RoadVisa Beta

How to get a driving licence in Iceland

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

Car licence, category B

Getting your licence in Iceland

True/false statements, in 45 minutes50
Pass mark45 correct
Theory test feeISK 7,583
Practical test feeISK 19,619
Driving in traffic during the practical test35+ min

Frumherji prices, 2026. Book the theory test yourself.

Before you start driving

2
Learner permitYou learn with a licensed driving instructor.
Medical checkOnly if your condition requires one.

Required lessons

1
Driving school and instructorTheory courses at a driving school and lessons with a licensed instructor, who books your practical test.

Good to know

8
Minimum age17 for category B. You can take the theory test 2 months before your 17th birthday, and the driving test 2 weeks before.
Licence validityA probationary licence first, then a full licence.
Exam languagesTheory test in Icelandic, English, Arabic, Polish, Thai or Vietnamese, with read-aloud audio. Otherwise, bring an approved interpreter at your own cost.
If you failRetake after one week, for the theory or the practical test, paying the fee each time.
Automatic or manualA test in a manual car also covers automatics, but not the other way round.
New driversA probationary licence first. Check the conditions with your driving instructor.
Already have a licence from abroad?EEA licences stay valid. UK, Swiss and Japanese licences are exchanged without tests after 6 months of residence. Others are valid for 6 months, then you take the theory and practical tests. See the Abroad tab.
Also worth knowing
  • Results of the theory test show on screen straight away.

Step by step

  1. Driving schoolTheory courses and lessons with an instructor.
  2. Theory testFrom 2 months before you turn 17, on a tablet.
  3. Practical testFrom 2 weeks before you turn 17: a short oral test about the car, then a drive.
  4. Probationary licenceYour first licence. A full licence follows later.

Tips From driving schools and examiners

  • Before the drive, you pass a short oral test: draw a card with 5 questions about the dashboard, safety equipment, controls, engine and maintenance.
  • Expect about 45 minutes in total, including some free driving without step-by-step directions.
  • The examiner looks at foresight, attention, consideration for others and eco-driving, not just at following the rules.
  • After the drive, the examiner asks how you think it went, so be ready to assess your own driving.

Based on: Island.is: Driving test handbook, practical tests (Samgöngustofa, Icelandic) ↗

Official links

Ísland.is: Driving test ↗Ísland.is: Foreign driving licences ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

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