If you plan a trip to Iceland, rent a car to see the country’s awe-inspiring landscapes. However, you’ll need a valid license to drive in Iceland.
Driving in Iceland is easier than you think. Read on to learn about the licenses you’ll need to drive in Iceland and other important information.
License from your home country
Most visitors to Iceland hire a car as it’s an excellent way to see the country’s many natural wonders. Whether it’s glaciers, geysers, or waterfalls, driving makes them easier to get to and means you can experience the area at your own pace.
If you have a driver’s license from your home country, you can drive in Iceland with it if you meet certain conditions. However, it’s important to note that driving rules in Iceland differ from those of your home country, so it’s always best to check ahead.
You should also be aware that if you’re a visitor from the European Union or the United States, your driving in Iceland with U.S. license will only work in conjunction with an international driving permit issued by your country. As such, if you’re planning to visit Iceland from the EEA or the U.S., it’s best to apply for an international driving permit before you arrive so you’re caught up on arrival.
License from another country
A license from another country is a great way to explore a new place on your terms, and it’s also much less expensive than public transport. However, it’s important to remember that you should always drive safely and obey all local laws.
The rules for driving in Iceland differ from those in your home country, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with them before you get behind the wheel. For example, you’ll need to know about the minimum speed limit, where you can park, and the laws regarding speed cameras.
If you plan on renting a car in Iceland, check with your hire car agency before you fly to ensure you have all the required documentation. Sometimes, you may be required to provide a document showing your driving permit’s original issue date.
As long as your license is in Latin characters and has a photo of you, it’s likely to be accepted by the Icelandic authorities. It includes driver’s licenses from most European countries, the United States, and Australia.
If you’re a Canadian citizen, your driver’s license is also acceptable if written in French. Again, it is because Quebec uses French as its official language.
License from the European Union
There are different kinds of licenses you can get when driving in Iceland. You can get a license from your home country or the European Union.
A license from the European Union is a type of driver’s license issued by a government agency in one of the Member States of the European Union (E.U.). It’s recognized in other E.U. countries and can be used to drive anywhere in Europe.
If you’re traveling to Iceland with your license from the European Union, you should check whether or not you need to convert your license before going there. It is because the authorities in your new country of residence may apply national provisions relating to validity periods, medical examinations, and taxation to your license.
Moreover, you should also check if your home country or the country where you plan to move requires you to complete additional training or testing. These can include professional exams, compensation measures, and work experience.
License from the United States
Most visitors need a valid driver’s license from their home country when renting a car in Iceland. Depending on the rental business, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an identification document that translates your license into ten languages and allows you to drive legally in a foreign country.
Suppose you’re a resident or citizen of the United States. In that case, you can get an enhanced driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship and is compatible with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Getting an enhanced license before you leave your home country is best. It will ensure that you’re ready for your driving trip to Iceland, and you can avoid any extra paperwork and hassle.
In addition, the Enhanced Driver’s License is a low-cost, convenient option for crossing the Canadian and Mexican borders. So it is because the EDL combines a regular driver’s license with the specifications of a new federal passport card.
The EDL has several other benefits, like a fingerprint-based system that makes the process faster and more secure. In addition, it is a great way to show proof of your citizenship, and it can be used in place of an immigration document when you apply for your U.S. visa or green card, as well as in the U.S. when you visit for tourism purposes.
