How to get a driving licence in Norway

Getting a driving licence in Norway

Norway has a thorough and structured system for driver training. While the process takes time and requires significant investment, it produces safe and competent drivers. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Who can apply?

To get a Norwegian driving licence (Category B – passenger car), you must:

You can start the process earlier – the Basic Traffic Course can be taken from age 15, and practice driving is allowed from age 16.

The four steps of training

Norwegian driver training is divided into four mandatory steps:

Step 1 – Basic Traffic Course (Trafikalt grunnkurs)

This is the starting point for all driver training in Norway. The course lasts 17 hours and covers:

You must complete this course before you can start practice driving. The course can be taken from age 15.

Over 25? You are exempt from most of the course but must still complete the first aid and night driving components.

Step 2 – Basic Vehicle Handling

In this step you learn to control the car as a technical system. There is no fixed number of hours – training is adapted to your individual needs. The step ends with a mandatory assessment session with your instructor.

Step 3 – Traffic Competence

Here you learn to drive safely and independently in real traffic. This step includes mandatory courses such as motorway driving and night driving. You can combine driving school lessons with private practice driving.

Step 4 – Advanced Training

The final step focuses on risk awareness and self-assessment as a driver. It includes a mandatory 13-hour safety course covering:

You should be ready to pass your driving test before taking this course – it is designed to develop your skills further, not teach basics.

The theory test

You can take the theory test from age 17.5 (6 months before the minimum driving test age). The test is taken at a traffic station (trafikkstasjon) on a computer.

The test is available in Norwegian and English, as well as several other languages.

The practical driving test

Once all training steps are completed and registered with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen), you can book your practical driving test. The examiner assesses your driving holistically and gives you the result immediately.

Probationary period

After passing your test, you enter a 2-year probationary period. During this time, stricter rules apply and you can lose your licence with fewer penalty points than normal.

Costs

The total cost of getting a driving licence in Norway varies significantly depending on how much private practice driving you do. Expect to pay between NOK 25,000 and 50,000 in total, covering the mandatory courses, driving lessons, theory test and practical test.

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