Norway Theory Test - Category C1 cheat sheet
Norway Theory Test - Category C1 · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Road Traffic Law (Category C1)
Norwegian speed limits unless signed otherwise: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas, 90 km/h on motorways.
General rule: the driver must always adapt speed to conditions; a posted limit is a maximum, not a target.
Vehicle class C1: motor vehicle with permissible maximum mass above 3 500 kg but not exceeding 7 500 kg, designed and constructed for carrying goods; may tow a trailer up to 750 kg.
Right-hand traffic; overtaking normally happens on the left. Overtaking on the right is only allowed where lanes are designated for it or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Seat belts and approved child restraints are mandatory for all occupants where fitted; driver is responsible for occupants under 15 years.
Duty to stop after an accident involving injury or significant damage; give assistance, identify yourself, and notify police.
Driving under the influence: Norway's general limit is 0.2 per mille (0.02 % BAC). Refusing a breath or blood test is punishable.
Penalty points (prikkbelastning) accrue for defined traffic offences; 8 points within three years leads to loss of driving rights for a period.
Signs and Markings
Norwegian danger warning signs are triangular with red border and white/yellow field; they are placed in good time before the hazard (typically 150–250 m outside built-up areas, closer inside).
Prohibition signs are circular with red border; mandatory signs are circular with blue field.
Priority road sign is a yellow diamond with white border; end-of-priority road is the same diamond with a diagonal black bar.
Yield (vikeplikt) sign: inverted red-bordered triangle. Stop sign: red octagon, requires a full stop at the stop line.
Edge line is a continuous white line; centre line separating opposing traffic is yellow. Broken lines may be crossed when safe; a solid line may not.
Zigzag markings and pedestrian crossing signs indicate crossing points; stopping or parking on the crossing is prohibited.
Maximum mass and axle-load restriction signs are round with red border; they apply to the vehicle's actual or permitted values as stated.
Supplementary plates (tabeller/tekstplater) under a sign restrict or extend its meaning, e.g. distance, time of day, or vehicle category.
Vehicle Knowledge (C1 Lorries)
C1 vehicles are typically fitted with air-over-hydraulic or full air brakes; pressure must build before the low-pressure warning extinguishes.
Air-brake system has a service brake circuit, parking (spring) brake, and often an emergency/secondary circuit; loss of pressure applies the spring brakes automatically.
Diesel engines: check oil level with engine off and vehicle level; overfilling can cause seal failure and oil burning.
Coolant is checked cold; never open a pressurised expansion tank cap while hot.
Tyre load index and speed rating must match the vehicle's permissible axle loads; under-inflation raises temperature and risk of blowout.
Retarder or exhaust brake reduces service-brake fade on long descents; service brakes should not be used continuously.
ABS warning lamp staying lit after start indicates a fault; normal braking remains but anti-lock function may be lost.
Pre-trip check items: tyres and pressures, lights, mirrors, load securing, brake and air pressure, fluids, and warning lamps.
Loading and Dimensions for C1
C1 permissible maximum mass: over 3 500 kg and up to 7 500 kg. Trailer without overrun brake up to 750 kg.
Maximum authorised dimensions in Norway: width 2.55 m (refrigerated vehicles 2.60 m), height 4.00 m, length for a single motor vehicle 12.00 m.
Load must be secured so it cannot shift, fall, or cause danger; use certified straps, chains, or nets with sufficient lashing capacity.
The load must not obscure lights, reflectors, registration plate, or driver's view.
Load projecting more than 1 m behind the vehicle must be marked; at night or in poor visibility, use a red light/reflector at the rear and white at the front.
Axle loads and total mass must not exceed the vehicle's permitted values; overloading is fined and affects braking and stability.
Distribute the load low and centred; a high centre of gravity increases rollover risk in curves.
When towing, the trailer's permitted mass must not exceed the towing vehicle's permitted towing capacity; check coupling and safety cable.
Driving Technique and Vehicle Control
Use the two-second rule as minimum following distance; double it in rain, and multiply further on ice or in poor visibility.
Brake progressively and early; with air brakes, a light initial application takes up slack before full braking.
On long descents select a low gear and use engine braking/retarder; keep service brakes cool to avoid fade.
Steering: keep both hands on the wheel; for C1 vehicles with large turning circles, swing wide but check mirrors for cyclists and pedestrians.
Hill starts with a heavy vehicle: use parking brake or hill-hold, engage low gear, release brake smoothly to avoid rollback.
