New Driver’s License in Norway? Designed with Teenagers in Mind
Norway wants to change the rules for young drivers of ATVs (quads) and UTVs (larger utility terrain vehicles). The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) has already started working on a separate driver’s license category. The new regulations could come into force in 2027.
Photo. The new driver’s license is intended as a response to changing trends among teenagers.
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Many ATVs and UTVs in Norway are registered as tractors. This means young drivers can operate them after obtaining a category T driver’s license. According to Statens vegvesen, most ATVs and UTVs imported to Norway fall into this category. The authority wants to change this starting in 2027.
New Driver’s License Category. With Teenagers in Mind
Statens vegvesen is working on a new driver’s license category for small tractors, which will be designated as LT. The qualification will mainly apply to ATVs and UTVs registered as tractors. The training would be tailored to these vehicles, and a separate exam is planned.
An ATV is a small, open off-road vehicle, often called a quad bike. The driver sits on a saddle-like seat. UTVs usually have side-by-side seating, often with a simple body, safety cage, doors, and windows. Statens vegvesen believes these vehicles have a different risk profile than regular tractors.
An ATV is a small, open off-road vehicle, often called a quad bike. The driver sits on a saddle-like seat. UTVs usually have side-by-side seating, often with a simple body, safety cage, doors, and windows. Statens vegvesen believes these vehicles have a different risk profile than regular tractors.
Teenagers lack experience with this type of vehicle.Photo: NAF
Statistics Show the Scale of the Problem
Between 2020 and 2025, nine people died in accidents involving ATVs and UTVs registered as tractors. One of them was 16 or 17 years old. During this period, 53 people were seriously injured, including 16 drivers aged 16 or 17. There were 199 minor injuries, with 86 in this age group.
The number of these vehicles is rapidly increasing. Over five years, it rose from about 40,000 to 70,000. Statens vegvesen links this growth to the popularity of ATVs and UTVs among teenagers. The authority notes that these vehicles are increasingly used for recreation rather than for work in the field.
The number of these vehicles is rapidly increasing. Over five years, it rose from about 40,000 to 70,000. Statens vegvesen links this growth to the popularity of ATVs and UTVs among teenagers. The authority notes that these vehicles are increasingly used for recreation rather than for work in the field.
The project is already included in the national road safety action plan. It is set to be sent for consultation before the summer holidays. Statens vegvesen assumes the new qualification could come into force in 2027. These actions are part of the government’s goal to eliminate road fatalities by 2050.
The Norwegian Driving Schools Federation (Norges Trafikkskoleforbund) proposes a different solution. The organization wants a mandatory safety course as part of the current tractor training, specifically for drivers intending to operate ATVs and UTVs. Anders Skaarer from the organization told NRK that young drivers often lack practical experience with such vehicles. Statens vegvesen views the idea positively but maintains that all training should take place on the vehicle covered by the new qualification.
The Norwegian Driving Schools Federation (Norges Trafikkskoleforbund) proposes a different solution. The organization wants a mandatory safety course as part of the current tractor training, specifically for drivers intending to operate ATVs and UTVs. Anders Skaarer from the organization told NRK that young drivers often lack practical experience with such vehicles. Statens vegvesen views the idea positively but maintains that all training should take place on the vehicle covered by the new qualification.
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