The driver's license

In the first chapter, we will look at the regulations surrounding practice driving, the requirements for obtaining a driving license and what the different driving license classes entitle you to drive.

In chapter 1 we will review

• 1.1 Practice drive
• 1.2 Who can get a driving licence?
• 1.3 Driving license classes
• 1.4 Summary

1. The driver's license

1.1 Practice drive

Practice run

The pupil

Illegal practice driving can be punished with a suspension period. If you get a suspension period, you can't practice drive, and you can't get a driver's license. The requirements for those who are going to practice run are:

• You must have reached the age of 16.
• You must have completed a basic traffic course, and have proof of having completed the course with you. If you take the basic traffic course between 16 March and 31 October, without dark driving, you can practice drive until 31 October. To drive after that you have to take driving after dark.
• You must bring identification.
• You must be fit when you practice drive.

You do not need a basic traffic course if...

you are over 25 years old. But you must take the driving in the dark and the first aid section before driving up.

you already have a different driving licence, for example for a moped or tractor. But you must have your driving license with you when you practice drive.

Basic traffic course

The basic traffic course consists of 17 hours of compulsory training which will give you an introduction to the most important aspects of being a driver.

Suitability

Being fit means that you are awake, healthy and clear-headed, and not under the influence of alcohol, other drugs or road-dangerous drugs.

The Road Traffic Act states that you must not drive or attempt to drive a vehicle when you are in such a state that you are not considered fit to drive safely.

The companion

You must have a companion when you practice drive. Most people drive with their parents, or someone they know well. The companion is not allowed to demand payment from you for practice driving. Other requirements for a companion are:

• Accompanying person must be 25 years of age.
• Accompanying person must have had a valid driver's license for class B continuously for the last 5 years.
• Companions must be fit.

Who is responsible?

The companion is considered the responsible driver of the car, and can thus be punished. The practice driver can do that too.

The car

Most practice drives with the family car. It is legal, as long as it has the required equipment:

• The car must be marked at the back with a clearly visible red L on a white background. The mark must be removed when the car is not used for practice driving.
• In order for the companion to have a good enough view to the rear, the car must be equipped with an additional mirror on the companion's side. You can buy a mirror with a suction cup, which the attendant can attach at the top of the front window.

Where can you practice drive?

You can practice drive anywhere in the country, as long as you are not a danger or unnecessary inconvenience to other traffic.

1. The driver's license

1.2 Who can get a driving licence? (1/2)

Who can get a driver's license?

There are requirements for age, health and education.

Age requirement

• You can take the theory test no earlier than 6 months before you turn 18.
• You can only complete the drive-up once you have turned 18.

Health requirements

• When you apply for a driving license for class B, you must complete a self-declaration that you meet the requirements for health and driving ability.
• In addition, you must complete a simple vision test at the traffic station before taking the theory test.

Obligatory training

• You must have completed all mandatory training before the start-up. If you drive up between 16 March and 31 October, you do not need to have completed the dark driving before driving up. But you must take it before 31 January of the year following the start-up.
• You must apply for a driver's license before taking the theory test. You can do this on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's website.
• If you drive up in a car with an automatic transmission, you will get a note on your driver's license that shows that you are only entitled to drive a car with an automatic transmission, and not with a manual transmission.

You must apply for a driver's license before taking the theory test.

Blocking period

If you have been given a curfew by the police, you cannot drive up. A suspension period is a postponement of the time when you are allowed to get a driving licence. There are several offenses that can result in you receiving a suspension period.

When people with a driving license commit traffic offences, the police can confiscate their driving licence. But if you don't have a driving licence, the police have to come up with another punishment - and then they often use a suspension period. The suspension period lasts at least as long as the driver's license suspension would have if you had had a driver's license.

Rules for the blocking period:

• The blocking period lasts from the time you turn 18. So if you get a 6-month suspension period before you turn 18, it lasts until you are 18 years and 6 months old.
• You are not allowed to practice driving if you have been banned, unless you get special permission from the police.

If you are under the suspension period, you cannot practice drive.

Probation

When you get your driver's license, you start with a two-year probationary period. When you are on probation, you do not have quite the same rights as those who have had the card for many years, and who are not on probation. Offenses and misdemeanors have greater consequences:

• If you have your driving license revoked during the probationary period, you must take both the theory test and the driving test again to get your driving license back. You then enter a new trial period of 2 years.
• When you are on probation, you get twice as many points for traffic offences.

A speeding offense that results in 2 points will result in 4 points during the probationary period.

Point load

In Norway, we have a penalty charge scheme where certain violations result in a penalty charge.

• Anyone who gets eight points or more during a three-year period will lose their driving license for at least 6 months.
• Drivers with a trial period for driving license in class B (2 years) must be registered with double the number of points for each offense committed during the trial period.

