After almost 3 years living in Bergen, I finally got my driver’s license in Norway. The process is long, intense, and very expensive—but at the same time, incredibly rewarding. Being able to drive here gives me more independence and freedom, especially now with a baby.
This is actually my third driver’s license. I already had one from Brazil and another from the USA (Minnesota), but by far, Norway was the most complex and costly process.
Can I use a foreign driver’s license in Norway?
According to Statens Vegvesen (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration), you can use a valid license from any country for up to three months. If you are temporarily employed in Norway but not a permanent resident, you can drive for up to six months with your foreign license.
Why did it take me years to get my Norwegian driver’s license?
The simple answer: it’s very expensive.
In total, I spent more than 36,000 NOK. Also, in Bergen, I didn’t feel the need for a car earlier—I commute to work with the Bybanen (tram), and my husband drives.
However, once we had a baby, being able to drive became much more important. I used to drive a lot in Brazil, so getting my license here gave me back that sense of freedom and helped me feel more at home.
Where should you start?
The process is demanding and time-consuming. If you are over 25 years old, my advice is to contact a driving school as soon as possible.
Why? Because you can start practicing right away. Those under 25 must complete the Basic Traffic Course (Trafikalt grunnkurs) before even getting a learner’s permit.
This course is mandatory, lasts 17 hours, and gives you the basics of being a driver. You need to be at least 15 years old to take it at a traffic school.
Manual or automatic?
When choosing a school, you can decide whether to take lessons in a manual or automatic car. If you take manual, you’ll be allowed to drive both. But if you take automatic, your license will only cover automatic cars. Honestly, in Norway, manual cars are becoming rare.
I chose automatic, but since I still hold a Brazilian driver’s license, I could drive manual abroad if needed.
Important tip
You don’t need to pass the theory test before starting practical lessons. To save time, begin driving lessons right away, then study and take the theory test while practicing.
The Theory Test in Norway
I was nervous about the theory test because I had heard stories about how people used to cheat in the past. I thought: If people cheat, it must be really hard!
But it turned out not to be that difficult. The theory test for category B:
- 45 questions
- You need at least 38 correct
- Time limit: 90 minutes
I studied using the Teoritentamen app, which costs 499 NOK/month. I used it for 2 months, and honestly—it was much better than the book. The app includes all theory, explanations, e-book, and mock exams. My instructor told me the app is harder than the real test, and I agree.
The test is available in English, Northern Sámi, Sorani, Arabic (MSA), and Turkish. You can also apply for an assisted test if you have special needs.
Test day
You book your exam through Statens Vegvesen’s website. The fee is 390 NOK, and they take your photo on the day.
At the test center, you leave all belongings in a locker (even your watch). You go in with just your ID. Each candidate has their own PC, headphones, and calculator for the math-based questions.
The best part? You find out immediately if you pass.
Mandatory Steps Before the Practical Test
The road to a driver’s license in Norway is long but designed to make you a safe and confident driver. Some mandatory courses include:
- First Aid & Accident Awareness (3 hours) – basic theory and practice on what to do at the scene of an accident.
- Safety Course on Track (4 hours) – both theory and practical driving on a closed track.
- Dark Driving Demo (Trafikant i mørket) – a 2-hour session showing how visibility changes in the dark.
- Map Driving (Planlegging og kjøring i variert miljø) – following directions with limited guidance.
- Mandatory Safety Course on the Road (13 hours) – covers rural driving, overtaking, risks, and reflection.
These are required even if you already know how to drive.
The Practical Driving Test in Norway
Here in Bergen, the practical test (oppkjøring) is taken at Statens Vegvesen in Åsane.
- Fee: 1250 NOK (1290 if you pay on the day)
- You can request an examiner who speaks English
- You need to bring valid ID
On the day, you may choose to take a final lesson with your instructor. I did, and it really helped me calm my nerves.
What happens during the test?
The examiner asks two simple car-related questions (for me: about the emergency lights). Then the system randomly assigns a route.
My route included:
- Driving on the highway
- Narrow roads (had to wait for a truck to pass)
- Reversing
- Parking in a shopping mall
- Several roundabouts
It was smoother than I expected. The examiner was calm and kind, even asking if I wanted small talk to relax.
At the end, you get immediate feedback and, if you pass, instructions on how to pay the final fee and receive your license by mail. You also get access to a digital license via app.
How much does a driver’s license in Norway cost?
Here’s a breakdown of what I paid:
- Driving School: 35,347 NOK
- Practical Test: 1250 NOK
- Physical License: 90 NOK
- Teoritentamen app (2 months): 998 NOK
- Theory Test: 450 NOK
Total: 37,137 NOK
How long does it take?
It depends on how often you take lessons and how fast you pass the tests. Some people finish in months; others take longer.
In my case:
- First lesson: late October
- Practical test: May
- But I had breaks (including maternity leave) and wasn’t in a rush.
If you want to finish faster, take lessons frequently and start studying theory early.
My personal experience
At times, the process felt too long and packed with extra lessons, but in the end, I felt very safe and confident driving in Norway. The strict system has its purpose—roads here are among the safest in the world.
Yes, it’s expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes frustrating, but it’s worth it. My advice: embrace it, learn as much as you can, and enjoy the freedom once you get your Norwegian driver’s license.
Girl in Bergen 
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