How to Get a Category D1E Driving Licence in Iceland?

If your Icelandic license for D1 (or B, C1, C, or D) was issued before 15 August 1997, you may already hold D1E automatically along with BE, C1E, CE and DE without ever having sat a combination-vehicle test. This piece covers what D1E authorizes today, the grandfather-rights rule, and current requirements.

What Category D1E covers

D1E authorizes a D1-category minibus combined with a trailer or towed device exceeding 750 kg total permitted weight, provided the combined weight of both vehicles doesn't exceed 12,000 kg.

Minimum age

You need to be 21 to hold a D1E.

You need D1 first

Applicants for D1E must already hold a valid D1 license.

The pre-1997 grandfather clause

This is worth checking directly if your license is old enough. A license issued before 15 August 1997 for Category B, C1, C, D1, or D also carries rights for BE, C1E, CE, D1E, and DE, respectively, as applicable; no separate combination-vehicle test is required. Licenses issued from that date onward follow the standard, separate application process.

Earlier learner authorization

You can be issued a learner authorization (námsheimild) for D1E up to six months before you actually meet the age requirement, provided you already hold a full B license and the relevant base category (C1, C, D1 or D).

The two-year window on your learner authorization

If your license isn't issued within two years of receiving your learner authorization, you'll need to start the process again with a new authorization.

Documents and eligibility

• A valid D1 licence
• Meeting the minimum age requirement
• No disqualifying criminal history under Article 68, paragraph 2 of the general penal code, if you're seeking rights for commercial passenger transport

The exam structure

The driving exam splits into a theoretical and a practical component. At the practical exam, you'll need to bring any driving license you already hold.

Interpreters at your exam

Students may bring an interpreter to both the written and practical exams, though the cost of this service is borne by the applicant.

Who administers the exam?

Practical and theoretical exams are run by Frumherji, an inspection body with service locations across the country, acting on behalf of Samgöngustofa (the Icelandic Transport Authority).

Automatic transmission

As with other EU-aligned systems, testing on an automatic-transmission vehicle typically restricts the resulting license to automatic-transmission vehicles only.

What full Category D and DE require

Full Category D can be issued from age 23, younger than the 24-year standard used in many other European countries, provided you hold a full B license. DE, for towing a heavier trailer behind a full-size bus, also requires 23 and a valid D license first.

Where D1E sits in Iceland's licensing system

D1E sits above the standalone D1, specifically for combination vehicles, alongside BE and C1E, Iceland's other trailer-focused categories.

Foreign visitors and residents

Tourists can drive in Iceland for up to three months on a valid foreign license, provided they've reached Iceland's legal driving age of 17 for cars. Longer stays require a residence permit and, eventually, an Icelandic license, which can be applied for up to six months after arrival.

Tips that actually help

• Check your license issue date: if it predates August 1997, you may already hold a D1E automatically.
• Apply for your learner authorization up to six months early if you want to be exam-ready right at 21.
• Keep track of your two-year window once your learner authorization is issued.
• Bring your existing driving license to your practical exam.

Where this fits going forward

D1E in Iceland offers a genuinely accessible route for D1 holders who need greater trailer capacity, with a useful grandfather clause for older license holders. If your plans extend toward professional driving down the line, take a look at the driver section, browse current vacancies, or see who's hiring among employers on FastDriver.eu, as well as our broader job guides. Our driving license in Iceland and license eligibility pages provide the broader picture.

Declaration

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Fees, training requirements and administrative rules can change. Always confirm current requirements with official Icelandic sources before making decisions, such as Island.is. FastDriver.eu accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information.