1. The driver's license

1.2 Who can get a driving licence? (2/2)

The theory test

In the theory test, you must prove that you have the knowledge you need to drive safely. 45 questions must be answered in 90 minutes. If you get more than 7 mistakes, you fail and then you have to wait at least 2 weeks before you can try again. To avoid strokes, you should remember the following:

• Be well prepared - Make sure you have read through the syllabus so you are in control and test yourself beforehand so you have some practice with these types of tasks.
• Read the task carefully - Be sure that you understand what the task is asking for and that you understand the difference between the various answer options.
• Use your time well - Many people hurry and hand in their answers full of sloppy mistakes on tasks they actually knew the answer to.

The drive up

During the drive, you must prove to the examiner that you can drive in a sufficiently responsible and safe manner. Many people are nervous before and during the start-up. In order to be well prepared, the following is important:

• Volume Training - Practice really does make perfect. The sensor notices very well if you have many hours of experience in traffic.
• Think aloud - By explaining how you think and act, the examiner can form a more nuanced picture of your maturity as a driver.
• Practice safety checks - You don't necessarily fail just because you fail the safety check on the way up. But it helps your confidence if this is something you have steel control over.

1. The driver's license

1.3 Driving license classes (1/2)

Driving license class B

With a class B driver's license, you have the international right to drive...

• vehicles with a maximum permissible total weight of 3,500 kg and a maximum of 8 passengers
• car with trailer of maximum 750 kg. Under certain conditions, you can tow heavier trailers - we'll look at that in more detail later
• four-wheel motorcycle
• moped

Passenger car and moped.

In Norway, a class B driver's license entitles you to drive...

Motor vehicles, such as tractors, with a maximum permissible total weight of 3,500 kg. They can have a trailer if the vehicle's design speed is no more than 40 km/h.

Tracked vehicle with or without trailer sled, and trailer for a four-wheeled motorcycle with a displacement over 125 cm³, when the permissible total weight of the trailer is no more than 750 kg.

Allowed total weight

Permissible total weight is the maximum permissible weight that your vehicle can have. It is stated in the registration card.

Motor tools

Mobile machines/self-propelled work tools, which have wheels and/or belts when the machine or tool separates from other motor vehicles for the transport of goods or people, or a tractor.

Other driving license classes

The curriculum requires that you also have knowledge of what the different driving license classes give you the right to drive for.

Motorcycle is driver's license class A.

• Class A, A1 and A2 – motorcycle
• Class AM – moped
• Class C – truck
• Class C1 – light truck
• Class D – bus
• Class D1 – minibus
• Class E – trailer, where, for example, CE is a truck with a trailer
• Class S – snowmobile
• Class T – tractor

1. The driver's license

1.4 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 1

• With a class B driver's license you can drive a car with a permissible total weight of up to 3,500 kg.
• You are also allowed to drive mopeds and four-wheeled motorcycles.
• In Norway, you can also drive a tractor, power tool, tracked vehicle and trailer for a four-wheel motorcycle according to its own rules.

In the next chapter, we move from the driver's license to the car and look at how it is constructed, and how you can check that it is in a safe and compliant condition.

Technically about the car

It is your responsibility that the car you drive does not pose a danger to yourself or other road users. Therefore, you need to know a little about how the car is put together, which safety systems are in the car and how you can check that the car is safe to drive. We will look at that now.

We will also look at the rules for driving with a trailer.

In chapter 2 we will review

• 2.1 Decent and regulatory condition
• 2.2 Brakes
• 2.3 Management
• 2.4 Tires and wheels
• 2.5 Light and visibility
• 2.6 Engine and battery
• 2.7 Security
• 2.8 Choice of car
• 2.9 Driver support systems
• 2.10 Trailer, weight and load
• 2.11 Summary

2. Technical information about the car

2.1 Correct and regulatory condition (1/2)

Decent and regulatory condition

You are responsible for ensuring that the car is in good condition and in accordance with regulations. It is stated in the Road Traffic Act.

The car must always be in good condition.

In a state according to regulations

That the car is in regulatory condition means that it meets all technical requirements set through various rules and regulations. Those you are expected to check yourself are reviewed in more detail in this chapter.

Proper condition

That the car is in a safe condition means in practice that it is road safe, both for the driver, passengers and other road users. If the car is not in a safe condition, it cannot be used, and you must stop driving as soon as possible.

Example!

You drive to the shop in the middle of the day, and discover that one of the headlights has stopped lighting. This means that the car is no longer in legal condition.

But as it's bright outside, it's still safe to drive - it's still in good condition.

Then it will be evening, and dark outside. Now it is no longer safe to drive the car. It is no longer in good condition and you must leave it.

The next day, when it is light, it is safe again. You should drive to get the light repaired now that there is daylight and good visibility.

Security check

There are many different safety checks you can carry out to check the individual parts of the car - these are reviewed in more detail later in the chapter.

