Curricula and theory-test formats
The category overview, curriculum references and theory-test formats have been reviewed. No new format change requiring changes to the course answer keys was identified.
Open the primary source ↗Guides
Automatic driving licences and code 78
Taking your category B practical test in an automatic car normally gives you code 78, restricting you to automatic transmission. To extend that entitlement to manual cars, you must take a new practical test in a manual car.
Content review status
Last reviewed
Checked against Statens vegvesen curricula, theory-test information and current regulations. Future rules are kept separate from requirements currently in force.
See what has been updated and monitored
Changes to accepted identification
Bank cards, Norwegian Armed Forces ID cards and Norwegian seafarers’ discharge books will no longer be accepted at driver and vehicle licensing offices. This is shown as a future rule and does not change current answers before it takes effect.
Open the primary source ↗Car, automatic transmission or a trailer?
Start with category B, or establish the extension your car and trailer require.
What code 78 means
Code 78 records an automatic-transmission restriction on the licence. You may not drive a manual car under that restricted entitlement. Statens vegvesen explains that a new practical test in a manual car is required to remove the restriction.
The theory test is still category B
Right of way, signs, risk assessment, speed and responsibility do not change with the transmission. You prepare for the category B theory test in both cases, while learning to operate the vehicle you will actually drive.
Three questions before you choose
Which car can you practise in regularly? Could work, leisure or a rental car make manual transmission useful? How much practice do you need to operate a manual gearbox without losing attention to traffic? Discuss these points with your instructor.
Consider the whole learning route, including private practice and any future extension, rather than only the price of the first lesson.
Learn the car you will use
Automatic cars can differ in controls, regenerative braking and assistance systems. Learn how your car behaves at low speed, on a slope and while parking. Driver assistance does not replace observation and control.
Compare your everyday needs
| Question | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Private practice | Which car can you use regularly? |
| Work and leisure | Might you need to drive a manual car? |
| A later extension | What would additional training and a new practical test cost? |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate automatic theory test?
No. You take the category B theory test.
Can I drive a manual car with code 78?
No. You must first extend the entitlement through the required process.
Is B78 a separate licence category?
B78 is a common way to describe category B with code 78. It is a transmission restriction, not a separate theory test or licence category.
Sources and review
Requirements last reviewed against the linked official sources on 17 October 2026. Confirm personal entitlements and exceptions with Statens vegvesen.