Can I drive in Norway with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay and on whether you hire a car. Smartraveller says: “Australian driving licences are valid for up to 3 months.” “However, some car rental companies may require customers to present an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for Norway, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Norway: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
Australian driving licences are valid for up to 3 months. To drive a vehicle, you'll need a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted). However, some car rental companies may require customers to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) regardless.
You can check if your licence will be accepted, as well as the minimum driving age, here: Driving licence holders | Statens vegvesen.
If you need an IDP, get this before you leave Australia. An IDP does not replace the requirement for a regular driver's licence.
If your driving licence is not written in Latin letters or doesn't include your licence number, a photograph or an issuing date, you'll need an IDP to drive.
Source: Smartraveller: Norway, page updated 9 June 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Norway
Hiring a car in Norway? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Hiring a car in Norway? How to pay tolls in Norway with a rental car
Driving in Norway this winter? Winter tyres and snow chains in Norway with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Oslo
Other licences in Norway
| Licence | In Norway | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Norway
- British passport: Norway entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Norway
- Australian passport: Norway
- Italian citizens: Norvegia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Norway with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on how long you stay and on whether you hire a car. Smartraveller says: “Australian driving licences are valid for up to 3 months.” “However, some car rental companies may require customers to present an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for Norway, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Norway with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “Australian driving licences are valid for up to 3 months.” “However, some car rental companies may require customers to present an International Driving Permit (IDP)”
Which international driving permit do I need for Norway?
The Smartraveller advice for Norway does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.