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 ↗Licence categories
DE: a bus with a heavier trailer
DE extends a bus licence to heavier trailers. It is relevant when a bus carries luggage or equipment in a separate trailer.
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 ↗Bus, minibus or a trailer combination?
Find the guide for the vehicle and combination you intend to drive.
- Minimum age
- Normally 24 years and category D
- Vehicles
- Bus with a trailer rated above 750 kg
- Available here
- Free information and guidance
Check existing entitlements before booking DE training
DE builds on D and covers a bus with a heavier trailer. Statens vegvesen states that if you hold C and D and add CE, you also obtain DE. Check registered categories and codes before booking, and have the driving school assess what remains to be completed.
For a bus with a luggage trailer, plan stops, passenger movements and manoeuvring together. Consider where the trailer will stand during boarding and how to avoid reversing near passengers. The D course contains a DE study section, but direct DE has no separate ordinary theory test and therefore no DE mock exam.
What the licence covers
You normally need category D and must be 24. Qualifying professional education can allow a lower age. DE covers trailers above 750 kg maximum authorised mass and also includes minibuses with trailers. The approved technical limits of the bus and trailer still apply.
Training and tests
Clarify the training and testing route using the categories you already hold. Statens vegvesen states that if you hold both C and D and extend to CE, you also receive DE. Planning several heavy categories together can therefore affect the training you need.
What to understand and practise
Use these topics as a checklist. Explain your decisions in your own words and ask a driving instructor about anything that remains unclear.
- Plan stops and terminal access for the full combination length.
- Check the trailer and luggage securing before passengers board.
- Practise communicating with a helper when reversing.
- Understand the trailer's path and how much room it needs.
A practical example
A bus with a luggage trailer approaches a restricted terminal. Check that the stop accommodates the whole combination, that the trailer will not block a pedestrian route and that you can avoid reversing among travellers.
Costs and planning
Ask your driving school for an itemised quote covering mandatory training, additional lessons, any test vehicle and official fees. Compare the contents of each offer. A package price may not include all the individual practice you need.
This guide is free to read. Kurskompis does not provide a dedicated course or mock exam for this category, or its mandatory practical training.
Frequently asked questions
Is YSK the same as DE?
No. DE is a vehicle driving entitlement. YSK is professional driver competence and is a separate requirement for relevant transport work.
Is there a dedicated DE mock exam here?
No. Direct DE has no separate ordinary theory test. The D course contains a DE study section for training and the practical test, not a DE theory-test simulation.
Do I need DE to drive an articulated bus?
Statens vegvesen lists articulated buses under category D. DE concerns a bus towing a trailer over 750 kg. Check the vehicle registration if uncertain.
Sources and review
Requirements last reviewed against the linked official sources on 27 September 2026. Confirm personal entitlements and exceptions with Statens vegvesen.