Digital Iceland
Digital application for driving permit
24th June 2022
A digital application for a provisional licence can now be found on Ísland.is, and such an application is the first step towards starting driving studies.
A digital application for a provisional licence can now be found on Ísland.is, and such an application is the first step towards starting driving studies.
Individuals may apply from the age of 16, at which point future drivers may first begin driving licences for general driving licences. The process is digital, where the student selects a driving instructor and pays for the licence. All data from the application is recorded directly in the driving licence registry. Students need to submit a photo to the district commissioner following application and a medical certificate if applicable. A study authorisation is then granted and the driving student can begin studies with his driving instructor.
In 2021, 6,056 individuals applied to start driving courses and it will be interesting to see how many now choose to go through the digital process.
“We have put a lot of emphasis on improving the service and moving it to digital. This step is one of many aimed at improving our services to people," says Minister of Infrastructure Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson.
Previously a digital application for a complete driving licence was made available on Ísland.is and driving instructors can digitally confirm the results of the driving evaluation, but such confirmation is necessary for the complete driving licence to be issued.
"The digital route simplifies both the application process for applicants and the administrative process of the sheriffs. This results in better paperless services that can be used when it is appropriate to open hours," says Kristín Þórðardóttir, a district commissioner in South Iceland and chair of the District Council.
Following this phase, work is underway to open a digital driving study book that has been included in the tests. With a digital driving study book, driving instructors can record the time and progress of driving studies. Driving schools are also working to digitally validate their studies. The final stage of the project is then an electronic examination for theoretical driving tests.
“We have placed a great emphasis on this project while ensuring the quality of our studies and therefore the road safety of all of us. With the digital driving learning process, we make driving learning in Iceland more focused and environmentally friendly in keeping with modern technology and the needs of society." Jón Gunnar Jónsson, director of the Icelandic Transportation Authority, says.
A digital application for a provisional licence is part of a large collaboration project between the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Icelandic Transport Agency, District commissioners, the National Commissioner of Police, and Digital Iceland on the digital driving learning process from A-Ö.
A driver information page has also been opened at the same time on Ísland.is.