1. The course lasts for 3 hours, it is mandatory and it is the same for all the heavy vehicle categories.

    In this course you will learn

    • how driving a heavy vehicle is different from driving a passenger car
    • how conflicts of interest between different road-user groups can be reduced

    Exemptions

    If you already hold a driving licence for a heavy vehicle category, you do not need to retake the basic course.

  2. At this step you will learn basic vehicle control, without having to direct your attention towards other road users.

    How many lessons you need will depend on your individual requirements. It is important that you reach the goals for this step.

    Mandatory end-of-step assessment

    At the end of step 2, you and your instructor will jointly assess whether you have the skills required to go to step 3.

  3. At this step you will learn to drive independently and safely in varied traffic.

    You will learn about issues such as

    • relevant rules and regulations
    • how to plan your drive
    • how to drive safely, efficiently, environmentally friendly and comfortably while interacting well with other road users.

    How many lessons you need will depend on your individual requirements and how much you practise with a lay instructor. It is important that you reach the goals for this step.

    Mandatory end-of-step assessment

    At the end of step 3, you and your instructor will jointly assess whether you have the skills required to go to step 4.

  4. You are about to complete your training. Before you can take the theory test you must have applied for a driving licence. Consider applying now.

    Apply for a driving licence Log in

    At this step you will develop your skills to a level where you can drive responsibly and interact well with other road users.

    Course in accident preparedness

    This 9-hour course is the same for all heavy vehicle categories and will help enable you to operate as a resource person in the event of accidents etc.

    You will learn about issues such as

    • securing an accident site
    • first aid
    • fire safety procedure

    Safety course on the road

    This is a 6-hour course that will help you master long drives under varying conditions.

    You will learn about issues such as

    • how to plan your route
    • how to check your vehicle before and after a drive
    • the interaction between the heavy vehicle driver and other road users
    • how to counteract accidents
    • how to drive so as to minimise environmental damage
    • how to assess your own driving competence

    Safety course on a practice range

    This 9-hour course is the same for Categories C and D. It will give you practice making correct assessments under difficult driving conditions.

    You will learn about issues such as

    • the required braking and stopping distances
    • the effects of speed, tyres and load positioning upon driving and braking characteristics
    • the consequences of making mistakes
    • ways of driving that may reduce the risk of accidents
  5. You take the theory test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office. You must book an appointment for this. You need to apply for a driving licence first.

    You can also fill in an application form on paper, and send it to us by mail.

    You need to book the theory test in advance. When you present yourself for the theory test, you will have to show valid proof of identity and pay the fee for the theory test. You take the theory test on a computer in our test room, and you will be given your result immediately after completing the test.

    When you have passed the theory test, you can take the practical driving test if you have completed all mandatory training and it has been registered in our system. You can track the progress of your training under Your applications on Your Page.

    You must pass the practical driving test within 3 years of having passed the theory test. For licence categories where the theory test is the final test (Snowmobile S, Moped AM146 and AM147), the theory test is valid for 5 years.

    Age

    In order to take the theory test in class D, you must have a class B driving licence. You can take the theory test at the earliest 6 months before you reach the age requirement for the driving licence in question

    Assisted theory test

    You may apply for an assisted theory test if you have difficulties reading and understanding the questions. Such tests are carried out with an examiner present in order to help you understand what is written in the questions.

    Did you fail the theory test?

    If you do not pass the theory test, you need to wait 2 weeks before you can take a new test. You can find out which topics you answered incorrectly, but not the exact questions. When you present yourself for a new test, you once again need to show valid proof of identity and pay for the theory test.

  6. You take the practical driving test at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office. You must authorise the driving school to book the test session for you.

    Appointment booking Log in

    When you arrive for the test, you will have to present valid proof of identity. You can pay for the test in advance on Your Page, or over the counter before the test. Paying online is cheaper.

    You are the driver, and you are responsible for what is done during the test. The test consists of several parts or tasks, and you need to solve the tasks independently, both when it comes to driving and the other tasks you are given. The way you solve the tasks will be assessed as a whole, to the extent that this is possible.

    The result will be determined when you have completed the test. You will be told immediately whether or not you passed. You will be given a written statement explaining the decision made.

    Vehicle for the practical driving test

    • The bus you use for the practical driving test must be at least 10 metres long and have a wheelbase of at least 5.5 metres
    • The bus must be approved as a driving test vehicle.

    What the test comprises

    When the test begins, you will have to carry out a pre-trip check, and you must be able to use the tachograph correctly.

    You will be given a safety check task before the driving begins. You may be asked, for example, to check the lights, brakes, or warning lamps. In addition you will be asked to explain what the cause or consequence might be if something is wrong.

    You will be driving for approximately 45 minutes, under varying road and traffic conditions. The route you drive will have been determined in advance. At the end of the test you will have to uncouple the minibus and trailer.

    Tasks you will be given while you drive

    You will be given directions in good time as to where to drive. For the most part the driving examiner will ask you to drive towards destinations in the form of place names for which you will find direction signs along the way. You will also be asked to turn around, park and reverse.

    The driving examiner’s assessment

    The driving examiner will assess whether you have reached the goals to the extent that you can now practise on your own.

    • Emphasis will be placed on whether you drive comfortably and efficiently, and without causing unnecessary wear on the vehicle.
    • At the same time you must be able to pay attention to the road and traffic situation around you
    • Your driving must be predictable and safe and promote efficient traffic flow.
    • You must plan ahead as you drive, be considerate of the needs of others and seek efficient interaction with other road users.