Ukrainian refugees are having their right to drive in Norway expanded

Українським біженцям буде продовжено право на керування автомобілем в Норвегії (pdf)

As tasked by the Ministry of Transport, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has today sent out for consultation a proposal to extend the period of time Ukrainian driving licences are recognised in Norway from twelve months to the length of time Ukrainian refugees are afforded collective protection in Norway, which is up to three years. In addition, there is a proposal to recognise all driving licence categories, not only for passenger cars, as is currently the case.

‘Ukrainian refugees must feel confident that they are allowed to drive for the duration of their stay in Norway. Earlier this year, we extended the period Ukrainian driving licences are recognised from three months to one year. Soon, many refugees will have been here for a year. Many Ukrainians have driving licences which they can use in Norway, but if the rules are not changed, they will lose the right to drive passenger cars. Many of them also have driving licences for lorries and buses, and could be an asset in Norwegian society,’ Mr Nygård says.

There will be no change to the requirement that refugees must bring a valid, physical driving licence from their home country to have permission to drive in Norway. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration will monitor the work being done by the EU in regard of Ukrainian digital driving licences and continuously assess whether there is a need to make changes.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration aims to implement the proposed changes from 1 February 2023.