In general, you should always investigate further or contact a workshop if the car's driving characteristics change, or you hear noises while driving. Often, such sounds can precisely be a warning that a part should be replaced or repaired.

There are many things you can check yourself.

Gauges and warning lights

On the car's dashboard you will find a number of instruments that indicate, among other things, speed, rpm, engine temperature and fuel level - information that is relevant to your driving.

You will also find a number of warning lights that start to light up when errors occur in various systems. It is important to know what the various lights indicate and what you should do when one of them lights up at start-up or while driving.

The lamps vary somewhat in design and color from car to car - familiarize yourself with what the lights for your car indicate by reading the car's instruction booklet.

You must know what the various lights on the instrument panel indicate. Here is a small selection.

All the warning lights are on!

If the warning lights are working properly, they will all light up when you start the engine, and will go out automatically after a few seconds.

RPM

RPM tells how many revolutions the engine makes in one minute.

The warning lights

2. Technical information about the car

2.2 Brakes

Foot brake and parking brake

All cars are equipped with a foot brake and a parking brake.

Foot brake

The foot brake is operated with a brake pedal, and must meet several requirements:

• The brakes must work to their full potential during one break-in.
• The further the brakes are pressed, the stronger the braking effect should be. Full effect must be achieved before the pedal is depressed 2/3.
• The pedal must be able to withstand a pressure of at least 100 kp.

You can check that the brake can withstand the pressure it should withstand. With the car stationary, depress the brake pedal as far as possible for five seconds. Only step on the brake pedal, not the clutch or gas. If the brake suddenly gives way and sinks in completely, it cannot withstand the pressure. Then it could be that the car is leaking brake fluid.

Parking brake

The parking brake is operated with a handbrake, or with some kind of switch that is located between the front seats on most cars. The parking brake must ensure that the car does not roll when it is parked. You have to turn it on when you park and off when you start. Some new cars have automatic parking brakes that turn on and off by themselves.

Brakes are important!

That the car can brake is of course very important.

It is never safe to drive if the brakes are not working properly - so if a brake circuit fails, or if the brake booster is faulty, you must stop driving as soon as possible.

The parking brake must ensure that the car does not roll when you have parked the car.

kp

Kilopond is a term from physics. A pressure of 1 kilopond (kp) means in practice the same as the pressure from a 1 kg weight.

Clutch

A clutch or coupling is a mechanical device that enables one rotating part to be disengaged from another. Such couplings are found in the drive train of cars, where they sit between the engine and the gearbox. Most car clutches are operated with a pedal.

The braking system

Brake circuits

The brakes at the bottom of the wheels are activated by the brake pedal. The connection between the brakes and the pedal is called the brake circuit.

All cars have at least two brake circuits that are independent of each other. This means that the car still has brakes even if one of the circuits is destroyed.

Brake booster

The brake power amplifier means that the force you apply to the brake pedal is amplified, so that the brake at the bottom of the wheels gets extra power to brake. If the brake booster does not work, the brakes do not get extra power, and then you have to step on the brakes much harder to get enough braking power. You notice that the brake booster is broken when the pedal becomes very hard to press.

You check that the brake booster is working by turning off the engine and pressing the brake pedal 5-6 times. Feel that the pedal becomes completely hard. Then you hold the pedal down while starting the engine. Then the pedal should point inwards.

You check that the brake booster is working by pumping the brake pedal 5-6 times until it becomes hard.

Brake fluid

The brake fluid is important for the pedal to activate the brakes. If you don't have brake fluid, the brakes won't work.

You can check if you have enough brake fluid by doing a pressure test, where you press the foot brake pedal as far as you can. The pedal should not give way. If it does, and suddenly sinks in quickly, it cannot withstand the pressure it should withstand - and this may mean that you have too little brake fluid.

You can also check the brake fluid level by checking the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. The level in the container must be between MIN and MAX.

The car does not use up brake fluid, so if there is little brake fluid there may be something wrong with the car, such as worn brake pads or a leak in the circuit. The car should be taken to a workshop.

Container for brake fluid.

Distribution of braking force and bias

The brakes must apply more forcefully to the front wheels than the rear wheels. Wheels on the same axle, i.e. both front wheels or both rear wheels, must have approximately the same braking force, to prevent the car from "pulling" to one side during heavy braking.

You check whether the brakes pull crookedly by driving straight ahead at approximately 30 km/h, and then braking firmly while letting the steering wheel turn by itself, without holding it back. The car must then keep its course straight ahead. Skewed traction is usually caused by the brakes not wearing evenly on both sides. The problem can be fixed at a workshop.

Let the steering wheel turn itself, and see what happens.

Skewness

Skew is when the car pulls to one side when you brake. Skewed traction is usually caused by the brakes not wearing evenly on both sides. The problem can be fixed at a workshop.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

All cars are now equipped with so-called anti-lock brakes. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking during heavy braking and gives the driver the opportunity to steer while braking for full effect. However, be aware that the braking distance is not affected by whether the car is equipped with ABS brakes.

