Information about different types of training, approved course organisers and periodic training.
You can choose between initial qualification for passenger transport and goods transport.
The initial qualification will provide you as the driver with the competence and awareness you need before you start your career as a professional driver. It will also ensure that you meet the requirements and expectations that apply to you as a member of the transport sector.
What type of training should you choose?
If you plan to carry out passenger transport by driving vehicles in Category D1, D1E, D or DE, you need to complete an initial qualification course for passenger transport.
If you plan to carry out goods transport by driving vehicles in Category C1, C1E, C or CE, you need to complete an initial qualification course for goods transport.
You can upgrade your Driver CPC for good transport to also include passenger transport or vice versa, if you complete a competence upgrading course.
For all three categories you can choose between a full or accelerated initial qualification course.
The full initial qualification course consists of 280 hours of theoretical and practical training at an approved course organising establishment. When you have completed the training you must pass a theory test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon). Once you have passed the test and obtained a Driver CPC, the following will apply:
A driving entitlement for Category C1, C1E, C or CE gives you the right to carry out goods transport from the age of 18.
A driving entitlement for Category D1, D1E, D or DE gives you the right to carry out passenger transport from the age of 21.
The accelerated version of the initial qualification course consists of 140 hours of theoretical and practical training at an approved course organising establishment. When you have completed the training you must pass a theory test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (trafikkstasjon).
Accelerated initial qualification entails certain age-restricted entitlements. When you have passed the test and obtained a Driver CPC, you may from the age of:
18 carry out goods transport by driving a vehicle requiring a licence for Category C1 or C1E
21 carry out goods transport by driving a vehicle requiring a licence for Category C or CE
21 carry out passenger transport by driving a vehicle requiring a licence for Category D1 or D1E
21 carry out passenger transport on journeys of 50 km or less, by driving a vehicle requiring a licence for Category D or DE
23 carry out passenger transport by driving
A valid Driver CPC for goods transport can be upgraded to include passenger transport or vice versa, if you complete a competence upgrading course.
By completing a 70-hour competence upgrading course and passing the theory test, you will obtain the same rights as those who have completed the 280-hour full initial qualification course.
By completing a 35-hours competence upgrading course and passing a theory test, you will obtain the same age-restricted entitlements as those who have completed the 140-hour accelerated initial qualification course.
The upgraded competence will be valid for the same period as the Driver CPC that is the basis for upgrading.
You can renew your Driver CPC by completing 35 hours of supplementary training (periodic training) at an approved course organising establishment. There is no examination on completion of the supplementary course.
In order to take part in supplementary/periodic training you need to have a valid driving licence and a renewable Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
If you have a licence with code 95 or a separate Driver Qualification Card, you must undergo periodic training by the expiry date on the card in order to maintain your Driver CPC for a continuous period of time.
If you acquired your driving licence before 10 September 2008 for buses/minibuses or before 10 September 2009 for light/heavy lorries, you must participate in periodic training and have code 95 entered on your driving licence before you can transport passengers or goods for hire or reward.
You can restore an expired Driver CPC by completing a supplementary course (periodic training). If you are uncertain whether the validity of your driving licence category has expired, you can find the expiry date on Your Page.
Periodic training builds on the knowledge and experience you have acquired as a driver. The course emphasises the exchange of experience and reflections on your own experience. You will deepen and consolidate knowledge that is important in a driver’s everyday life, and be updated on current rules and regulations.
