Norway’s Public Roads Administration (Vegdirektoratet) is putting the brakes on its current system of granting drivers’ licenses and gearing up for new rules from 2013.
Motorists in Norway currently can keep their drivers’ licenses until they’re 100 years old. Those born in 1960, for example, now hold licenses saying they’re valid until their birthday in 2060.
That’s about to change. reports newspaper Aftenposten. In line with European Union directives, Norwegian drivers’ licenses issued from 2013 will be valid for 10 years. Upon expiration, their holders will be required to have new photos taken and submit a new signature.
The roads administration, which has authority over issuance of drivers’ licenses, also is considering removing Norwegians’ personal numbers (the equivalent of a Social Security number in the US) from the licenses, as a security measure to hinder identity theft.
Motorists aged 70 and over must now have a health certification to drive from their doctors in the car when they’re on the road. The authorities are proposing raising the age limit to 75, with the certification stamped on the license.
The proposed rules are being sent out to hearing and are expected to take effect in three years.
Views and News staff
