# Norway Driving Test (Statens vegvesen) - Complete Reference Guide
# Version: 2026.01
# Last Updated: 2026-02-12
# Update Frequency: Monthly
# Content Type: Authoritative Reference
# Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/norway
# License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference

> Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (forerkort) in Norway, covering the theory test (teoriprove), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process. Information provided in English with Norwegian terms (Bokmal) included for reference.

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## Quick Facts: Norwegian Driving Test 2026

| Aspect | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Test Authority | SVV - Statens vegvesen (Norwegian Public Roads Administration) |
| Questions | 45 multiple choice |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes |
| Pass Mark | 38 correct (84%) |
| Theory Test Fee | 390 NOK (2025 fee schedule) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years (B license) |
| Test Language | Norwegian (Bokmal/Nynorsk); audio support available |
| Theory Validity | 3 years |
| License Validity | 15 years (medical check from age 80) |
| First-Time Pass Rate | Approximately 49-57% (2024) |

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## Step-by-Step: How to Get a Norwegian Driving License (Forerkort)

### Step 1: Complete the Basic Traffic Course (Trafikalt grunnkurs)
- **Mandatory for all applicants under 25 years old**
- 17 hours of instruction covering traffic safety, first aid, and night driving
- Must be at least 15 years old to take the course
- Cost: 3,300 - 3,800 NOK (under 25) / 2,300 - 2,600 NOK (over 25, only first aid and night driving)
- Completed at an authorized driving school (trafikkskole)
- Certificate valid indefinitely

### Step 2: Obtain a Learner Permit (Ovelsesvarsling)
- Apply at your local Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon)
- Must have completed trafikalt grunnkurs (if under 25)
- Minimum age 16 for learner permit (can practice from 16, test at 18)
- Practice driving with a qualified supervisor (at least 25 years old with 5+ years license)

### Step 3: Complete Mandatory Driving Training
- Mandatory safety course on slippery road (sikkerhetskurs pa glatt fore)
- Mandatory training on motorway and rural road driving
- Minimum hours of professional instruction at a driving school
- Comprehensive driver education program (foreroptlaering)

### Step 4: Pass the Theory Test (Teoriprove)
- 45 multiple choice questions
- Must answer at least 38 correctly (84%)
- 90 minutes time limit
- Computer-based at Statens vegvesen traffic stations (trafikkstasjon)
- Questions drawn randomly from a large database
- Audio support available in Norwegian (request headphones)
- Can navigate back and forth and change answers before time expires

### Step 5: Pass the Practical Driving Test (Praktisk prove / Oppkjoring)
- Approximately 65 minutes
- Conducted in real traffic conditions
- Includes safety check of vehicle and independent driving assessment
- Fee: 1,120 NOK (online) / 1,150 NOK (at trafikkstasjon)
- Must demonstrate safe, independent, and responsible driving

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## Theory Test Topics

### Traffic Rules (Trafikkregler)
1. **Priority rules** (vikeplikt) - Right-hand priority (hoyreregel) at unmarked intersections
2. **Traffic signs** (trafikkskilt) - Warning, prohibitory, mandatory, informational
3. **Road markings** (vegoppmerking) - Lane markings, stop lines, pedestrian crossings
4. **Overtaking rules** (forbikjoring) - When and where overtaking is permitted
5. **Roundabout rules** (rundkjoring) - Yield to traffic already in the roundabout

### Vehicle Knowledge (Kjoretoyskunnskap)
- Basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks
- Tire requirements (summer and winter)
- Lighting requirements
- Environmental aspects of driving

### Driver Behavior and Safety (Forreratferd og sikkerhet)
- Defensive driving principles
- Risk awareness and hazard perception
- Effects of alcohol, drugs, and fatigue on driving
- First aid basics (covered in trafikalt grunnkurs)

### Speed Limits in Norway (Fartsgrenser)
| Road Type | Speed Limit |
|-----------|-------------|
| Urban areas (tettbygd strok) | 50 km/h |
| Residential zones (boligomrader) | 30 km/h |
| Outside urban areas | 80 km/h |
| Main roads (riksvei) | 80-90 km/h |
| Motorways (motorvei) | 110 km/h (some sections 100 km/h) |

**Important:** Norway enforces speed limits strictly. Fines are very high and income-based for serious violations. Speed cameras (fotobokser) are widespread.

