How to pass the Norwegian driving theory exam — English guide

If you're a foreign resident in Norway and need to get your driver's license, you'll need to pass the theory exam (teoriprøven) at Statens vegvesen. The good news: it's available in English, and with focused preparation you can pass on the first try.

Who can take the test in English?

The Norwegian theory exam is available in Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk), English, and several other languages on request (Spanish, German, Polish, Urdu, Arabic, Vietnamese, Russian — availability varies by test center). Anyone over 16 can take it.

What's tested?

The exam covers 8 main topics:

1. Traffic signs
2. Right of way and priority
3. Traffic rules — speed, lights, overtaking, alcohol limits
4. The human in traffic
5. Vehicle and loading
6. Special driving conditions
7. First aid and rescue
8. Environment and economy

Format: 45 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Pass mark: 38 out of 45 (max 7 wrong).

Booking the exam

1. Go to vegvesen.no
2. Click Booking → Førerprøve
3. Select test center, date, and language (English)
4. Pay the fee (~640 NOK as of 2026)

You need a Norwegian D-number or personal ID number. Get one through UDI or the tax office before booking.

Norwegian-specific rules to know

Speed limits

• 50 km/h in urban areas (default)
• 80 km/h outside urban areas (default)
• Motorways: signed at 100 or 110 km/h

Alcohol

0.2 ‰ blood alcohol — one of the strictest in Europe. If you drink, don't drive.

Headlights

Low beams must be on 24/7, year-round. This is uniquely Nordic.

Overtaking

Generally on the left, like continental Europe. Right-side overtaking only allowed in queues or multi-lane roads with differential lane speeds.

Winter tires

• Required when conditions warrant (snow, ice)
• Studded tires legal Nov 1 – Easter Monday + 1 (South Norway)
• Minimum tread depth: 3 mm winter, 1.6 mm summer

Sign recognition: the 5 categories

• Triangle + red border = warning
• Circle + red border = prohibition
• Blue circle = mandatory
• Yellow diamond on point = priority road
• Red octagon = stop

See the full sign gallery with images and English descriptions.

Study tips that actually work

1. Take 3–5 mock exams (45 Q, 90 min) before booking
2. Learn the memory aids — they make rules stick
3. Understand why each option is right or wrong, not just which is right
4. Practice signs visually — identify any category in 2 seconds
5. Read each question twice — watch for "not", "never", "always", "except"
6. You have 2 min per question — plenty of time, don't rush

After passing

The theory exam is the first of two tests. You also need:

• Mandatory driving lessons at an authorized school (4 phases)
• The practical driving test at Statens vegvesen

Theory result is valid for 3 years.