Basic traffic course
Overview of the basic traffic course: content, requirements, prices, and the road ahead towards a driver's license.
Traffic Basic Course is the mandatory first step in driver training. After the course, you can begin practicing driving. This guide covers content, requirements, prices, and what you should do next.
Who must take the basic course?
Everyone who wants to get a driving license for cars, mopeds, motorcycles, and several other classes must complete the traffic basic course. If you are over 25 years old, parts of the course are exempt, but you still need to take night driving and first aid before the driving test.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 15 years to participate in the course |
| Practice driving class B | 16 years old, completed the basic course, valid ID |
| Supervisor (private practice) | Must have held a driving license for at least 5 years and be sober |
| Health | Vision test and any necessary medical certificates |
What does the course include?The course is divided into four main parts and takes a total of 10–13 hours.
| Part | What you learn | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic system and roles | Traffic rules, duties, interaction between road users | 2–3 h |
| Risk and attitudes | Speed, distance, alcohol/drugs, inattention, and consequences | 2–3 h |
| First aid | Alert, secure, CPR, stop bleeding, recovery position | 3–4 h |
| Night driving | Visibility, use of reflectors, lighting, speed and distance at night | 3 h |
Many driving schools conduct the course over several evenings. Completion is recorded in public systems by the driving school.
First aid
You will learn to assess the situation, call 113, secure the accident site, and perform life-saving first aid. The focus is on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), stopping bleeding, and placing unconscious people in the recovery position. You will practice practically on a mannequin.
Night driving
The night driving demonstration shows the difference between visibility in daylight and in darkness. You will learn about the use of reflectors, use of lights, and how speed and distance change in the dark. If you take the course in the summer, the night driving must be carried out during the dark period (autumn/winter) before the driving test.
How much does it cost?
The price varies between driving schools. The table shows typical prices.
| Part | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Basic theory course | 1,500–2,500 NOK |
| First aid | 800–1,500 NOK |
| Night driving | 1,800–2,800 NOK |
| Total | 4,100–6,800 NOK |
Some schools offer package prices. Check local offers.
After the basic course
Once the basic course is completed, you can start practicing driving. For private practice with a class B license, you need L-signs, additional mirrors for the accompanying driver, and a car in regulatory condition.
Recommended plan going forward:1. Start with quiet roads and gradually increase complexity 2. Vary between daylight and darkness, urban and rural areas, wet and dry conditions 3. Practice theory regularly with theory tests 4. Read up on safety questions before the driving test
Common Questions
How long is the basic course valid? The documentation is valid until the driving test. Night driving must be completed during the dark season.
Do I have to take everything at the same driving school? No, but make sure everything is correctly registered in the systems.
Does this apply to mopeds as well? Yes, a basic course is required for mopeds (class AM), but there is a separate simplified basic course for mopeds.