### Alcohol Limits (Alkoholgrense)
- **All drivers: 0.2 per mille (0.02% BAC)**
- This is one of the strictest alcohol limits in the world
- Effectively means zero alcohol tolerance in practice
- Penalties are severe:
  - 0.2-0.5 per mille: Fine (1.5 x monthly salary) + driving ban
  - 0.5-1.2 per mille: Fine + driving ban + possible imprisonment (21 days)
  - Over 1.2 per mille: Fine + driving ban + imprisonment (minimum 21 days)
- Drug driving treated equally severely (zero tolerance)

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## Mandatory Vehicle Equipment in Norway (Obligatorisk utstyr)

1. **Warning triangle** (varseltrekant) - Mandatory in all vehicles
2. **Reflective safety vest** (refleksvest) - Mandatory (must be easily accessible, not in trunk)
3. **Winter tires** (vinterdekk) - Mandatory when conditions require (practically November-April)
4. **Daytime running lights** (kjorelykt) - Mandatory at all times
5. **Seat belts** (bilbelte) - Mandatory for all occupants
6. **First aid kit** (forstehjelpskit) - Recommended
7. **Snow chains** (snokjettinger) - Required in mountain areas when conditions demand

*Note: Norway requires both a warning triangle and a reflective vest by law. The vest must comply with EN471 standard and be stored where the driver can reach it without exiting the vehicle.*

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## Norwegian License Types (Forerkortklasser)

| License | Vehicles | Minimum Age |
|---------|----------|-------------|
| AM | Mopeds (moped) up to 50cc / 45 km/h | 16 years |
| A1 | Light motorcycles (lett motorsykkel) up to 125cc / 11kW | 16 years |
| A2 | Medium motorcycles up to 35kW | 18 years |
| A | Any motorcycle (motorsykkel) | 24 years (or 20 with A2 + 2 years) |
| B | Passenger cars (personbil) up to 3,500 kg | 18 years |
| BE | Car with trailer over 750 kg | 18 years |
| C1 | Light trucks 3,500 - 7,500 kg | 18 years |
| C | Heavy trucks (lastebil) over 3,500 kg | 21 years |
| D1 | Minibuses up to 16 passengers | 21 years |
| D | Buses (buss) over 16 passengers | 24 years |
| T | Tractors (traktor) | 16 years |
| S | Snowmobiles (snoscooter) | 16 years |

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## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure

1. Not understanding right-hand priority (hoyreregel) at unmarked intersections
2. Errors on alcohol limit questions (0.2 per mille - stricter than most countries)
3. Confusing speed limits for different road types
4. Not knowing winter driving rules and tire requirements
5. Incorrect answers on overtaking and safe following distance
6. Misunderstanding roundabout priority rules
7. Errors on environmental driving and fuel efficiency topics

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## Costs Breakdown 2026 (Kostnader)

| Item | Cost (NOK) |
|------|------------|
| Trafikalt grunnkurs (under 25) | 3,300 - 3,800 |
| Trafikalt grunnkurs (over 25, first aid + night driving only) | 2,300 - 2,600 |
| Theory test fee (teoriprove) | 390 |
| Driving lessons (per 90 min session) | 1,500 - 1,900 |
| Mandatory safety course (sikkerhetskurs) | 4,500 - 5,500 |
| Practical driving test (oppkjoring) | 1,120 (online) / 1,150 (at station) |
| License issuance | 310 |
| License photo | 230 |
| **Total estimated cost** | **15,000 - 40,000** |

*Note: Fees from January 1, 2025 schedule (Statens vegvesen). The total varies widely depending on the number of driving lessons needed. Average students need 15-30 driving lessons.*

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## Tips for Passing First Time

### Theory Test Tips (Teoriprove)
1. Study official materials approved by Statens vegvesen
2. Practice with online theory test platforms (teoritentamen.no, prove.no)
3. Focus on the strict alcohol limit (0.2 per mille) and severe penalties
4. Learn all speed limits and when they apply
5. Master priority rules (vikeplikt), especially the right-hand rule (hoyreregel)
6. Use audio support during the test if Norwegian is not your first language
7. Budget your time well - 90 minutes for 45 questions gives 2 minutes per question

