Norway Theory Test - Category CE cheat sheet

Speed limits for vehicles over 3.5 t (lorry/bus class): 80 km/h on ordinary roads outside built-up areas, 60 km/h on roads with a lower general limit, 80 km/h on motorways unless a sign states otherwise.

General limits that still apply to heavy combinations: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas, 90 km/h on motorways for cars and light vehicles; a CE combination is restricted by its own vehicle-class limit, not the car limit.

Minimum following distance: keep at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead; at 80 km/h that is about 67 m. In tunnels, keep at least 5 seconds (about 110 m at 80 km/h).

Overtaking ban for vehicles over 3.5 t applies where the sign shows a red lorry symbol; a white lorry on a red-bordered sign marks the end of the ban.

Before reversing or turning, the driver must ensure no one is in the blind zone; reversing without a helper where visibility is blocked is not permitted.

Stopping and parking: no stopping within 5 m of a pedestrian crossing, on a bus stop, within 10 m before a level crossing, or where the vehicle blocks sight lines at junctions.

Load must be secured so it cannot shift or fall; the driver is responsible for the load, and the vehicle may not be used if the load obstructs lights, plates or mirrors.

Driving under the influence: the Norwegian limit is 0.2 per mille (0.02 % BAC) blood alcohol; refusal to give a breath/blood sample is punishable.

A CE driver must carry the driving licence, certificate of professional competence (if professional), driver card and vehicle documents; the police may demand them at any roadside check.

Prohibition signs are circular with a red border; the value inside (e.g. 80) is the maximum speed, and a lorry symbol inside means the ban applies to goods vehicles over 3.5 t.

Mandatory signs are blue circles: white arrow = direction, lorry in white on blue = route for goods vehicles, snow chains symbol = chains required.

Danger warning signs are triangles with a red border; the hazard applies for the stated distance or until the next junction unless a supplementary plate says otherwise.

Supplementary plates (rectangular, white with black text) state distance, length of hazard, vehicle class or time validity; they modify the sign above them.

Yellow centre line = no overtaking; double yellow = no overtaking for either direction; broken white line = lane divider and may be crossed when safe.

Edge line (white, solid) marks the road edge; a yellow zigzag or yellow line near a bus stop means no stopping.

Priority signs: yellow diamond = priority road; inverted triangle with red border = give way; octagon = stop, full stop required before the line.

Level crossing signs: St Andrew's cross, distance markers (240/160/80 m), and barriers; a red flashing light or bell means stop immediately.

Road markings override nothing - signs take priority over markings; if a sign and marking conflict, follow the sign and drive with caution.

Maximum authorised dimensions in Norway: width 2.55 m (2.60 m for insulated/refrigerated bodies), height 4.0 m, length 12.0 m for a lorry, 16.5 m for a lorry + drawbar trailer, 18.75 m for a semi-trailer combination; longer combinations require a special permit.

Maximum authorised total weight for a CE combination is 50 t (lorry + trailer) when the combination has sufficient axles and complies with the vehicle's registration; the general EU limit is 40 t, Norway allows up to 50 t on designated roads.

Fifth wheel coupling: check the kingpin is locked, the locking handle is secured, the air lines and electrical cables are connected, and the landing legs are fully raised before moving off.

Drawbar coupling: the coupling head must be locked, the safety cable/chain attached, the breakaway brake line connected, and the jockey wheel raised and secured.

Load distribution: keep the centre of gravity low and centred; do not exceed the axle load limits or the total weight, and check that the rear axle is not overloaded when the trailer is loaded.

Axle load limits: 10 t per single axle (11.5 t for driving axle with twin tyres and air suspension), 19 t for a tandem bogie, 24 t for a tri-axle bogie.

Load securing: use straps, chains or nets rated for the load; the load must withstand 0.8 g forward and 0.5 g sideways and rearward; check lashings after the first few kilometres.

Trailer brake test: with the engine running, press the brake pedal and check that the trailer brakes engage; test the parking brake on the combination before leaving.

Air suspension: raise/lower the chassis only when the vehicle is stationary; driving with the suspension at the wrong height can damage the driveline and affect stability.

Braking distance grows with the square of speed: doubling speed from 40 to 80 km/h quadruples the braking distance; a laden combination needs far more distance than a car.

Use engine braking and retarder on long descents; do not ride the brakes - brake fade and overheated drums/discs reduce braking force.

Cornering: slow down before the bend, not in it; a high centre of gravity and long wheelbase cause the trailer to cut the corner (off-tracking).

Off-tracking: a 16.5 m combination sweeps a wider path on turns - allow extra room and watch the trailer wheels in the mirrors.

Reversing: use a helper or reversing camera; steer the trailer by turning the wheel toward the side you want the trailer to go, then straighten.

Aquaplaning and crosswind: reduce speed, hold the wheel firmly, avoid sudden steering; an empty trailer is more affected by crosswind than a laden one.

Gear selection: use a low gear on steep descents to hold speed; on a laden combination, change down before the gradient, not on it.

Jack-knifing risk: avoid braking hard on a slippery surface with a lightly laden trailer; use gentle, progressive braking and retarder.

Fatigue: take a break at least every 2 hours; monotony on motorways increases the risk of microsleep.

Warning triangle: place it at least 50 m behind the vehicle on ordinary roads and at least 100 m on motorways/dual carriageways; wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the cab.

Fire: stop, switch off the engine, evacuate, call 110; do not open the bonnet fully if the engine is burning - use the extinguisher through the gap.

First aid priority: secure the scene, alert emergency services (113 medical, 110 fire, 112 police), then give first aid; do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.

