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
D1: the minibus driving licence
D1 is relevant when a vehicle has more passenger seats than category B allows. Its approved seating capacity and length determine whether D1 is enough.
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 21 years and category B
- Vehicles
- 9–16 passenger seats in addition to the driver; maximum vehicle length 8 metres
- Available here
- Theory course, free sample and category guide
- Ordinary theory test
- 30 questions · 75 minutes · 25 correct
Check approved seating and length before choosing D1
Use the registered passenger capacity, not just the number of people travelling. D1 has both seating and length limits. Driving a larger bus almost empty does not make it a minibus. Use the registration document when comparing D1 with B or D.
Prepare passenger safety, luggage, stopping places and vehicle checks as well as road rules. Choose the D1/D1E course for D1-specific test preparation; the D course follows a different test format. For professional transport, also establish the qualifications required for the work.
What the licence covers
A D1 minibus may be approved for nine to sixteen passengers in addition to the driver and may be no more than eight metres long. A trailer may be rated up to 750 kg. The normal minimum age is 21, with some younger-driver routes through qualifying professional education.
Training and tests
D1 requires category-specific training, a theory test and a practical test, as well as the health requirements for a heavy vehicle category. For paid passenger transport, assess Driver CPC and other professional transport requirements separately.
Official theory-test format: 30 questions, 75 minutes and at least 25 correct answers. The ordinary test is not offered in English, and Statens vegvesen does not allow an interpreter for heavy-category theory tests. If you need an assisted oral test with an examiner, apply with supporting documentation and confirm the available arrangements before booking.
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 safe boarding and alighting.
- Drive smoothly and reduce speed early.
- Understand responsibility for passengers and luggage.
- Check emergency exits and relevant safety equipment.
A practical example
An association buys a minibus approved for seventeen passengers. Taking only ten people on a trip does not change its approved seating capacity. Check category D before deciding who can drive it.
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.
Kurskompis provides optional online theory practice for this category. It does not provide mandatory practical training, issue a licence or collect official test fees.
What the theory course includes
556 questions in total, including road-sign practice, all with explanations, plus 36 lessons. Study in Norwegian or English on your phone or computer. Access costs NOK 599 for 6 months (183 days), with no automatic renewal.
- A learning plan helps you choose your next topic.
- Topic practice and situation exercises connect theory with decisions.
- An error bank, spaced review and mock tests show what to revisit.
- Progress is saved to your account and follows you across devices.
Road-sign practice is included. The questions are written for learning and are not the official test bank. Mandatory driver training and official test fees are separate.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate D1 course here?
Yes. The D1/D1E course contains D1 lessons, explained questions and D1 mock exams. D1E is a separate study section because D1E has no separate ordinary theory test.
Can I drive a minibus on B if it is not full?
The approved passenger capacity determines the licence category, rather than the number of passengers on that particular journey.
Can I use D1 for a bus with 17 passenger seats?
No. D1 is limited to 16 approved passenger seats in addition to the driver and a length of eight metres. Carrying fewer passengers does not change the vehicle approval.
How many mistakes are allowed on the D1 theory test?
The ordinary D1 test has 30 questions and requires at least 25 correct answers, allowing up to 5 mistakes. The time limit is 75 minutes. This is the official format, not the ten-question sample.
Sources and review
Requirements last reviewed against the linked official sources on 28 October 2026. Confirm personal entitlements and exceptions with Statens vegvesen.