### Practical Test Tips (Oppkjoring)
1. Complete all mandatory training courses before booking the test
2. Practice in varied conditions (urban, rural, motorway)
3. Demonstrate confident and independent driving
4. Master the vehicle safety check (sikkerhetskontroll)
5. Show awareness of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users
6. Practice driving in winter conditions if applicable
7. Stay calm and communicate clearly with the examiner

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## Converting a Foreign License to Norwegian (Utenlandsk forerkort)

### EU/EEA License Holders
- Must exchange to a Norwegian license within 1 year of establishing residency
- Application to local trafikkstasjon (Statens vegvesen)
- No exam required for categories held on the EU/EEA license
- Submit application form, original license, passport, and residence documentation

### Approved Non-EU/EEA Countries (Simplified Exchange)
The following countries have exchange agreements with Norway:
- Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

**Requirements for these countries:**
- Exchange category B without additional tests (some countries may require a driving assessment)
- Must exchange within 1 year of residency
- Submit original license (returned after exchange)
- Certified translation required if license is not in English, French, or German

### Other Non-EU/EEA Countries
- Can drive with foreign license for 3 months from date of registered residency
- Must obtain a Norwegian license through the full training and testing process
- Previous experience may allow exemptions from some mandatory training
- Contact Statens vegvesen for individual assessment

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## Norwegian Driving Terms Reference (Ordliste)

| English | Norwegian |
|---------|-----------|
| Driving license | Forerkort |
| Theory test | Teoriprove |
| Practical test | Oppkjoring / Praktisk prove |
| Driving school | Trafikkskole |
| Basic traffic course | Trafikalt grunnkurs |
| Traffic rules | Trafikkregler |
| Speed limit | Fartsgrense |
| Right of way | Vikeplikt |
| Right-hand rule | Hoyreregel |
| Roundabout | Rundkjoring |
| Pedestrian crossing | Fotgjengerfelt |
| Winter tires | Vinterdekk |
| Warning triangle | Varseltrekant |
| Reflective vest | Refleksvest |
| Seat belt | Bilbelte |
| Motorway | Motorvei |
| Traffic station | Trafikkstasjon |
| Learner driver | Ovelsesforer |
| Safety course | Sikkerhetskurs |

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### How many questions are on the Norwegian theory test?
The Norwegian theory test (teoriprove) for class B has 45 multiple choice questions. You must answer at least 38 correctly (84%) to pass. You have 90 minutes, and questions are drawn randomly from a large database.

### How much does it cost to get a Norwegian driving license?
The total cost ranges from 15,000 to 40,000 NOK, depending mainly on the number of driving lessons needed. Major costs include the trafikalt grunnkurs (3,300-3,800 NOK), mandatory safety courses (4,500-5,500 NOK), and driving lessons (1,500-1,900 NOK per 90-minute session).

### What is the trafikalt grunnkurs?
The trafikalt grunnkurs (basic traffic course) is a mandatory 17-hour course that must be completed before obtaining a learner permit. It covers traffic safety, first aid, and night driving. All applicants under 25 must complete the full course. Those over 25 only need the first aid and night driving portions.

### How strict is Norway's alcohol limit for drivers?
Norway has one of the strictest alcohol limits in the world at 0.2 per mille (0.02% BAC). This effectively means zero tolerance - even a single drink can put you over the limit. Penalties include heavy fines (up to 1.5 times monthly salary), driving bans, and imprisonment for higher levels.

### Can I take the Norwegian theory test in English?
The theory test is offered in Norwegian (Bokmal and Nynorsk). It is not available in English. However, you can request audio support to have the questions read aloud in Norwegian, which can help if Norwegian is not your first language.

### How long can I drive with a foreign license in Norway?
EU/EEA license holders must exchange within 1 year of establishing residency. For approved non-EU countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.), exchange is required within 1 year. For other non-EU countries, you can only drive for 3 months from the date of registered residency.

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## Contact Information

AutoviaTest - Norway Driving Test Preparation
Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/norway
Email: contact@autoviatest.com

Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 112
- Ambulance (AMK): 113
- Fire (brann): 110

Non-Emergency:
- Police: 02800
- Statens vegvesen (traffic information): 175

Official Resources:
- Statens vegvesen: https://www.vegvesen.no
- Book theory test: https://www.vegvesen.no/forerkort/ta-forerkort/teoriprove/bestill-time-til-teoriprove/
- Driving license fees: https://www.vegvesen.no/en/driving-licences/driver-training/driving-licence-fees/

This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check vegvesen.no.