maintenance aspects).
⚠️Important: You must answer at least 3 out of the 5 questions correctly in order to proceed to the practical part of the test.
Next, you will drive along a designated route, which the external examiner will explain to you on the spot. During the test, the examiner will record both the mistakes you make and the aspects you perform correctly.
The test starts with 100 points, and to pass, you must not drop below 80 points.
Once you have passed the practical test, you will be able to download the digital driving licence to your mobile phone. The physical licence usually takes between 1 and 2 weeks to be issued.
Process costs:
District Commissioner (issuance of the licence): 8.600 ISK.
Frumherji (theory test): 7.090 ISK.
Frumherji (practical test): 18.820 ISK.
Driving instructor (two 45-minute preparation lessons, use of the car during the practical test, and supervision):
ISK 59.900 ISK.*
Neutral interpreter for the test (required if the applicant does not speak Icelandic or English): approx. ISK 8,000.
💳 *The instructor’s invoice is sent electronically through online banking, and an administrative fee of ISK 390 is added.
⚠️ Important: If the applicant has to retake the practical test, it is necessary to pay the Frumherji fee again (ISK 18,820) as well as the fee for the use of the instructor’s car (ISK 24.900).
📚 Trade union members can apply for training grants and courses through the trade union training fund.