Norway A2 Theory Test key terms

The duty to give way to other traffic at junctions, crossings, or narrow passages. Failing to yield when required is one of the most common causes of serious motorcycle collisions in Norway.

The default right-of-way rule at unmarked junctions: you must yield to traffic approaching from your right. It applies unless signs, road markings, or exiting from a private road say otherwise.

A road where traffic on it has priority, marked by the yellow diamond sign or by priority-road signs at junctions. Traffic entering from side roads must yield to you.

A mandatory full stop at a stop sign or stop line before entering a junction, regardless of whether other traffic is visible. Rolling slowly through without stopping is a violation.

The maximum permitted speed on a stretch of road, shown by sign or implied by the general limits. In Norway general limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside them unless signed otherwise.

A speed adjusted to visibility, road surface, weather, traffic, and your own skill, which may be well below the posted limit. The limit is a ceiling, not a target.

The distance travelled from the moment braking begins until the vehicle stops. It grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance.

The distance covered while the rider perceives a hazard and moves hands and foot to the controls, before braking actually starts. It increases with speed and with fatigue or distraction.

Total distance needed to stop: reaction distance plus braking distance. On wet asphalt it can be far longer than on dry, and gravel or loose surfaces extend it further.

Countersteering: at speeds above walking pace, a gentle push on the handlebar in the direction of the intended turn makes the bike lean and turn that way. It is the normal way to initiate a curve.

The sequence of slowing before a bend, choosing an outside entry line, looking through the curve, and applying smooth throttle through the exit. Braking should be finished before the bike is fully leaned.

A bend where the view ahead is blocked by terrain, rock, or vegetation, so you cannot see oncoming traffic or obstacles. Enter slower, stay well inside your lane, and be ready to stop.

An unpaved road of gravel or earth where grip is lower and the surface shifts. Reduce speed, avoid sudden braking or steering, and sit upright with smooth inputs.

Riding very slowly, typically in queues or tight manoeuvres, using clutch, rear brake, and throttle together to keep balance and control. It is a required skill on the A2 practical test.

An emergency stop performed with firm, progressive braking on both brakes while keeping the bike upright and the front wheel straight. It is practised and assessed during A2 training.

Anti-lock braking system, which releases and reapplies brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up. On a motorcycle it helps keep the bike steerable under hard braking, especially on wet or slippery surfaces.

The tread pattern and remaining tread depth of a tyre, which affect water dispersal and grip. Worn tyres increase aquaplaning risk and lengthen braking distance on wet roads.

Tyre inflation pressure, which must be checked cold and kept to the manufacturer's specification. Wrong pressure harms stability, grip, and fuel economy, and accelerates tyre wear.

Cleaning, lubricating, and checking the tension of the drive chain. A dry or over-tight chain can snap or damage the gearbox, and a loose chain can derail.

The front brake, which provides most of a motorcycle's stopping power because weight shifts forward under braking. It must be applied progressively to avoid locking the front wheel.

A motorcycle helmet approved to a recognised standard and marked accordingly, correctly sized and fastened. An unfastened or damaged helmet offers little protection in a crash.

Protective clothing for riders: helmet, gloves, jacket and trousers with abrasion-resistant fabric and armour, and sturdy boots. It reduces injury severity but does not prevent collisions.

Being easy for other road users to see, achieved through bright or reflective clothing, a working headlight, and riding clear of blind spots. Poor visibility is a major factor in motorcycle crashes.

The area around a car or lorry that the driver cannot see in mirrors. Riders should avoid lingering there and should overtake decisively rather than sit alongside.

Basic first aid at a crash scene: securing the site, checking responsiveness and breathing, calling emergency services, and giving CPR or stopping bleeding until help arrives.

The Norwegian emergency number 113 for ambulance and medical emergencies, reached free from any phone. 112 is police and 110 is fire; give location, casualties, and hazards clearly.

The shock-absorbing inner layer of a helmet, which compresses on impact. A helmet that has taken a hard blow should be replaced even if it looks undamaged.

The scene of a collision, where the first priorities are warning other traffic, switching off engines, and avoiding further injury. Never move an injured rider unless there is immediate danger.

Awareness that riding carries inherent risk and that hazards must be anticipated continuously. It means riding defensively, assuming others may not see you, and planning escape routes.

A riding style that anticipates other people's mistakes and keeps a safety margin. It includes early hazard detection, appropriate speed, and avoiding confrontation in traffic.

Alcohol, drugs, or medicines that impair judgement, reaction time, and balance. Riding under their influence is illegal in Norway and carries severe penalties, including loss of licence.

Fatigue that reduces concentration, lengthens reaction time, and causes microsleeps. On long rides, take regular breaks and stop at the first sign of drowsiness.

Fuel-efficient riding through smooth acceleration, early gear changes, steady speed, correct tyre pressure, and avoiding unnecessary idling. It lowers emissions, cost, and wear.

The amount of fuel a motorcycle uses per distance travelled. It rises sharply with harsh acceleration, high speed, low tyre pressure, and a badly maintained engine.

The motorcycle licence class for riders from 18 years, allowing machines of up to 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio no greater than 0.2 kW/kg, and not derived from a machine above 70 kW.

The category a motorcycle falls into by engine power and weight, which determines who may ride it. A2 holders may not ride a machine exceeding the A2 power and weight limits.

The Norwegian driving licence document, which must be carried or be verifiable when riding. It lists the classes you hold and any conditions attached to them.

A small two-wheeler limited to 45 km/h and 50 cc, or an electric equivalent, rideable from 16 years with the correct class. It is not the same as an A2 motorcycle.