Who needs a national van operator licence in Norway?
From 1 January 2026, the main rule is that businesses carrying goods for payment within Norway with motor vehicles above 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass need a national van operator licence. A valid licence is generally required for each vehicle used in licence-regulated transport.
Not every business using a van is covered. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration specifically notes that tradespeople carrying their own tools and materials to and from jobs are an example of activity that may remain outside the national van-licence requirement.
The transport manager must document professional competence
For many new operators, the usual route is to pass the national van operator licence examination. The authorities also describe alternative competence routes, including documented long-term management experience from before 1 January 2026 and competence that already satisfies the requirements for a Community licence for goods transport.
Passing the exam does not by itself grant the operating licence. The business must also satisfy the other licensing requirements, including establishment, good repute and financial standing.
Official exam format: 35 questions, 70 minutes, 30 correct
The official examination is taken on a computer at a Norwegian traffic station. It contains 35 multiple-choice questions, each with one correct answer. You have up to 70 minutes and must answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass.
Important for English-speaking candidates: the official exam is currently available in Norwegian Bokmål or Nynorsk, not English, and an interpreter cannot be used. If you choose Bokmål, you can ask for headphones and have the questions and answer options read aloud.
What the Kurskompis course includes
- 9 modules covering the published subject areas
- 324 quality-controlled practice questions
- One complete 35-question mock exam free before purchase
- Unlimited mock exams with full access
- Smart repetition of topics you answer incorrectly
- Norwegian and English study mode
- 599 NOK one-time payment for 183 days (6 months) of full access
The pass guarantee gives one 90-day extension per purchase when the stated conditions are met: all 9 modules and at least 3 complete mock exams must be completed before the official exam, the failed result must be documented, and the claim must be made within 30 days.
Norwegian terms to recognise before the exam
Use this glossary as study support, not as an official translation. Understanding the English explanation is a first step; practise recognising the Norwegian terms too.
- Varebilløyve
- Van operator licence. This concerns the transport business; it is not a driving licence.
- Transportleder
- Transport manager. The person whose professional competence is relevant to the operator's licence application.
- Mot vederlag
- For payment or other remuneration. Consider the actual transport service, not just ownership of the vehicle.
- Tillatt totalvekt
- Maximum authorised mass, as stated in the vehicle registration document. Not the actual weight on today's trip.
- Egentransport
- Own-account transport. Carrying your own tools for your own work is different from selling a transport service to customers.
- Vandel
- Good repute. A separate licensing requirement, not something established by passing the knowledge exam.
- Økonomisk evne
- Financial standing. Separate from the amount you pay for a course, exam or licence fee.
- Løyvegaranti
- Licence guarantee. The guaranteed amount and the premium charged by a bank or insurer are different figures.
A practical route from English study to the Norwegian exam
- Read the subject explanation in English and connect it to the Norwegian keyword.
- Try to explain the rule using a new example rather than memorising an answer's position.
- Use Norwegian practice as well as the English mock exam. The official test is offered in Bokmål and Nynorsk, not English, and interpreters are not permitted.
Try the free English mock exam →
Official exam format and preparation · Application checklist (Norwegian)
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the official van operator licence exam in English?
No. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration currently offers the official exam in Norwegian Bokmål or Nynorsk. The Kurskompis course can be used in English as study support, but the official exam itself is not available in English.
How many questions are on the exam?
The official exam has 35 multiple-choice questions. You have up to 70 minutes and need at least 30 correct answers to pass.
Do I have to take a mandatory course first?
No. There is no mandatory training requirement before the van operator licence exam. You may study independently or use a voluntary course.
Who normally needs the national van operator licence?
The main rule applies to businesses carrying goods for payment within Norway with motor vehicles above 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass. One valid licence is generally required per vehicle used for licence-regulated transport.