Complete Guide to Getting and Exchanging a Driving Licence in Iceland (Category B)

Introduction

A licence matters for everyday life, work, study and travel in Iceland, especially outside the capital where public transport is limited. The process is not just one driving test: it involves an approved instructor, a study permit, theory courses, practical lessons and two tests.

This guide covers the car licence (category B). It is based on official sources (Ísland.is, the Icelandic Transport Authority Samgöngustofa, the district commissioners Sýslumaður and Frumherji) and was last checked in October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the official pages at the end before you act.

Who is involved?

Samgöngustofa: the Icelandic Transport Authority, responsible for the rules.
Sýslumaður (District Commissioner): issues study permits and licences.
Frumherji: runs the theory and practical tests.
Ísland.is: government portal for applications, the digital driving journal and the digital licence.
What does category B cover?

Cars up to 3,500 kg with up to 8 passengers plus the driver; with a trailer up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer as long as the combined maximum weight stays within 3,500 kg; mopeds, three-wheeled motorcycles, tractors, off-road vehicles such as snowmobiles and some work machinery (not for professional use). Under-21s cannot drive three-wheelers above 15 kW. Other categories (AM, A1, A2, A, BE, C, D and so on) have their own age and training rules.

Which route is yours?
Your situation Route
You have no licence Full training route (section 3)
Licence from an EEA country, UK, Switzerland or Japan Exchange without tests after 6 months of permanent residence (section 2)
Licence from Iran or any other non-EEA country After 6 months of permanent residence you must obtain an Icelandic licence and pass the theory and practical tests (section 2)

Important for Iranians: an Iranian licence is not on the list of exemptions. Exchange without tests is not possible.

2. Exchanging a foreign licence
Validity of a foreign licence
EEA licences are valid in Iceland.
Licences from non-EEA countries are valid for a maximum of 6 months. After that you must hold an Icelandic licence.
A non-EEA licence must be in Latin letters. If yours is not, ask Sýslumaður before doing anything else which document (official translation or international driving permit) is needed. An international permit alone does not replace the original licence.
A non-EEA licence does not give the right to professional passenger or goods transport unless special conditions are met.
Conditions
You need 6 months of permanent residence (fast búseta / lögheimili) in Iceland. You cannot apply before then, but after that the exchange is mandatory.
Holders of EEA, UK, Swiss and Japanese licences exchange without tests. Japanese licence holders need confirmation from the Embassy of Japan in Iceland. An EEA licence is handed in when you receive the Icelandic one, because holding two European licences at the same time is not allowed.
Holders of other licences (including Iran) must pass the theory and practical tests.
Fee for issuing the Icelandic licence: ISK 8,600.
Documents
Original foreign licence (shown at Sýslumaður)
Valid passport or other ID (an EEA national ID card is accepted)
Proof of residence (residence permit card or certificate)
35×45 mm photo on photographic paper, plain background, facing the camera
Exchange application form (island.is/erlend-oekurettindi)
Medical certificate if you have a vision or medical condition relevant to driving (an older source mentions a health certificate for non-EEA licences; confirm with Sýslumaður)
Official translation if required
Steps for an Iranian or other non-EEA licence
Complete 6 months of permanent residence.
Find a driving instructor (ökukennari) and explain your situation (for example via Netökuskólinn.is, Aka.is or the island.is list).
Submit the application and documents to Sýslumaður and get a test permit (próftökuheimild). Frumherji will not give you a test date without it.
Book the theory test yourself at frumherji.is or prof.is.
Take some practical lessons with the instructor (the number depends on your skill) to get used to Icelandic rules, the oral part of the test and the instructor’s car.
After passing the theory test, the instructor books the practical test.
After passing, according to unofficial reports you can drive straight away with the signed and stamped paper, and the digital licence usually reaches the Ísland.is app within 1 to 2 working days.

Note: the official exchange page only says that both tests are required. It does not say whether you must take the Ökuskóli 1, 2 and 3 courses to exchange. Confirm this with an instructor or Sýslumaður before registering.

Can I drive with an Iranian licence right after arriving?

Validity of a foreign licence for driving and exchanging it are two separate matters. A valid non-EEA licence is enough during the first 6 months (provided it is in Latin letters). A tourist on a short trip also needs a foreign licence in Latin letters or an international permit. For your exact situation, ask Sýslumaður or Samgöngustofa.

3. Getting your first licence (from scratch)
Conditions to start
Age: training can start at 16, but the licence is not issued before your 17th birthday.
Residence: permanent residence in Iceland
Health: adequate vision and hearing, and physical and mental ability to drive
If you answer “yes” to any health question in the application, you must submit a medical certificate.
Steps

1. Choose a driving instructor (Ökukennari). The list of approved instructors is on island.is. Ask about teaching method, available times, lesson plan, books, theory school, price and payment terms.