Unconscious but breathing casualty: recovery position; not breathing: start CPR at 30 compressions to 2 breaths, depth 5-6 cm, rate 100-120 per minute.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth; do not remove an object embedded in a wound.

Breakdown on a motorway: drive to the hard shoulder or emergency bay, switch on hazard lights, exit on the traffic side away from traffic, and call for help.

Load shift or trailer swing: ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard, steer gently to correct, and stop in a safe place to check the load.

Winter: carry chains where required, check tyre tread (minimum 1.6 mm, but 5 mm recommended for winter), and reduce speed on ice and snow.

Emergency stop: brake firmly and progressively; ABS prevents wheel lock - keep steering input smooth and do not pump the pedal.

Daily driving limit: 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice per week; weekly limit 56 hours; two-week limit 90 hours.

Break after 4.5 hours of driving: at least 45 minutes, which may be split into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes.

Daily rest: 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours three times between weekly rests; weekly rest: 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours with compensation.

Weekly rest must start no later than the end of the sixth 24-hour period after the previous weekly rest.

Tachograph: insert the driver card before driving, record all activities (driving, other work, availability, rest), and keep manual records for the current day and previous 28 days.

The tachograph must be calibrated every 2 years; a faulty tachograph must be repaired at an approved workshop and the vehicle may not be used until repaired (unless authorised).

Enforcement: the driver must be able to show printouts and the driver card on request; falsifying records is a criminal offence.

Ferry/train crossing: a break may be interrupted by a ferry crossing if the driver has access to a bunk or couchette; the interruption counts as break/rest if conditions are met.

Multi-manning: with two drivers, a daily rest of 9 hours may be taken in a moving vehicle; the 45-minute break can be taken in a moving vehicle by the second driver.

Periodic inspection (EU roadworthiness test): first test 4 years after first registration, then every 2 years until 10 years, then annually; Norway follows the EU directive for heavy vehicles.

Documents to carry: driving licence, vehicle registration certificate (vognkort), certificate of professional competence (if professional), insurance confirmation, and tachograph records.

ADR: vehicles carrying dangerous goods need an ADR certificate, orange plates, and the driver needs ADR training; check the transport document (CMR) for the goods class.

Tachograph: digital tachograph records driver card, vehicle unit and workshop card data; the driver card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry.

Overload: the vehicle must not exceed the registered total weight or axle loads; overload is fined and the vehicle may be prohibited from continuing.

Insurance: third-party liability insurance is mandatory; the green card or insurance certificate proves cover abroad.

Professional drivers: certificate of professional competence (CPC) requires 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.

Defect reporting: any defect affecting safety (brakes, lights, tyres, coupling) must be reported and repaired before the vehicle is used.

Eco-driving: accelerate smoothly, shift up early (around 1,200-1,500 rpm for a diesel), and keep a steady speed; this can cut fuel use by 5-15 %.

Anticipate traffic: release the accelerator early instead of braking late; use the retarder and engine braking to save fuel and brake wear.

Tyre pressure: check when cold; under-inflation increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption and wears tyres faster.

Idling: switch off the engine for stops over about 1 minute; idling wastes fuel and increases emissions.

Load and aerodynamics: remove unnecessary roof racks and fairings; a laden combination uses more fuel, so plan loads and routes to avoid empty running.

Route planning: avoid congestion and steep gradients where possible; use cruise control on motorways for steady speed.

Air pollution: Euro emission classes (Euro 5/6) determine access to low-emission zones; check the zone rules before entering a city.

Noise: avoid unnecessary engine revving and use the horn only when needed; night driving near residential areas requires extra care.

Maintenance: a well-maintained engine, clean filters and correct wheel alignment reduce fuel use and emissions.

Fitness to drive: the driver must be rested and free of alcohol, drugs and medicines that impair driving; the 0.2 per mille limit applies.

Medical conditions: epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnoea may affect fitness; the driver must report conditions that could impair driving to the authorities.

Vision: the driver must meet the minimum visual acuity (0.5 with both eyes, or 0.6 with the better eye) and wear prescribed glasses/lenses while driving.

Fatigue: signs include yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting and missing signs; stop at a safe place and rest - a short nap of 15-20 minutes helps.

First aid: check airway, breathing and circulation (ABC); call 113; start CPR if not breathing; use an AED if available.

Recovery position for an unconscious but breathing casualty; do not give food or drink to an injured person.

Burns: cool with water for at least 10 minutes; do not remove clothing stuck to the burn.

Shock: lay the casualty down, keep warm, raise legs if no fracture, and monitor breathing until help arrives.

Heat and cold: in summer, keep hydrated; in winter, watch for hypothermia and frostbite, and keep warm clothing in the cab.

CMR consignment note: required for international road transport; it states the parties, goods, weight and delivery terms; the driver must check it against the load.

Loading and unloading: the driver must ensure the load is distributed correctly and secured; the shipper and carrier share responsibility for correct loading.

Dangerous goods: check the ADR class, packing group and transport document; the vehicle must carry the correct orange plates and fire extinguishers.

Temperature-controlled goods: check the refrigeration unit is running and the temperature recorder is working before departure.

Goods handling: use pallet trucks, ramps and lifting aids; never lift heavy goods alone - use team lifting or mechanical help.

Customs and borders: carry the CMR, packing list, and any permits; check the driver's passport and visa requirements before departure.

Delivery documentation: obtain a signature and note any damage on the delivery note; report damage immediately to the carrier.

Overloading and axle distribution: weigh the load if in doubt; an overloaded vehicle is unsafe and illegal, and the driver is responsible for the load.

Security: lock the vehicle and trailer when unattended; theft of goods is a major risk at rest areas - park in secure areas where possible.