It is safe to drive on even if a fault occurs with the ABS, but the car is no longer in legal condition.

Warning lights for brakes

Brake failure

This light signals an error with the car's braking system and you should stop the car immediately to check the car's brakes. On some cars, the lamp can also indicate that the car's handbrake is on. If the light continues to light when you have released the handbrake, this indicates a fault in the brake system.

The reasons why the light comes on while driving can be that the two-circuit system is not working properly, that there is too little brake fluid, that the handbrake is defective, that the control unit is defective or another technical fault.

Warning light for brake failure.

ABS

If this lamp lights up, it indicates a fault in the ABS system. The brakes still work, but you no longer have any guarantee that the wheels will not lock when you brake hard.

Warning lamp for ABS.

Control unit

The control unit reads parameters from sensors in the engine and controls injection, ignition and the like. The newer the car, the more responsibility the control units have, and multiple control units for various components such as ABS, ESP and the like are becoming more and more common.

2. Technical information about the car

2.3 Management

The steering

In order for the car to be traffic safe, requirements are placed on the control system:

The car must be easy to steer

All modern cars have power steering. The power steering increases the force you apply to the steering wheel when you turn it, so that it becomes easier to turn the wheels. If the power steering stops working, it becomes much harder to steer the car, but it is still in safe condition.

To check the power steering, the engine must be off. Turn the steering wheel until you feel resistance and start the engine. When you start the engine, the steering wheel should become easier to turn.

The car must be directionally stable

The car must be directionally stable. This means that it runs in the direction you steer it, without pulling to one side or the other. If the car pulls to one of the sides when you drive straight ahead, it could be that you have different air pressure in the tyres, or a fault with the suspension. Misalignment can also cause the steering wheel to shake when you drive fast.

You can check that the car is directional by driving straight ahead at low speed with a "light" grip on the steering wheel. If the car is directional, it must go straight ahead.

The car must be self-righting

Self-righting means that the car straightens up if you let go of the steering wheel when driving in a corner. You can check this with a practical test, at low speed and in a safe place. Drive forward and turn the steering wheel so that the car turns. Hold the turn slightly, and let go of the steering wheel while still driving. The steering wheel must automatically turn back and straighten the car.

There should not be too much idling on the steering wheel

Deadlift is how many cm you can turn the steering wheel before the wheels react. A lot of backlash makes the steering inaccurate, and no backlash of more than 3 cm is allowed. This means that the wheels must start turning at the latest when you have turned the steering wheel 3 cm to one side.

Proper condition

If a vehicle is to be used, it must be in good condition. Good condition means that the vehicle is safe for traffic. If, for example, you have a serious brake fault or the brake lights do not work, the vehicle is not in safe condition.

The vehicle may be in good condition even if it is not in legal condition. For example, you can drive a car with a broken headlight during the day and in good light, even if such a car is not in legal condition. But - fix the lamp as soon as you can.

Air pressure

The air pressure of the tires affects the road grip. Too much air causes the tires to have less contact surface with the ground, and thus less grip. Too little air gives a larger contact surface, but it also increases rolling resistance, and thus fuel consumption.

The correct air pressure ensures that the tires work as they should, with a contact surface that provides good grip and environmentally friendly driving.

Impersonation

The front means the front wheels of the car, including the axle, suspension, steering mechanism, brakes, suspension, etc.

Warning lights for steering

Electronic stability control

Electronic Stability Control, or ESP, helps steer precisely and maintain traction. ESP has its own warning lamp.

A flashing ESP light means that the car is struggling with traction, and that the ESP system is trying to help. If the warning lamp lights up constantly, there is a fault with the ESP. It could also mean that it is turned off.

Warning lamp for ESP.

2. Technical information about the car

2.4 Tires and wheels (1/2)

deck

In order for your car to have good traction, it must have tires that fit the wheel. It is your responsibility to ensure this.

It may be a good idea to change to winter tires in the autumn, and to summer tires in the spring, as most people do. However, you must also make your own assessments based on where you will be driving. If you're going to drive over an expanse of winter snow, you must have winter tires - even if it's the middle of July.

You must decide for yourself when to change to winter tires and summer tyres, and whether you should have studded or studless winter tyres. If you often drive in difficult terrain, for example at the cabin, you should also consider having a chain in the car.

Wear and tear and damage

You are also responsible for the tires and rims being in good condition. Damage can be dangerous.

Look for tears, bubbles or blisters on the side of the tire, and for dents in the rim. You can also see if the tires have even wear on the contact surface with the ground. If they have more wear on the sides or in the middle, they may have the wrong air pressure. If they are worn on one side, the presentation may be skewed.

It is not safe to drive on with such damage to the tyre.

