1. YOUR DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
You can start learning to drive at 16. The first step is to choose a driving instructor, who will explain how the learning process works.
2. LEARNER PERMIT
Apply to the District Commissioner for permission to learn to drive. You can apply online or complete a driving licence application form. You must provide a passport photograph (35 × 45 mm), printed on photographic paper with a plain background, and your signature. Once the District Commissioner has issued the learner permit, it also authorises you to take the driving tests, and you can begin practical lessons with your instructor.
3. PRACTICAL LESSONS & DRIVING SCHOOL 1
Before starting supervised practice driving, you need at least 10–12 lessons with a driving instructor and must complete Driving School 1 (Ökuskóli 1). It is a good idea to start Driving School 1 after 2–4 practical lessons and take it alongside your practical training. Fees vary between driving schools. Most learners choose to take Driving Schools 1 and 2 online.
4. SUPERVISED PRACTICE DRIVING
To be approved as a supervising driver, a person must:
- Be at least 24 years old.
- Hold a valid licence for the relevant vehicle category and have at least five years’ experience driving that type of vehicle.
- Not have been disqualified from driving in the preceding 12 months.
Once your instructor has confirmed in your learner logbook that you are ready for supervised practice, prospective supervising drivers can apply online. If they meet the requirements, the permit is delivered to their inbox on My Pages at island.is. The learner also receives notification that the supervisor has registered. The permit can then be shown to the police on request.
5. PRACTICAL LESSONS & DRIVING SCHOOL 2
About 2–3 months before your 17th birthday, practical training continues with at least four more lessons with your instructor. You must also complete Driving School 2 (10 lessons) and Driving School 3, which consists of two practical lessons that count towards your practical training, plus three theory lessons.
You may take the theory test up to two months before your 17th birthday. Once you have completed your practical lessons and passed the theory test at Frumherji, you may take the practical test, but no earlier than two weeks before your 17th birthday.
After passing the practical test, you receive a provisional driving licence valid for three years. This is a probationary period, and your driving education is formally completed when you receive a full licence. You can apply for a full licence after 12 months, provided you have received no penalty points and have completed a driving assessment with an instructor.
6. COST OF LEARNING TO DRIVE
Practical lesson (45 minutes) in a manual training vehicle: ISK 15,900
Practical lesson (45 minutes) in an automatic training vehicle: ISK 16,900
Driving assessment in a training vehicle: ISK 18,900
Driving assessment in your own car: ISK 15,000
Other costs:
Driving School 1: ISK 7,900–13,500 (depending on the school)
Driving School 2: ISK 7,900–13,500 (depending on the school)
Driving School 3: ISK 44,500
DISTRICT COMMISSIONER FEES
Provisional licence: ISK 4,300
Renewals, full licences and additional categories: ISK 8,600
Renewal for people aged 65 and over: ISK 1,800
See the District Commissioner’s fee schedule.
See Frumherji’s fee schedule (archived PDF).
The total cost of learning to drive can therefore be expected to be around ISK 300,000, with some variation.