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Night Driving Lessons and Courses from Age 15: Getting a Driver’s License in Norway

Emil Bogumił

21.09.2025 10:53

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Night Driving Lessons and Courses from Age 15: Getting a Driver’s License in Norway

Most of the process of obtaining a driver’s license in Norway can be completed without the need to contact examiners or a driving school. Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa

At first glance, the process of obtaining a driver’s license in Norway is not much different from that in Poland. The most important elements include successfully passing the theoretical and practical exams. In reality, however, the individual stages of obtaining the document in both countries differ in many ways.
All matters related to car use in Norway are overseen by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen). This institution is also responsible for issuing category B driver’s licenses. People under the age of 25 are required to start with a theoretical course. The 17-hour training can be started once you turn 15. Entities authorized to conduct classes are listed on the Statens vegvesen website.

After completing the training, participants receive certificates entitling them to start driving lessons. People over the age of 25 do not need to take the course. During practical training, they must carry a document with their date of birth.

Learning to Drive in Norway

According to Statens vegvesen, before starting practical driving lessons, a candidate must master the basics of using a car. These include braking, starting, and turning. The first attempts should take place on roads with low traffic. Driving lessons can be taken at a special facility (similar to a Polish driving school), under the supervision of a private individual, or in a mixed mode. Future drivers who choose not to take lessons with an instructor can learn with people who:

  • have held a driver’s license for at least five years,
  • are over 25 years old,
  • are in good health and able to react quickly in dangerous situations.

The vehicle used for learning must also meet specific requirements:

  • the car’s weight must not exceed 3.5 tons,
  • the car must have an additional side mirror to facilitate driving,
  • the vehicle must be marked with a red letter L.

A learner can choose to take driving lessons and the exam using a car with an automatic transmission. This will be noted on the license and will prevent the use of manual transmission cars. You can obtain full rights by retaking the exam—this time with a manual gearbox.

Night Driving in Norway

A distinctive element of obtaining a driver’s license in Norway is completing night driving lessons and a first aid course. Both are required even for those over 25 years old. The night driving component must be completed between November 1 and March 15. If a learner does not complete this part of the training, they will only be allowed to drive between March 15 and the end of October.
Completing night driving lessons is not possible in the spring and summer months, even if driving in the evening.

Completing night driving lessons is not possible in the spring and summer months, even if driving in the evening.Source: Fremtind press materials (illustrative photo)

Cost of a Driver’s License in Norway

According to Statens vegvesen, as of January 1, 2023, learners will pay:

  • 360 NOK for the theoretical exam,
  • 1190 NOK for the practical exam,
  • 210 NOK for issuing a category B driver’s license.

Statens vegvesen offers discounts to those who pay online.

Those who choose to take night driving lessons through a specialized school should expect to pay between 1,500 and 2,400 NOK. Additional costs will also be incurred for the mandatory first aid course. Prices for driving courses vary and are set by individual schools.

Driver’s License Exam in Norway

The first step after completing training is to take the theoretical exam, conducted by Statens vegvesen at selected road stations. After passing this stage, learners can take the practical exam, during which:

  • the drive lasts from 55 to 60 minutes,
  • the route is predetermined and mapped out by a computer; learners are given access to it,
  • the ability to drive safely is one of the elements assessed,
  • preparing for the drive and ensuring passenger safety are included in the overall exam assessment,
  • skills such as economical driving are also evaluated.

The practical exam can be taken in a private car approved by Statens vegvesen. For an additional fee, it is possible to take the test using a car rented from the road station.
Each stage of the driver’s license application process must be preceded by submitting an application to Statens vegvesen. Each application is available in paper form, but the most popular way to contact the institution is by filling out online forms. Candidates can find them on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration portal.
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