Impersonation

The front means the front wheels of the car, including the axle, suspension, steering mechanism, brakes, suspension, etc.

Tire dimensions

By the tyre's "dimensions" we mean the size of the tyre. What dimension and load capacity your car must have on the tires is stated in the vehicle license. The carrying capacity is called min. Li, which stands for minimum load index.

You check that the tire is correct for the car by checking the stated dimensions and load capacity of the tire against what is stated in the car's registration card.

What does this tire marking mean?

What do the different numbers mean?

Look at the picture of the tire marking. The first part, 225/50 R 17, indicates the tire's dimensions.

• 225 – the width of the tire in millimeters at the correct air pressure
• 50 – the tire's height as a percentage of the tire's width
• R – radial (alternative is D for diagonal)
• 17 – the tire's rim diameter in inches
• M+S – stands for Mud and Snow and means the tire is intended for winter driving

The last part, 98 R, indicates the tire's load and speed class.

Air pressure

The air pressure of the tires affects the road grip. Too much air causes the tires to have less contact surface with the ground, and thus less grip. Too little air gives a larger contact surface, but it also increases rolling resistance, and thus fuel consumption.

The correct air pressure ensures that the tires work as they should, with a contact surface that provides good grip and environmentally friendly driving.

How do you check if the tires have the correct air pressure?

You can find what air pressure the car's tires should have in an overview in the petrol cap, or on a sticker on the door frame. For some cars, you can also find information about this in the car's instruction booklet.

Newer cars have automatic tire pressure monitoring that warns of incorrect air pressure.

Pattern of tire wear

The part of the tire that rolls on the ground is called the tire's tread. It gets wear directly from the surface. How this wear looks, i.e. the wear pattern, can say something about the air pressure in the tyre.

Pattern depth

All normal car tires have a pattern. The pattern is there to ensure grip: if there is water, snow or mud on the road, this settles inside the pattern, instead of settling between the tire and the ground. The tire then has good contact with the ground, and thus good grip.

Pattern depth is how deep this pattern is, given in millimeters. There are requirements for pattern depth:

• Winter tires must have a tread depth of at least 3 mm . In the winter period, you must have tires with at least a 3 mm tread.
• Summer tires must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm . You can use summer tires in the winter period, if there is a reason for it. But they must have a pattern depth of 3 mm anyway.

The winter period

During the winter period, there is a requirement for a tread depth of at least 3 mm, and studded tires are permitted.

The winter period is:

• Northern Norway: 16 Oct. - 30 April
• The rest of Norway: 1 Nov. – the Monday after the 2nd Easter Sunday

Studded tires

Studded tires provide much better grip on slippery roads. But since the spikes wear on the road surface, and create airborne dust that burdens the environment, it is only permitted during the winter period. In some cities you have to pay a fee to use studded tyres.

If the route requires it, you can use studded tires in the summer period. But then you must be able to argue that the guide makes it absolutely necessary.

Studded tires!

If you use studded tyres, you must have studded tires on all wheels.

The summer period

In the summer period, a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm is required. Studded tires are not permitted, unless the driver requires it.

The summer period is:

• Northern Norway: 1 May – 14 Oct.
• The rest of Norway: the Monday after Easter 2nd – 31 Oct.

2. Technical information about the car

2.5 Light and visibility (1/2)

Light

In this film we look at which lights all cars must be equipped with, as well as some optional ones.

In front of

Driving lights and dipped beam

In Norway, daytime running lights are mandatory, also during the day. Driving lights are yellow or white lights in front, which should make you more visible to other road users. Some cars are equipped with their own daytime running lights, and some cars use the low beams as driving lights.

The car's low beams must shine white or yellow, at least 40 meters ahead. The right dipped beam should shine a little longer than the left. The height of the lights is also important: if the light is too high, it dazzles oncoming road users. If it is too low, it hits the ground instead of lighting 40 meters, as they should.

You check that the dipped beam is working and has the correct height by driving up to a wall, for example in a car park. Then they should light up straight ahead on the wall.

Many cars use the low beams as running lights.

High beam

The car's high beams must shine white or yellow, at least 100 meters in front of the car. High beams are often used when driving on roads without street lights.

The high beams are very strong and dazzle oncoming cars. You must turn them off in good time every time you meet a car.

Cornering and fog lights

The cornering and fog lights at the front of the car must light up white or yellow, and those at the back must light up red. Fog lights are smart when visibility is poor outside, and then you can use them as driving lights. But if the weather is clear, they can dazzle other road users.

It is not permitted to use fog lights and dipped beam at the same time.

You check the fog lights by visual inspection, i.e. by turning them on and seeing if they work.

Cornering and fog lights.

Directional lights and emergency signal lights

Directional lights

Directional lights are often called turn signals. The car must have an orange direction light on each corner.

