Driving licence in Norway

Norwegian driving licences (Bokmål: Førerkort, Nynorsk: Førarkort) adhere to the EEA-standard. One of the more peculiar security features is Ivar Aasen's poem Nordmannen engraved in minuscule writing in the lower right corner on the back, as well as lines from Hávamál.

Minimum age for cars is 18 years. Mopeds (50 cc, max 45 km/h), smaller motorcycles (engine capacity equal to, or less than 125 cubic centimetres) and tractors are 16 years. Most larger truck licences require holder to be 21 years old. Motorcycles have different rules, you can drive a motorcycle with up to 36 horsepower (27 kW) from the age of 18, when you turn 20 you can drive motorcycles with unlimited power if you have taken the motorcycle licence when you were 18, or else you have to be 21 here as well. Although Norway is not part of the EU, the licence is in the form of an EU licence.

Before one is allowed to practice for any driver's licence, one must first complete a four-day class called "trafikalt grunnkurs" (elementary traffic class) which covers the basic rules of the road, some general advice, and what to do when involved in (or present at the scene of) an accident—including how to communicate effectively with [emergency services] and basic first aid skills (ABC, recovery position).

Anyone having completed this class and no less than two years younger than the minimum age for the desired licence is allowed to practice for that licence if accompanied by a parent or other adult who is at least 25 years old and has had the relevant licence without interruption for the past five years. Some driving schools offer basic training on how to effectively coach a learning driver, but this training is not compulsory. When you first get your license you get what’s called a trial license which is a 2 year trial period during which it is a lot easier to lose your license. If you lose your license during this period you have to retake all the tests, both theoretically and practically. If you lose your license after the 2 year trial you receive the license in the mail when it is reissued to you.

Since January 1, 2004, the point system (Norwegian: Prikkbelastning) is used by Norwegian authorities to handle traffic offenders. Two points will be issued for most violations except for in the smallest speeding cases. If eight points or more is issued during a three-year period, the driving licence is temporarily revoked, usually for six months.

• (Norwegian) Statens Vegvesen (Directorate of Public Roads) - explanation of the point system

In Norway it is not unusual to end up paying in excess of 4,000USD for driving lessons before finally taking the test.