General driving licences must be renewed at the age of 70. After the age of 70, driving licences need to be renewed regularly, as the period of validity of driving licences is shorter.
Process of application
To renew a driving licence you must:
to fill in (pdf)
Supply all that must be included in the application
Submit all documents to the district commissioner's office
The sheriff shall examine whether the conditions for renewing driving licences are in place.
Validity of driving licences for persons aged 65 years or older:
Age
Duration of validity
65 years to 70 years
Year 5
70 years old
Year 4
71 years old
Year 3
72 years to 79 years
Year 2
80 years or older
Year 1
If a driving licence has been invalidated for more than 2 years, the person concerned must be subject to a roadworthiness test before the licence is renewed.
Cost
Replacing a driving licence for 65 years of age and older costs ISK 1,800.
Information for older drivers
Reaction time longer and movement slower
Detecting speed and distance more difficult
Vision and hearing impaired
Ataxia decreases with increased rigidity
Harder to remember, especially recent issues
Taking medicines marked with a red triangle
Choose a time to drive. Avoid driving during peak hours, in light-changing or dark, slippery or bad weather.
Choose safe paths that you know. Avoid difficult or twisty intersections.
Choose a car that suits you and your circumstances, with a good view of all directions, that can be easily stepped in and out of, adjusting seats and mirrors, even with an automatic transmission.
Check out the welfare solutions on offer, e.g. at the Safety Centre (turning seat, steering wheel hand-hold, back-up, extra mirrors and more). .
Do not let other traffic interrupt you or force you to take unnecessary risks or drive faster than you feel comfortable driving.
If you are taking medicine with a red triangle you should consult with your doctor about whether it is safe for you to drive.
Never drive after consumption of alcohol or other intoxicants.
Do not use mobile phones or other smart devices that can distract your attention while driving.
Keep your driving skills up to date, locally and from out of town.
Keep in mind that your passengers are using a seat belt and that children less than 135 cm in height are in an appropriate car seat in your car.
Take a few driving lessons from a driving instructor if you feel unsafe in the traffic. The Icelandic Driving Teachers' Association can guide you with the choice of driving instructor, e.g. 898-0360
Get a refresher course on driving safety for older drivers when offered.
The sheriff or the chief of police may decide that a roadworthiness test is to be carried out. It is a road safety check, as the examiner will take the applicant on a short journey.
The external examiner shall deliver a conclusion in the form of a statement to the sheriff stating that the driving licence must:
renewed unchanged
renewed with any conditions or restrictions
renewed after the applicant has passed the roadworthiness test
not renewed
Driving licences may be issued with a shorter period of validity, and driving licences may be restricted to special types of vehicle or equipment.
Examples can be taken of an automatic or manual vehicle.
A test taken on an automatic vehicle limits the driving rights to an automatic vehicle.
A test can be taken on a manually-operated vehicle at a later date, if desired.
The restriction shall then be indicated on a driving licence with a special code.
If others are concerned about your ability to drive, you should take it seriously. Consider it an indication of concern for you and concern for your welfare.
Discuss the matter with your closest family members or friends, healthcare professionals or social services.
Learn how the elderly are driving services in your local authority.
Compare the cost of running a car with using public transport, municipal driving services or a taxi.
