Norway Theory Test - Category B key terms

The duty to give way to other traffic. In Norway it is normally decided by signs, road markings or the general rule that traffic joining from the right has priority where nothing else is indicated.

The default right-of-way rule: at an uncontrolled intersection you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right. It applies only where no sign, marking or signal says otherwise.

A priority road, marked by the yellow diamond sign. Traffic on it has right of way over side roads, and the sign is repeated after each major intersection to confirm the road's status.

The inverted red triangle meaning give way. It warns that you must yield to traffic on the crossing road, and it is often combined with a supplementary plate showing the layout of the junction.

The red octagon requiring a full stop before the stop line or, if none, before the junction. You must stop even when the road appears clear, then give way before moving off.

A circular junction where traffic already in the ring has right of way. You give way on entry, signal right before leaving, and must not change lanes inside the ring without checking.

The maximum permitted speed on a stretch of road, shown by sign. It is a ceiling, not a target: you must slow below it when conditions, visibility or traffic demand a lower speed.

A speed chosen to match visibility, surface, weather and traffic rather than the posted limit. You must always be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

The delay between noticing a hazard and acting, typically around one second for an alert driver. It adds a reaction distance to every stop and grows with fatigue, distraction, alcohol and surprise.

The distance travelled during reaction time before braking begins. At 80 km/h roughly one second of reaction equals about 22 metres, so it is a large part of the total stopping distance.

The distance covered from the moment braking starts until the vehicle stops. It grows with the square of speed, so doubling speed roughly quadruples it, and it lengthens on wet, icy or gravel surfaces.

Total stopping distance: reaction distance plus braking distance. It is the figure to compare with the distance you can see ahead, and the reason you must reduce speed in poor visibility.

The friction between tyres and road that allows steering, braking and acceleration. It falls sharply on ice, wet leaves, loose gravel and in rain after a dry spell, so adjust speed and inputs accordingly.

Tyres designed for cold and snow, either studded or studless. Norwegian rules require adequate winter tyres in winter conditions, and the tread depth minimum is stricter than for summer tyres.

Studded winter tyres that grip on ice but wear the road surface. Their use is limited by dates and by local fees in some cities, so check the season and any municipal charge before fitting them.

Tread depth, measured in the main grooves. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm for summer tyres and 3 mm for winter tyres in the winter period, but deeper tread is strongly advised for safety.

The air pressure inside a tyre, which should be checked cold and set to the carmaker's recommendation. Too low pressure increases fuel use, heat and wear and can cause a blowout at speed.

When a layer of water lifts the tyres off the road and steering and braking stop working. It happens at speed on wet roads with worn tyres; ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking.

Driving that anticipates other people's mistakes and leaves room to react. It means reading the road far ahead, keeping escape space and never assuming another driver has seen you.

Regularly checking mirrors and blind spots before changing speed, lane or direction. Mirrors should be set so you see as much of the road behind as possible with minimal head movement.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show, especially beside and behind a lorry or bus. Never linger there; if you cannot see the driver's mirror, the driver cannot see you.

The gap to the vehicle ahead. A common rule is at least three seconds in good conditions, more when wet, dark or icy, and extra behind heavy vehicles that block your view.

The legal blood-alcohol limit for driving in Norway, 0.2 per mille. It is very low, so even one drink can put an ordinary driver over the limit; the safest choice is none at all.

Any substance that impairs driving, including alcohol, cannabis, medicines and illegal drugs. Driving under their influence is an offence regardless of amount, and some prescription medicines also carry warnings.

Driving while drowsy, which slows reactions and can cause micro-sleeps. Take breaks at least every two hours, avoid driving late at night, and stop for a rest as soon as you feel sleepy.

Police seizure of a driving licence when an offence is serious enough, for example drink-driving or extreme speeding. The licence can be held until the case is decided, and the driver may lose the right to drive.

Penalty points added to the driving record for certain traffic offences. Accumulating enough points within a set period leads to loss of the licence and a new driving test.

The mandatory third-party insurance covering damage or injury you cause to others. Without it a vehicle may not legally be used on the road, and uninsured driving carries penalties.

Optional insurance covering damage to your own vehicle, such as collision, theft or fire. It often has an excess, and the premium depends on the car, driver age and claims history.

The vehicle registration document listing owner, registration number and technical data. It should be kept in the vehicle, and the car must not be used if it is not registered and insured.

The periodic technical inspection required for cars, checking brakes, lights, steering, emissions and structure. A passed inspection is needed to keep the vehicle legally on the road.

The amount of fuel a vehicle uses, influenced by speed, tyre pressure, load and driving style. Smooth acceleration, early gear changes and steady speed cut both cost and emissions.

Fuel-efficient and considerate driving: planning ahead, avoiding hard braking and idling, and choosing a suitable speed. It reduces emissions, noise and wear while making traffic flow smoother.

Safety equipment a car should carry, such as a warning triangle and a reflective vest. In Norway a vest is expected for use when leaving the vehicle on a road, especially in poor light.

A folding triangle placed on the road to warn approaching traffic after a breakdown or crash. Set it out well before the vehicle, and only where it can be done without putting yourself in danger.

Immediate care given at the scene: securing the site, checking breathing and consciousness, stopping bleeding and calling emergency services. The Norwegian emergency number is 113 for medical help.

A marked lane for a stream of traffic. Keep right except when overtaking or turning, and change lane only after checking mirrors, blind spot and signalling in good time.

Overtaking another road user. It must be clearly safe, with enough clear road ahead, no prohibition marking, and a return to your lane well before any oncoming traffic.