2. Study permit (Námsheimild). Apply on Ísland.is with your electronic ID, choosing the instructor and driving school. Then visit Sýslumaður with a 35×45 mm photo on photographic paper and valid ID, and sign. The permit is valid for 2 years and the first licence costs ISK 4,300.

3. Digital driving education journal (ökunámsbók). It records progress, practical hours, accompanied-driving confirmation and test results. You can access it under “My pages” on Ísland.is.

4. First practical lesson with your instructor.

5. Ökuskóli 1 (theory: understanding traffic, basic rules, signs, traffic psychology). It does not expire. Some schools offer it in languages other than Icelandic.

6. Initial practical lessons. Usually about 10 lessons until you are ready for accompanied driving.

7. Accompanied driving (Æfingaakstur), optional but useful.

Usually after Ökuskóli 1, 10 practical hours and the instructor’s approval.
The supervisor (a parent or another person) must get a permit and meet the conditions (according to unofficial sources: at least 24 years old, 5 years of category B licence, no serious offences in the past 12 months; check the exact conditions on the official page).
The supervisor cannot charge a fee.
The car must carry the special accompanied-driving sign, used only for this purpose.
The permit lasts up to 18 months. Accompanied driving does not replace lessons with the instructor.

8. Ökuskóli 2 (theory). Valid for only 2 years.

9. Ökuskóli 3 (theory and practical; risk education: simulated loss of control on ice and gravel, effects of alcohol and fatigue, safety equipment). It does not expire. Prerequisites: Ökuskóli 1 and 2 and at least 12 practical lessons. It is required for the full licence.

10. Theory test (section 4).

11. Additional practical lessons. Typically 15 to 25 lessons in total. The official page mentions 17 to 25 hours. Official minimums before the theory test: either Ö1+Ö2+Ö3 and 12 lessons, or Ö1+Ö2 and 14 lessons.

12. Practical test (section 4).

13. Provisional licence (section 5).

Course content

Theory: signs and markings; traffic rules and right of way; speed limits and safe distance; pedestrians and cyclists; junctions and roundabouts; defensive driving; the effects of alcohol, drugs, medication and fatigue; weather and road hazards; safety equipment; legal responsibilities; behaviour at an accident.
Practical: seat and mirror adjustment; steering, braking and throttle control; moving off and stopping; turning and right of way; roundabouts; lane changes; parking and reversing; hazard recognition; driving in darkness, rain, wind and slippery conditions.

Theory courses taken in another country are not recognised. If you want an Icelandic licence, Ökuskóli 1, 2 and 3 must be completed in Iceland.

4. The tests

Frumherji runs the tests. You book the theory test yourself; the instructor books the practical test. For both you must have a test permit from Sýslumaður.

Theory test
On a tablet, 50 true/false statements, 45 minutes.
At least 45 correct answers to pass.
Results are shown immediately.
If you fail, wait at least 1 week and pay the full fee again.
Questions come from school and instructor material. Sections (number of questions): signs 1 (12), signs 2 (6), traffic lights and police (4), right of way at junctions and the right-hand rule (4), stopping and parking (2), pedestrians and vulnerable road users (2), licences and regulations (3), vehicles and environment (3), lights and signals (2), speed and stopping distance (2), human factors (4), general driving habits (4), first aid (2).
It can be taken 2 months before your 17th birthday.
A reading aid (dictation) is available for everyone.
Test languages

The category B test is available in Icelandic, English, Arabic and Polish. Persian is not on the list. If you do not speak any of these, you can bring an interpreter who is authorised or approved by Samgöngustofa (you pay; interpretation is only from Icelandic into your language). The list of interpreters and the approval rules are on island.is. Arrange it with your instructor and Frumherji before booking.

Practical test
35 minutes. First an oral test in the car (dashboard lights, safety equipment, lights, registration certificate), then driving a route chosen by the examiner.
The examiner records pluses and minuses. A score below 80 means you fail.
If you fail you can retake it 1 week later, paying the full fee each time.
A test on a manual car also covers automatic, but not vice versa.
It is usually done in the instructor’s car. Ask whether using the car is billed separately.
The examiner looks for safe independent driving: mirror and blind-spot checks, right of way, care around pedestrians and cyclists, suitable speed and distance, safe lane changes, parking, hazard recognition and calm.
It can be taken 2 weeks before your 17th birthday.
Frumherji location and contact

Þarabakki 3, 109 Reykjavík. Phone 570 9000. Mon–Thu 8:00–16:00, Fri 8:00–15:15. There are test centres in other towns too.