Emergency signal lights

The car's emergency signal light is when all four indicators flash at the same time. Emergency signal lights should be used to make yourself extra visible during an emergency stop, or to mark your car in situations where you need attention - for example, if you are driving into a sudden traffic jam, and want to warn the car behind.

If you use emergency signal lights in connection with an emergency stop, you must also use the parking lights. Then you will be seen, without dazzling others.

Emergency signal lights and direction lights are checked by visual inspection.

Some cars also have indicators integrated in the side mirrors.

Emergency stop

An emergency stop is when you have to stop because of technical problems in the car. It could be an error message from a red warning light that means you should stop, or it could simply be that the car doesn't want to drive anymore.

Rear lights and brake lights

Rear light

The car's rear lights must be red.

Rear lights are not required when it is bright, but most cars have rear lights on all the time. Newer cars have rear lights that turn on when it gets dark.

The rear lights are checked by visual inspection.

Brake lights

The car's brake lights must also be red.

The brake lights turn on when you step on the brakes, so that the cars behind can see that you are slowing down.

It is not safe to drive without a working brake light. To check them, you can ask a helper to look at the rear lights when you step on the brake.

Parking lights and sign lights

Parking lights

The car's parking lights must be white. They come on automatically when you turn on the car, and are always on when the dipped beam, main beam, rear light, license plate light or fog light are on.

The parking lights make you visible when you are parked in the dark, without dazzling other road users.

You check the parking lights by visual inspection.

Sign lights

The car's license plate light must be white and must automatically illuminate the car's license plates when the engine is running.

Sign lights are checked by visual inspection.

In the vehicle regulations, the registration plate is called a license plate and the license plate light is called a license plate light.

Back light

Reversing lights are white or yellow lights at the back of the car, which should make it easier to see when you are reversing. New cars have reversing lights, but it is not mandatory.

Warning lights

High beam

This light indicates that the main beam is on.

High beam warning light.

Driving lights

The green lamp indicates that the daytime running lights are on.

The green warning light is for high beam.

2. Technical information about the car

2.5 Light and visibility (2/2)

Sight

You must always have good visibility to all sides. Stickers on the windows or decorations on the dashboard reduce your visibility and can hide an entire pedestrian. You must also remove ice, snow and dew when it obstructs your view.

Windshield wipers

The windscreen wipers wash dust and dirt from the windows, and they provide better visibility when it rains. Windscreen wipers are important for visibility, and if there is a lot of rain or airborne dust, it is simply not safe to drive without them.

The windscreen wipers have several speeds. You check that they work by turning them on and seeing that they work as they should.

You must also check that the wiper itself is in good condition. Then you tilt the wiper up, and see that there are no loose parts or nicks or tears in the rubber. Finally, you must see that the rubber strip is close to the windscreen. Bad wipers can create streaks of dirt across the road - and then they can actually make visibility worse.

Window washers

If there is dust or mud on the window, the wipers alone will not do - you must have windscreen washer fluid.

The vast majority of cars warn that they are starting to run out of windscreen washer fluid, but you can also check that you have some left by trying to flush a little. If it is empty, nothing comes. You can see how much windscreen washer fluid you have in the tank under the bonnet.

You buy windscreen washer fluid at the petrol station and fill it up yourself.

Containers for window washer fluid usually have a blue lid.

Ice and dew

Go over the outside of the car's windows with an ice scraper, and brush away as much snow as possible before you start driving. Ice and dew on the inside must also be removed. Remember that it is not allowed to idle the car to do this. If you have heating wires on the rear window and side mirrors, switch them on too.

All windows must be scraped free of ice.

2. Technical information about the car

2.6 Engine and battery

Engine

The engine produces the power that makes the car move forward. The engine uses fuel or electricity.

Faults and damage that occur in the engine can be very expensive to repair, so it is smart to keep an eye on the warning lights in the car. They warn of errors or of things that need to be done.

Engine oil

Engine oil lubricates the engine, and driving without oil can completely destroy the engine.

All cars have a warning light that alerts you to a low oil level, and in new cars you can monitor the level at all times. Despite this, it can be smart to check the level yourself.

The level of the engine oil is checked with the dipstick in the oil tank. It is accessible from under the hood, and usually has a plastic ring that you can pull in. Pull the stick up, wipe off the oil with a paper, and put the stick back down. Pick it up again and check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the stick.

It can be smart to check the oil level at regular intervals.

Oil dipstick

An oil dipstick is a stick that sticks into the oil tank. You can pull it out of the tank and see how high the oil level is. The dipstick is marked with MIN and MAX, and the oil level should be between these marks.

Battery

The car's battery supplies power to everything in the car that is powered by electricity, such as lights, electric windows, heating, air conditioning and windscreen wipers. The car also needs a battery to start.

The car's battery is rechargeable, and is powered by the dynamo, which creates electricity when the engine is running. That is why it is rarely empty.

