Norway Category D Bus Theory Test common mistakes
Norway Category D Bus Theory Test · Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
At a yield sign (vikeplikt) or when entering a roundabout, the candidate slows down but does not clearly stop or give way when a car is approaching from the left, causing the examiner to intervene.
Candidates misjudge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles, especially in roundabouts, and assume that slowing down is enough to satisfy the yield obligation. They also forget that the yield rule applies to all lanes when entering a roundabout.
What to do instead
Before each yield situation, actively scan left and right, calculate the time gap, and decide early whether to stop. Practise the rule: if you would cause another driver to brake or swerve, you have not yielded. In roundabouts, treat the entry as a stop line unless the way is clearly free.
The candidate drives at a speed that is too high for the conditions (e.g., narrow road, rain, darkness) or fails to adjust speed when approaching a pedestrian crossing or a bus stop, forcing the examiner to brake.
Candidates focus on the posted speed limit and treat it as a target rather than a maximum. They underestimate stopping distance with a heavy bus and forget that passengers standing are at risk. They also fail to anticipate pedestrians stepping out from behind the bus.
What to do instead
Use the system: check mirrors, speedometer, and road surface every few seconds. Apply the 'speed limit minus' principle: in built-up areas with pedestrians, aim for 10–20 km/h below the limit. Before pedestrian crossings, lift off the accelerator and cover the brake. Practise emergency stops on a closed course to internalise the bus's stopping distance.
When reversing or turning in tight spaces, the candidate relies only on mirrors and does not check blind spots or use a guide, resulting in a near-collision with a pedestrian or object.
Buses have large blind spots, especially directly in front and on the right side. Candidates overestimate mirror coverage and forget that passengers or pedestrians may be in the blind zone. They also skip the walk-around check before reversing.
What to do instead
Before reversing, walk around the bus if possible, or use a guide. Use all mirrors and turn your head to check the blind spot. Reverse slowly and be ready to stop. Remember the rule: if you cannot see the area behind the bus, do not reverse. Practise reversing with cones in a closed area.
The candidate fails to secure passengers by not checking that seat belts are used where provided, or by not ensuring that standing passengers are safe before moving off, and does not announce the next stop or safety instructions.
Candidates concentrate on driving and forget that passenger safety starts before the bus moves. They assume passengers will belt themselves, and they are unsure of the rules for standing passengers. They also omit the pre-departure safety check.
What to do instead
Develop a pre-departure routine: check mirrors, ensure doors are closed, look for passengers still standing, and make a brief announcement if seat belts are available. Know that standing passengers are allowed only if the bus is designed for it and conditions are safe. Practise the routine until it becomes automatic.
The candidate misidentifies or ignores a road sign (e.g., no entry for buses, weight limit, height restriction) and drives into a restricted area or towards a low bridge.
Signs are often placed in cluttered environments, and candidates scan for traffic rather than signs. They also confuse similar signs (e.g., no entry vs. no motor vehicles) and forget that bus-specific signs exist. Fatigue or stress increases the error.
What to do instead
Use a systematic scanning pattern: look far ahead, identify signs early, and read the supplementary plate. Memorise the shape and colour codes: red circle = prohibition, blue circle = mandatory, triangle = warning. Before the test, review the less common signs (height, weight, bus lane). In doubt, slow down and check.
The candidate exceeds driving time or fails to take the required break, or does not know how to use the tachograph correctly (e.g., forgets to set mode to 'other work' or 'break').
Candidates underestimate the complexity of the driving and rest time rules and rely on memory rather than checking. They also forget that the tachograph must be set correctly for all activities, and they confuse the 4.5-hour driving rule with the daily rest requirements.
What to do instead
Study the core rules: max 4.5 hours driving before a 45-minute break (which can be split into 15+30 minutes), daily driving max 9 hours (extendable to 10 twice a week), and daily rest of 11 hours (reducible to 9 three times a week). Practise using a tachograph simulator or a real device until setting modes becomes habitual. Always check your previous day's record before starting.
The candidate loads or secures cargo incorrectly, or misjudges the bus's dimensions and weight limits, leading to an overloaded axle or an insecure load.
Candidates do not know the bus's unladen weight, permissible axle loads, or how to calculate load distribution. They also forget that luggage compartments have weight limits and that cargo must be secured against shifting. They may not check height before driving under a bridge.
What to do instead
Learn the bus's technical data: total weight, axle loads, and roof load. Always distribute heavy items low and evenly. Use approved straps or nets for luggage. Before departure, check that doors and hatches are closed and that the load is secure. For height, know the bus's height including any roof load and compare with bridge signs.
The candidate fails to perform the daily pre-drive inspection (e.g., checks lights, tyres, brakes, and fluids superficially) or misses a defect that the examiner expects to be found.
Candidates treat the inspection as a formality and rush through it. They are unsure what to check on a bus (e.g., emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit) and rely on the vehicle being roadworthy. They also forget to check the tachograph and warning lights.
What to do instead
Use a written checklist and follow it in the same order every time: walk around the bus, check tyres (tread depth, damage), lights, mirrors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and fluid levels. Start the engine and check warning lamps. Practise the inspection until it takes no more than 10–15 minutes but covers all items.
In a first-aid or fire scenario, the candidate panics, forgets the emergency procedure, or gives incorrect first aid (e.g., moves an injured person unnecessarily or uses water on a fuel fire).
Candidates lack hands-on practice and rely on theoretical knowledge that is hard to recall under stress. They also forget the priority order: secure the scene, call emergency services, then provide first aid. They may not know the location of the fire extinguisher or how to use it.
What to do instead
Memorise the emergency sequence: stop safely, secure the scene (hazard lights, warning triangle), call 110/112/113, then assess and help. Practise the recovery position and CPR on a manikin. Know that fuel and electrical fires require powder or CO2 extinguishers, not water. Locate the extinguisher and first-aid kit during the pre-drive check.
The candidate drives uneconomically by accelerating harshly, braking late, and idling for long periods, or fails to use eco-driving techniques such as engine braking and cruise control.
Candidates focus on passing the test and forget that eco-driving is part of the assessment. They are used to driving a car and do not adapt to the bus's weight and engine characteristics. They also underestimate the impact of idling on fuel consumption and emissions.
What to do instead
Apply eco-driving principles: accelerate smoothly, keep a steady speed, use the highest practical gear, and anticipate traffic to avoid braking. Use engine braking on descents. Turn off the engine during longer stops. Check tyre pressure regularly. Practise by monitoring fuel consumption on a route and aiming to improve it.