5. After passing
Provisional licence (bráðabirgðaskírteini)
After passing both tests, Sýslumaður issues a provisional licence to those who have turned 17.
Validity: 3 years.
Processing takes up to 7 working days. The card is sent by mail (postage fee applies) or collected at a Sýslumaður service desk. A temporary paper permit can also be requested (for example if you have no electronic ID).
The digital licence is updated in the Ísland.is app (activated with electronic ID) and has the same legal force as the card in Iceland.
Always carry your licence. Not having it can result in a fine.
Full licence (fullnaðarskírteini)

Conditions:

One continuous year with the provisional licence without penalty points
Completion of Ökuskóli 3
A driving assessment (akstursmat) with an instructor

The assessment takes about 50 minutes (30 minutes driving, 15 minutes discussion), cannot be failed, and gives feedback on safety. You choose and pay the instructor. After the instructor confirms it, apply for the full licence on Ísland.is (ISK 8,600).

If you have received penalty points, a continuous year without further points must pass. Otherwise a new 3-year provisional licence is issued. You can check your points at the police with ID.
The full licence is valid for 15 years.

6. Costs
Item Cost
First licence + study permit (Sýslumaður) ISK 4,300 (official)
Issuing the Icelandic licence for exchange or full licence ISK 8,600 (official)
Theory test about ISK 7,600 (Frumherji list)
Practical test, category B about ISK 19,600 (2025 list)
Ökuskóli 1 and 2 depends on the school (for example about ISK 27,000 for both at one school)
Ökuskóli 3 about ISK 55,500 (2025 list)
Practical lessons about ISK 12,000 to 15,500 per 45-minute lesson (depends on instructor)
Driving assessment per instructor’s tariff
Photo, books, medical certificate, interpreter, postage extra

Overall estimate (unofficial): the full route from scratch usually costs ISK 280,000 to 450,000, more if many lessons are needed. For exchanging a foreign licence the cost is mainly the two tests, the licence and the number of lessons; if a few lessons are enough, roughly ISK 60,000 to 100,000 (our estimate). Prices differ by school and instructor. Get quotes from several instructors and schools before registering and ask whether books, the car on test day and retakes are included.

7. Driving in Iceland: key tips
Drive on the right and keep headlights on at all hours.
The maximum speed on gravel roads is usually 80 km/h. When the asphalt ends (sign “Bundið slitlag endar”) slow down, because cars slide easily on gravel and stones can hit other windscreens.
Single-lane bridges (einbreið brú): slow down before the bridge and respect right of way.
Strong wind is dangerous for light cars and vans. Check weather warnings and road conditions (road.is) before you go.
In winter ice, snow and low visibility are common. Winter tyres and extra distance are essential.
F-roads (mountain tracks) require a 4x4 and are usually closed in winter.
Off-road driving is forbidden (it damages moss and fragile vegetation) and carries heavy fines.
Sheep and other animals may suddenly enter the road, especially in summer.
Seat belts are compulsory and phones must not be used without hands-free.
The alcohol limit is very strict (near zero). Never drive after drinking.
Medication that reduces alertness can also make driving illegal and dangerous.
8. FAQ

Can I get a licence before 17? Training can start at 16, but a category B licence is not issued before 17.

What if I fail the theory or practical test? Wait at least 1 week and pay the full fee again.

Can I take the test in English? Yes: English, Arabic, Icelandic and Polish. Persian is not available; you can bring an approved interpreter.

Can I exchange an Iranian licence without tests? No. Iran is not exempt, so the theory and practical tests are required.

How long is the provisional licence valid? 3 years. After 1 year without penalty points, with Ökuskóli 3 and the assessment, you can get the full licence.

What is the total cost? It depends on the number of lessons and the school (see the costs section).

9. Checklist
I have a kennitala and legal residence
I have checked my licence situation (EEA / non-EEA / none)
If I hold a non-EEA licence, my 6 months of permanent residence are complete and I know when to apply
I found a suitable instructor and school (English-speaking if needed)
I discussed test language and interpreter with the instructor
My documents (ID, residence, 35×45 photo, foreign licence, medical certificate) are ready
I have the test permit from Sýslumaður
I have compared costs
10. Official sources
First licence application: island.is/en/first-driving-licence-study-permit
Driving studies: island.is/en/drivers-license
Driving test: island.is/en/driving-test
Exchanging a foreign licence: island.is/en/foreign-driving-licences
Full licence: island.is/en/permanent-driving-license
Accompanied driving: island.is/en/accompanieddriving
Licence categories: island.is/en/driving-license-categories
List of instructors: island.is/en/a-list-driving-instructors
Test interpreters: island.is/en/samthykktir-tulkar-fyrir-oekuprof
Test booking and prices: frumherji.is and prof.is
Samgöngustofa: icetra.is (Ármúli 2, 108 Reykjavík)
Sýslumaður Greater Reykjavík: Mon–Thu 8:30–15, Fri 8:30–14

This article is for information only and does not replace the decision or confirmation of the Icelandic authorities. If anything differs, the official websites prevail. Last checked: October 2026.