Obtaining an Estonian driving license generally requires you to be a permanent resident and either exchange an existing foreign license or apply for a new one by passing the required tests.
The main governing body for licenses is the Estonian Transport Administration (formerly the Estonian Road Administration).
Requirements for Foreigners
Your path to an Estonian license depends on where your current license was issued and your residency status:
1. Residency Requirement To be eligible to apply for or exchange a driving license, you must be a permanent resident of Estonia or reside in the country for at least 185 days in a calendar year. You must be able to prove this residency with documents like a long-term lease, a work contract, or a school certificate.
2. Driving with a Foreign License
- EU/EEA License: A driving license issued by any European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) member state is valid and can be used in Estonia as long as it remains valid. You are not legally required to exchange it, but you have the option to exchange it for an Estonian license if you become a resident.
- Non-EU/EEA License: If you are a resident (staying for more than 185 days in a calendar year), you must exchange your foreign license for an Estonian one.
- Easy Exchange (Certain Countries): If your license is from a country that has ratified the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, the exchange process is relatively simple, requiring you to present your original license and ID at a traffic registry office.
- Exchange with Exams (Other Countries): If you are from a country that does not qualify for a simple exchange (like the US, or other non-convention countries), you must exchange your license after living in Estonia for more than one year (or upon receipt of a residence permit, whichever is shorter). Even then, licenses cannot be issued until you have been in Estonia for 185 days. You will likely be required to follow the same procedure as new applicants, which includes completing courses and passing the theory and practical driving tests at a regional testing center of the Estonian Transport Administration.
Steps to Apply for a New License
If you are a new driver or must take the exams, the process typically involves:
- Meet Residency and Age Requirements: You must have permanent residence in Estonia and meet the minimum age for the vehicle category (e.g., age 16 for light passenger vehicles to begin lessons).
- Complete a First Aid Training Course: All new applicants must complete this course.
- Obtain a Medical Certificate: Health examiners issue electronic medical certificates. You must first fill out a health declaration in the Health Portal and then contact a health examiner to receive an electronic certificate.
- Complete Driving School Courses: This includes both theory and driving lessons.
- Pass the Tests: You must pass a written theory test and a practical road test administered by the Estonian Transport Administration.
Contact Information
For specific guidance and to exchange your license, you should contact the Estonian Transport Administration:
- Customer Service Phone: https://wa.me/447832390666
- Email: order@buylegaldocuments.com
- You can also use the e-service environment for various transactions or find a local service