If you use a lot of electricity in the car without driving, for example if you leave the car with the lights on, the battery may die. Then you don't have electricity to start the car - and you have to use jumper cables. With starter cables, you can borrow power from the battery of another car, to start your own car. You must be very careful when using jumper cables, and read the instruction manual carefully.

Some new cars can neither give nor receive help with jumper cables.

Battery on the left and fuses on the right.

Dynamo

The power sources for the car's electrical system are the battery and the dynamo.

The dynamo supplies power as long as the engine is running. The battery supplies electricity when the engine is not running, and its main task is to start the engine.

The dynamo is driven by a drive belt from the motor shaft.

Starter cables

From time to time you run out of power, and need jump-starting help from a neighbor or passer-by who has jumper cables lying in the car. But it is important to do things in the right order. Here are important tips if you need help getting started:

1 - Turn off the ignition on both cars

2 - Connect the red cable first to the positive pole of the transmitter battery - and then to the positive pole of the car.

3 - Connect the black cable to the sensor battery's negative pole - and then to the car's engine block - as far away from the battery as possible.

4 - Start the car with the fresh battery.

5 - Start the car with the flat battery.

6 - Finish by loosening the clamp on the engine block, and then the rest in reverse order:

Never use the negative terminal of the receiving vehicle as a contact point. This is very important because the empty battery can develop explosive gas and sparks can occur when the circuit is closed. These sparks can ignite the explosive gas and cause serious injuries.

Warning lights for engine and battery

Engine temperature

There is coolant in the engine to prevent the engine from overheating. If it does, it can suffer extensive damage that is expensive to repair.

The temperature in the engine is shown on a small gauge on the dashboard, and if the engine gets too hot, the engine temperature warning light starts to glow red. Then you must stop the car immediately.

Gauge and warning light for engine temperature.

If the engine gets too hot, the coolant level may be too low. You can check the coolant level by looking at the reservoir under the hood.

You can top up the coolant yourself, but you must never open the coolant container while the engine is hot. Because of the pressure, boiling hot steam and coolant can splash up from the container.

When topping up you should check that the coolant is not leaking anywhere. If there is nothing wrong with the coolant level, but the engine has still warmed up, you must call the workshop.

Container for coolant.

Oil pressure

If the oil pressure warning light is on, stop as soon as possible, turn off the engine and check the oil. If the oil level is low, you can usually just top up the oil and drive on. But if it is not a low level, the car needs to be repaired. You should not drive on.

Lamp for oil pressure.

Charging

This lamp lights up when not enough power is being generated for the battery. If the battery runs out, you will not be able to start the car again.

Battery warning light.

Engine failure

This lamp lights up when there is a general fault with the engine. The lamp lights up orange, which means you can drive on. You should still get to the workshop at the first opportunity to check what the fault could be.

Warning light for engine failure.

Coolant

Coolant is also known as antifreeze and is used to prevent overheating due to the high temperatures associated with internal combustion engines. It also ensures that the engine's cooling system does not freeze at freezing temperatures.

Engine temperature

The correct engine temperature should normally be between 80 and 92 degrees on most cars. This is the best temperature for optimal fuel combustion. Both too low and too high a temperature can be harmful to the engine.

Oil pressure

The oil pressure is related to the amount of oil in the engine's system. Too low oil pressure can cause the engine to cut within only a short time.

2. Technical information about the car

2.7 Security (1/2)

Active and passive safety

When we talk about safety in a car, we like to divide it into two different forms of safety.

Active safety

By active safety we mean equipment or constructions in the car that will help you act correctly and prevent accidents. ABS brakes and anti-skid are examples of active safety systems.

Passive safety

By passive safety, we mean equipment or structures in the car that are supposed to protect the driver, passengers and other road users in the event of accidents. Airbags and seat belts are examples of passive safety devices.

Airbags are one of the car's passive safety devices.

ESP

ESP stands for electronic stability control, and many call it anti-skid. It is a system that helps the driver to have control over the vehicle.

The system monitors the wheels, steering and brakes, and helps the car maintain traction in difficult situations.

The name of anti-skid varies between brands, and other names are ESC, VSC and DCS.

Air bag

Also known as airbag. The airbag is a safety device for cars that is supposed to be a supplement to the seat belts. The device consists of a sensor and a cushion that is filled with air or another gas when the sensor registers a collision.

Safety equipment

Mandatory safety equipment!

It is mandatory to have at least one reflective vest and warning triangle in the car.

Reflective vest

The reflective vest must be easily accessible from the driver's seat and can, for example, be under the seat, in the glove compartment or in the side door.

In the event of an emergency, you must put on the reflective vest before getting out of the car. This also applies to passengers, so it may be a good idea to have more than one reflective vest available.

The reflective vest must be CE approved.

The reflective vest must be easily accessible.

Warning triangle

When you have to use the warning triangle, do as follows:

Find the warning triangle and mount it in a safe place. Remember to put on the reflective vest before getting out of the car.

