Wondering what the traffic safety course costs? The course, known in Norway as trafikalt grunnkurs, is the mandatory starting point for a class B licence, and the price varies quite a bit between driving schools and regions. In this overview we look at what is typically included in the price, why it varies, and how you can avoid surprises on the bill.

Overview of what is included in the price of the traffic safety course

Table of contents

  • What is the traffic safety course?
  • What the price includes
  • Why the price varies
  • How you can save money
  • Common questions about price

What is the traffic safety course?

The traffic safety course is step 1 of the training for a class B licence and must normally be completed before you can start practising driving (with an exception for parts of the course if you are over 25). The course gives you a basic understanding of traffic, risk and interaction, and ends with a course certificate that is valid for four years. To learn more about the content, read about the traffic safety course and how it is structured.

The course covers theory on traffic rules, the human in traffic and first aid, plus a practical first-aid session. On top of this comes the night-driving part, which many schools invoice separately. You can read more about the requirements in the article on night driving .

What the price includes

It is important to distinguish between the basic course itself and add-on parts that are sometimes priced separately. A typical breakdown can look like this:

Part of the courseUsually included?Comment
Theory (traffic, risk, rules)YesThe main part of the course
Practical first aidYesA separate training session
Action at a traffic accident (in the dark/outdoors)OftenMay be combined with night driving
Night-driving partVariesOften invoiced separately in winter
Course certificateYesIssued when the course is completed

When comparing offers, always ask whether the night-driving part is included. At some schools it is part of the total price, while at others it is added on top. The same goes for any administration or materials fees.

Why the price varies

The price of the traffic safety course is not set by the state, so each driving school sets the price itself. As a result, the cost is affected by several factors:

  1. Geography – schools in big cities often charge more than those in smaller towns.
  2. Packages vs. individual parts – some offer the basic course and night driving together as a package price.
  3. Season – night driving can only be carried out during the dark time of year, which affects when and how that part is priced.
  4. Additional materials – textbooks, online courses and apps may come on top.

Because the price varies, it pays to gather several offers. Our guide to choosing a driving school goes into more detail about what to look for beyond price alone.

How you can save money

The traffic safety course is a small part of the total cost of getting a licence, but there are still ways to keep expenses down:

  • Compare package prices where the basic course and night driving are bundled together.
  • Ask for an itemised price so you can see what is included and what is extra.
  • Plan well ahead, so you avoid rushed lessons and can do the night driving in season.
  • Practise the theory for free before the exam, so you do not have to take the theory test several times.

Remember that the course certificate is valid for four years. If you take the basic course too early without continuing your training, you risk it expiring and having to take it again. It is also wise to view the cost together with what the theory test costs and the rest of your training.

Common questions about price

Is the price the same across the country? No. Each driving school sets its own price, and it is often more expensive in the largest cities.

Do I have to pay extra for night driving? It varies. Some schools include it, while others invoice it separately, often because it has to be done at a particular time of year.

Can I pay in instalments? Many driving schools offer instalment payments. Ask about the terms before you sign up.

Is it worth doing all the training at the same place? It often gives a discount and better continuity, but you are free to switch schools along the way if you wish.

Be well prepared for the theory test

The course price is only one expense – many extra costs arise when you have to retake exams. The best investment is good preparation. Take a free theory test and practise regularly in the Eteo app, so you are confident and well prepared for the theory test for class B.