The Icelandic driving licence, called “ökuskírteini,” is a familiar document to the vast majority of the country’s adults. By 2022, 91% of Icelanders held one, reflecting the essential role cars play in daily life across the island’s often remote landscapes. The path to obtaining a licence and its design today reveal much about Iceland’s history, society and relationship with modern technology.
A path shaped by safety and innovation
Driving in Iceland was first regulated in 1914, when those wishing to drive automobiles had to be over 21 and pass a police-administered driving test. The earliest licences were issued under the country’s first rules for cars, at a time when the national road network scarcely existed. Over the years, driving regulations responded to the demands of changing times. By 1926, drunk driving had been banned, speed limits were under review, and by mid-century, the legal driving age had dropped to 17.
Since then, the development of the Icelandic licence mirrors shifts in both European and local standards. By the 1940s, driver photos were a standard feature. In 1960, a green laminated paper card design was used, replaced by pink in the 1980s. In 1997, Iceland adopted the now-familiar plastic card format, aligning with European guidelines. Enhancements in security continued, and in 2013 a redesigned card with improved anti-fraud features made its debut.
Learning to drive in a changing world
Most Icelanders start their journey to a driving licence at 16, when Icelandic residents can apply for a learner’s permit (námsheimild). The approach emphasizes both theory and practice: learners must complete two theory courses (ökuskóli 1 and 2), a practical course (ökuskóli 3, introduced in 2010), and at least 17 lessons with a certified instructor before taking both written and practical exams. Driving lessons and tests, which once required manual-transmission vehicles, expanded in 2017 to accommodate licences limited to automatics. A probationary period applies to new drivers, whose initial three-year licence can after a year be upgraded to the standard 15-year validity if they maintain a clean record.
The system also includes a points-based penalty structure: offences such as speeding or running a red light can lead to the suspension of driving privileges. At age 70, the rules become more stringent with shorter renewal intervals and medical checks. The basic “B” category licence allows driving vehicles up to 3,500 kilograms with eight passengers, with special training required for heavier vehicles and buses.
Digital licences: a leap into the future
Iceland has been among the first countries to embrace a digital driving licence alongside the physical version. Launched in July 2020 through the government portal island.is, the digital licence can be added via a smartphone app and displays the same information, including a live barcode for verification. By August 2022, around 60% of Icelandic drivers used the digital version, although it is only valid within Iceland due to its local security standards. The digital licence initially could be loaded into digital wallets, but by 2025, access is limited to the official app to combat the risk of forgery.
Today, the Icelandic ökuskírteini continues to evolve, balancing European harmonisation, practicality, and technological adaptation. Its history is a reflection not just of changes in how people travel, but also of a society quick to adapt regulation and innovation to local needs.
