Night driving is a compulsory part of the basic traffic course and must be documented before you can take the practical test in the winter season. Solid preparation helps you get the most from the sessions and meet the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s requirements.
When do you need night driving?
| Stage | Timeframe | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Basic traffic course | Autumn and winter (after dusk) | Observation ride from the passenger seat and practical demonstrations |
| Before the road test | Must be completed before the practical exam if your basic course lacked the night module | Present documentation to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration – services |
| Learners over 25 | Exempt from parts of the course but not from night driving | Book a targeted session via a driving school |
If you completed the basic course between 16 March and 31 October without the night module, you must finish night driving before 31 January to retain the right to supervised practice.
What does night driving include?
| Component | Goal | Related resources |
|---|---|---|
| Theory and risk analysis | Understand how darkness affects the senses and reaction time | The human factor in traffic |
| Demonstration | Experience reflection, high/low beam and snow glare | Using lights and signals |
| Instructor-led drive | Practise meeting traffic, signalling and positioning | Driving in the dark |
Preparation before the course
- Review key concepts from the Basic traffic course so the objectives are fresh.
- Check the car’s lights with your supervisor and note improvement points.
- Schedule a date early in the season to avoid fully booked courses later in winter.
- Plan clothing; warm layers and a reflective vest make outdoor tasks easier.
- Clarify personal goals for what you want to learn in dialogue with the instructor.
Checklist on the course night
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Valid ID | Confirms you can participate as a learner |
| School confirmation | Shows location and time of the session |
| Warm clothing and reflectors | You will step outside in the dark, often on slippery ground |
| Notebook or app | Capture observations for later reflection |
Follow-up and progression
- Log key takeaways in the same digital tool you use for other supervised driving.
- Plan private practice in the dark with your supervisor to repeat key techniques.
- Discuss light adjustment and blind spots with the instructor to connect to later stages.
- Link the experience to the upcoming safety course on track to see the bigger picture.
By combining structured night driving with reflection and targeted practice, you arrive at winter driving challenges on Norwegian roads with far greater confidence.