Norway Professional Driver Competence (YSK) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Reaction distance formula

Reaction distance in metres is approximately speed in km/h divided by 10, multiplied by 3. At 80 km/h this gives about 24 metres before braking begins.

Kinetic energy and speed

Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of speed. Doubling speed quadruples the energy that brakes must absorb, which is why high speeds dramatically lengthen stopping distances.

Engine braking on descents

Using retarder, exhaust brake, or low gear on long descents keeps service brakes cool. Overheated brakes can fade and lose effectiveness, especially on heavy combinations.

Eco-driving anticipation

Lifting off early and coasting to a lower speed uses no fuel, whereas late braking converts already-spent fuel into heat. Anticipation improves both safety and economy.

Driver CPC requirement

Professional drivers of categories C and D need Driver CPC (yrkessjåførkompetanse) in addition to the licence. It involves periodic training and is required for commercial transport.

ADR transport document

The ADR document must state UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, number and description of packages, total quantity, consignor, and consignee.

ADR orange plates

Plain orange plates are shown front and rear for most dangerous goods. Tank transports show the hazard identification number above the UN number on the plates.

Cabotage rule

Cabotage allows up to three operations within seven days after an international delivery, followed by a cooling-off period before further cabotage in the same country.

Norwegian alcohol limit

The blood alcohol limit in Norway is 0.02%, equivalent to 0.2 g/L. Any measurable level above that is a criminal offence, and a single drink can exceed it.

Fatigue risk peaks

Fatigue risk is highest between 02:00-06:00 and 14:00-16:00. A short nap of 15-20 minutes restores alertness more effectively than cold air or music.

Three-second rule

Maintain at least a three-second gap to the vehicle ahead. Double it in rain and triple it on ice or snow, because heavy vehicles need longer stopping distances.

Toll emission classes

Norwegian toll charges vary by fuel type and Euro emission class. Euro VI and zero-emission vehicles often pay reduced or zero rates in many toll schemes.

Air brake pressure warning

Air brake systems build to 8-10 bar. A warning sounds below about 5.5 bar, and spring brakes apply automatically when pressure falls near 4.5 bar.

Speed limiter threshold

Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must have a speed limiter set at 90 km/h. The tachograph records speed, distance, and driver activity for enforcement.

Tyre tread depth

Heavy goods vehicles in Norway require at least 1.0 mm tread depth, while cars require 1.6 mm. Sidewall condition and pressure are also checked pre-trip.

DPF regeneration

Diesel particulate filters need periodic high exhaust temperature to burn off soot. Short urban runs can clog the filter, so follow the manufacturer's regeneration procedure.

Cargo acceleration forces

Load securing calculations use forward acceleration of 0.8 g, sideways 0.5 g, and rearward 0.5 g. The required lashing force depends on cargo mass and these factors.

Positive fit loading

Positive fit means cargo is placed against headboard and side walls with no gaps. It is the strongest securing method and reduces the number of lashings needed.

Lashing capacity marking

Straps must be marked with lashing capacity (LC) in daN. A 50 mm strap typically has LC around 2,500 daN, and damaged straps must be discarded.

Anti-slip mats

Anti-slip mats increase friction between cargo and load bed, reducing the number of lashings required. Wet or icy surfaces reduce friction and demand more securing.

Daily driving limit

The daily driving limit is 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice per week. Weekly limit is 56 hours, and the two-week limit is 90 hours.

4.5-hour break rule

After 4.5 hours of driving, a 45-minute break is required, or a split break of 15 minutes then 30 minutes before driving again.

Daily rest reduction

Daily rest is normally 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests. Weekly rest is 45 hours, reducible to 24 hours with compensation.

Tachograph download periods

Operators must download driver card data every 28 days and vehicle unit data every 90 days. Records must be retained and made available to inspectors.

Tachograph mode switch

The mode switch has four positions: driving, other work, availability, and rest. Driving is recorded automatically when the vehicle moves.

Availability mode

Availability applies when the driver is waiting but must remain available, such as on a ferry crossing or at a loading bay. It is not rest.

Ferry crossing as rest

A ferry crossing can count as break or rest if the driver has access to a bunk or reclining seat. Otherwise it counts as availability, not rest.

Manual tachograph entries

Manual entries must be made for work done before inserting the card and after removing it. Missing entries are a common infringement at roadside checks.

Weekly rest deadline

Weekly rest must start no later than six 24-hour periods after the end of the previous weekly rest period. Reduced rest must be compensated within three weeks.

Other work definition

Other work includes loading, unloading, paperwork, vehicle checks, and cleaning. It must be recorded as other work, not as rest or availability.

Tachograph printouts

When the driver card is defective, printouts can be used. The driver must annotate them with the reason and keep them for inspection.

Operator responsibility

The operator is responsible for tachograph compliance. Manipulation can lead to fines, licence suspension, and consequences for the operator licence.