Choosing a driving school is a pivotal decision before the mandatory driver training. A good match gives structure, confidence and a higher chance of passing both the theory test and the practical test.
What should you assess?
| Criterion | What to look for | Questions to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor quality | Experience, pedagogy and continuity through all steps | “Will I keep the same instructor throughout the course?” |
| Teaching method | Structured progression from the basic traffic course to stage 4 | “How do you follow up homework and reflection tasks?” |
| Feedback | Written reports, logs and review meetings | “Do I get digital feedback after each lesson?” |
| Vehicles and equipment | Modern cars with safety tech and proper tires | “Are the cars equipped with current driver assistance systems?” |
| Availability | Flexible scheduling, pick-up options | “Can lessons start from my school or workplace?” |
Prices and packages
| Package type | Typical inclusions | Indicative price* | Follow-up questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter bundle | 5–10 driving lessons, theory access, evaluation lesson | NOK 6 000–12 000 | “What do extra lessons cost?” |
| Intensive course | Combined theory, driving and safety course on track | NOK 25 000–35 000 | “How do you handle the need for extra practice?” |
| Pay-as-you-go | Single lessons as needed | NOK 750–1 200 per lesson | “Can we plan together with private supervised driving?” |
*Prices vary by region. Always compare with current information from the driving school and consult Pricing for digital learning tools that can extend classroom teaching.
Checklist before signing
- Request the curriculum with milestones for each stage.
- Clarify payment terms – bundles, instalments or single lessons.
- Identify extra fees (track rental, mandatory courses, booking fees at the road authority).
- Confirm compliance with the curriculum from Norwegian Public Roads Administration – services.
- Agree on a contact person for follow-up between lessons.
- Ensure progress is documented, ideally through an online student portal.
Common mistakes when picking a school
- Focusing only on price and overlooking instruction quality.
- Booking an intensive course without preparation, leaving too little time for reflection.
- Ignoring personal learning needs, such as extra night driving or manual gearbox practice.
- Skipping coordination with private supervised driving, which lowers the value of paid lessons.
- Forgetting to read cancellation terms, leading to unnecessary costs.
Resources to combine with the driving school
| Resource | What you gain | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Basic traffic course | Mandatory foundation for learner drivers | Establishes common concepts before road lessons |
| Supervised driving | Rules and tips for private practice | Builds mileage between professional lessons |
| Digital driving licence | Overview of licence status and renewals | Keeps documentation up to date |
| Theory practice tests | Realistic quizzes and feedback | Tracks progress on the knowledge syllabus |
Digital tools and learning environment
| Tool | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Student portal | Combines schedules, reports and homework | Does the platform send reminders and keep a full history? |
| Video analysis | Provides concrete feedback on driving scenarios | Who owns the footage and how is it used for reflection? |
| VR or simulator sessions | Safe exposure to risk situations before meeting them in traffic | Is the simulator mapped to the objectives for stages 3 and 4? |
| Digital driving logs | Aligns private supervised driving with school progress | Can the supervisor comment and receive guidance? |
When you evaluate the school’s technology, check whether it integrates with theory resources you already rely on, so you avoid duplication.
Review after the first lessons
Run an internal review after 3–5 lessons to confirm that the cooperation works.
- Compare expectations with the plan agreed in the kick-off meeting.
- Check logged objectives and see whether they match your own experience from the lessons.
- Ask for concrete examples of skills that need extra practice.
- Adjust lesson length or focus if progress is slow, including how you combine private practice.
- Assess chemistry with the instructor; if you never feel at ease, request a change early.
A structured review of driving schools, combined with private resources, builds a solid pathway toward your driving licence.
Plan mandatory night driving well ahead and see Night driving – requirements and preparations to make sure you meet the winter requirements.