Reversing: use mirrors and, where possible, a guide; if view is obstructed, stop and check before continuing.
Curves: reduce speed before the curve, not in it; heavy vehicles have high rollover risk due to high centre of gravity.
Wet or icy roads: increase distance, avoid sudden steering or braking, and be aware of aquaplaning at higher speeds.
Traffic Behaviour, Interaction and Hazard Perception
Blind spots: large vehicles have significant blind areas in front, at the sides, and behind; always check mirrors and signal before manoeuvring.
When turning right, watch for cyclists and pedestrians on the inside; use the 'lifesaving look' over the shoulder.
Yield rules: at uncontrolled junctions, yield to traffic from the right unless signs or road markings say otherwise.
Pedestrian crossings: give way to pedestrians who are on or about to enter the crossing; do not block the crossing when queuing.
Anticipate hazards from parked cars, side roads, and vulnerable road users; scan far ahead and reduce speed in dense areas.
Overtaking: ensure clear view, sufficient gap, and that no vehicle is overtaking you; return to the right lane without cutting in.
Roundabouts: yield to traffic already circulating (in Norway, normally to the left); signal on exit.
Fatigue and distraction are major hazards: take breaks at least every two hours, avoid phone use while driving.
Driving and Rest Time Rules, Tachograph and Transport Documentation
EU/EEA rules apply to goods vehicles over 3.5 t: daily driving max 9 hours (extendable to 10 twice per week); weekly driving max 56 hours; two-week total max 90 hours.
Continuous driving max 4.5 hours, then a break of at least 45 minutes, which may be split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes.
Daily rest: normally 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests. Weekly rest: at least 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours with compensation.
Tachograph: driver card is personal; insert card before driving begins and withdraw at end of shift. Manual entries required for other work and availability.
Record mode switch correctly: driving, other work, availability, break/rest. Failure to record can lead to fines.
Transport documents: driving licence (C1), driver card, vehicle registration, insurance, and where applicable ADR certificate and CMR/consignment note.
Keep tachograph records for at least one year; produce them on request during roadside checks.
Drivers must be able to show proof of activities for the current day and previous 28 days.
Safety, First Aid and Incident Handling
At an accident scene: secure the area first - hazard lights, warning triangle (at least 150 m behind on fast roads), and reflective vest before exiting.
Call emergency number 113 (medical) or 112 (police) in Norway; give location, number of injured, and hazards.
ABC of first aid: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Check responsiveness and breathing; start CPR with 30 compressions to 2 breaths if not breathing.
Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or pressure bandage; do not remove embedded objects.
Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic); keep them warm and calm.
Fire extinguisher: use PASS - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep; only tackle small fires and keep an escape route.
After a breakdown on a motorway, get occupants behind the barrier and away from the carriageway; use hazard lights.
Report accidents to the police when there are injuries or significant property damage; exchange details with other parties.
Environment, Economy and Vehicle Maintenance
Fuel economy: maintain steady speed, use the highest practical gear, anticipate traffic, and avoid unnecessary idling.
Correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and fuel consumption; check monthly and before long trips.
Regular servicing (oil, filters, brakes, air system) prevents breakdowns and keeps emissions within limits.
Plan routes to avoid congestion and unnecessary detours; eco-driving can cut fuel use by 10–20 %.
Avoid carrying unnecessary weight; empty roof racks and unused loads increase drag and fuel use.
Use engine braking and retarders to save brake wear; replace worn brake pads and discs before they reach the limit.
Check lights, wipers, and fluids weekly; keep a record of maintenance and inspections.
Dispose of used oil, batteries, and tyres at approved collection points; never pour chemicals into drains.
Environment, Economy and Vehicle Maintenance (C1 Specific)
C1 vehicles often run on diesel; use the correct grade and never refuel with engine running.
DPF (diesel particulate filter) requires periodic regeneration; short trips can clog it, so follow the manufacturer's procedure.
AdBlue (urea) is used in modern Euro 6 diesel engines; low AdBlue can trigger power reduction - top up in good time.
Air-brake system: drain moisture from air tanks regularly; water in the system can freeze and cause brake failure.
Check tyre tread depth: minimum 1.6 mm for cars, but 1.0 mm for C1 vehicles over 3.5 t (winter tyres have specific rules).
Winter tyres: required in winter conditions; check date and condition; studded tyres have seasonal rules in Norway.
Keep the vehicle clean, especially lights and mirrors; dirt reduces visibility and increases fuel use.
Record fuel and maintenance costs to identify inefficiencies and plan replacements.