Driving test

A theoretical test can be taken two months before the 17th birthday.

Frumherji hf. manages driving tests nationwide under an agreement with the Icelandic Transport Agency (Samgöngustofa).

The candidate is responsible for booking the theoretical test, while the driving instructor books the practical test.

The practical test can be taken as early as two weeks before the 17th birthday.

The theoretical test is conducted on tablets and consists of 50 true or false statements covering material taught in driving school and by your instructor. Categories and sample questions can be found below. Test results are provided immediately upon completion, and you must answer 46 out of 50 statements correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test after one week, with the same fee applying to each attempt.

The practical exam is administered by an examiner and starts with an oral assessment, where you'll be asked about key aspects of the vehicle, such as lighting, safety equipment, and the registration certificate. If the oral part is successful, a driving test will follow, driving a specific route chosen by the examiner.

Dictation is available for all in theoretical tests. It is provided through a web-based tool that can be accessed during the exam by clicking on a designated option

Category B driving tests are available in the following languages:

• Arabic

• English

• Icelandic

• Polish

• Spanish

• Thai language

• Vietnamese

If the candidate does not speak any of the translated languages, they may bring an interpreter to the test. The interpreter must be authorised or approved by the Icelandic Transport Agency.

See the rules for the approval of interpreters.

The candidate is responsible for covering the cost of interpretation, which is only provided from Icelandic into the required language.

It is important to familiarise the test rules of Samgöngustofa and Frumherji

Samgöngustofa does not provide practice tests. However, practice exams for the theoretical test can be obtained through driving instructors affiliated with the Driving Instructors' Association of Iceland and at driving schools.

This section includes 12 questions covering the following categories of traffic signs: prohibition signs, indication signs, priority signs, warning signs. The questions focus on the meaning of these signs and the appropriate behavior when encountering them.

See all traffic signs and their classification.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

This traffic sign indicates that it is acceptable to stop the wherever there is clear visibility on both sides, even if the car crosses the line.

• True

• False

This section includes 6 questions covering the following categories of traffic signs: special rules signs, lane signs, information signs, road signs, service signs and other signs.

The questions focus on the meaning of these signs and the appropriate behavior when encountering them.

See all traffic signs and their classification.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

This sign indicates a two-lane road, with both lanes heading straight ahead.

• True

• False

This section includes 6 questions related to right of way in traffic. Especially traffic lights and police traffic control.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

The police officer in the picture is directing traffic. Car C should stop.

• True

• False

This section includes 4 questions related to right of way in traffic. Questions are asked about right-hand rule, the use of priority signs and right of way at intersections and roundabouts.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

Driver C goes last.

• True

• False

This sections includes 2 questions about stopping and parking. Questions are asked about the difference between stopping and parking and the rules and traffic signs that apply to each.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

In general, vehicles are allowed to stop to let passengers out in front of the entrance to a garage.

• True

• False

This section includes 2 questions about vulnerable road users and the rules that apply to crosswalks.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

There is no need to be extra cautious around vulnerable road users except at traffic lights and marked pedestrian crossings.

• True

• False

This section includes 3 questions that assess whether the candidate understands what rights come with the first driving licence, rules on mandatory insurance and traffic violations. Also, whether the candidate knows the main organizations related to traffic and their main roles.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

To be able to apply for a permanent driver's license, a driver must not have accrued any penalty points to their driving record in the last 12 months.

• True

• False

This sections includes 2 questions that assess whether the candidate understands the rules for the use of car lights and the use of signals.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

When driving on a roundabout, the driver must indicate before exiting the roundabout.

• True

• False

This section includes 2 questions about maximum speed and stopping distance (reaction, braking distance)

Example of a question (mark true or false):

The speed a car is going when the driver starts braking is one of the factors that affect braking distance.

• True

• False

This section includes 4 questions about the human factors that can affect our driving ability and our behavior in traffic.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

Most traffic accidents are caused by vehicle malfunctions.

• Rétt

• Rangt

This section includes 4 questions about general driving habits. For example, about driving in difficult situations, driving habits and general traffic behavior.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

Beeping the horn is allowed as a way of reprimanding other drivers for breaking traffic laws.

• True

• False

This section includes 2 questions about first aid and the responsibilities of drivers at the scene of an accident.

Example of a question (mark true or false):

Arterial bleeding often has to be stopped by applying direct pressure to the wound.

• True

• False