Walk with the warning triangle's reflective side away from you so that oncoming traffic can see you.

Position the warning triangle so that it is clearly visible to other road users. In densely built-up areas, you must assess the conditions to decide how far behind the warning triangle should be placed. Outside densely built-up areas, the warning triangle should be somewhere between 150 and 250 meters behind the car.

If your car poses a greater danger to oncoming traffic, you can consider placing the warning triangle in front of the car instead.

Seat belts

It is mandatory to wear a seat belt in the car, where there is one. Both the driver and passengers can be penalized for not wearing a seat belt.

For the belt to work properly, it must be in good condition, without damage. You must check this. You must also check that the belt tensioner is working properly.

The belt must be free of tears and wear.

Air bag

Airbags are standard on all newer cars.

The airbag light should light up for a few seconds when you start the engine, then go out. If the light does not go out, or if the light comes on while driving, there may be a fault with the airbags. Then it is not certain that they will be released in the event of a collision.

If the car has an airbag, it is forbidden to have a rear-facing child seat in the front seat, unless the airbag can be switched off. Child seat, children and short people under 140 cm should sit in the back.

The airbag lamp lights up if an error occurs with the airbags.

CE approved

The CE mark can be found on a number of different products, on everything from toys to machines, medical equipment and building materials. CE-approved means that the product is considered to meet requirements from the authorities that are given in a directive or regulation.

Built up area

A densely built-up area is an inhabited area where there are not large distances between the houses. It is the sign authority for speed limits that basically determines what is to be considered a densely built-up area within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act.

2. Technical information about the car

2.8 Choice of car (1/2)

What kind of car should you choose?

Maybe you are going to buy a car? The vast majority of cars are quite similar in terms of structure and functionality. Still, there are some things you should think through before getting a car.

• Electric car or fossil car - What pays off for you, financially and in terms of the environment?
• Automatic or manual transmission - If you go for a fossil fuel car, you must also consider whether you want to drive with automatic transmission or manual transmission.
• Own or rent - Do you actually need a car in everyday life, or will it do with borrowing or renting a car from time to time? And if you are going to have a permanent car, is leasing or buying a car best?

Fossil car

By fossil car we mean a car that uses petrol or diesel as fuel. Although more electric cars are sold today than fossil-fuel cars, fossil-fuel cars will still make up the majority of the car fleet in Norway in 2021.

Advantages of a fossil car

• It usually has a much longer range than electric cars.
• Easy access to fuel and good service station coverage throughout the country.
• Larger selection of older, affordable used cars.

Disadvantages of a fossil car

• Pollutes more than electric cars.
• The price of fuel is increasing.
• You miss out on a number of tax exemptions that electric car owners enjoy.
• It can be difficult to sell the car.

Hybrid car

A hybrid car has a fossil car's internal combustion engine, but with an additional electric motor that contributes to propulsion in various situations. The electric motor is partly charged by energy from engine braking which is converted into electricity.

Electric car

In Norway, the electric car has long since taken over as the most common type of car when buying a new car. In September 2021, 9 out of 10 new cars sold were electric cars. But if you look at the total car fleet, it will still be many years before the electric car is in the majority on Norwegian roads.

Advantages of an electric car

• Low maintenance.
• Exemption from some taxes.
• Discounts on parking, ferries and toll crossings.
• Can be charged at home.
• Less complicated engine - easier maintenance.

Disadvantages of electric cars

• Currently not as environmentally friendly as many people think.
• Varying access to charging stations.
• Partly short range.
• Electric cars are heavy because of the battery.

Range anxiety

The electric car's range can shrink considerably in cold winter weather. Familiarize yourself with the car's consumption and plan charging well before you need it.

2. Technical information about the car

2.8 Choice of car (2/2)

Manual and automatic transmission

In 2010, 2 out of 3 new cars had a manual gearbox. Today, over 97% of all cars are equipped with an automatic transmission. Electric cars don't really have a gearbox, but they are still referred to as cars with an automatic transmission.

Disadvantages of manual transmission

It takes longer to learn to drive with a manual transmission. Not least, you must practice the interaction between the clutch pedal, the accelerator pedal and the gear lever, and practice driving softly and controlled.

The use of manual transmission must be automated so that you can pay enough attention to the traffic around you. City driving can be experienced as extra tiring, with frequent gear changes and a lot of use of the clutch pedal.

Drive-up

If you complete the approach in a car with an automatic transmission, you are not allowed to drive a car with a manual transmission. To get it, you have to take an extended drive in a car with a manual gearbox at a later date.

If you complete the drive-up with a manual gearbox, you are also allowed to drive cars with an automatic transmission.

The car in 2023

2. Technical information about the car

2.9 Driver support systems

Driver assistance systems

New technology

Technology such as ABS brakes, electronic stability control and anti-spin are now standard on most modern cars. New systems are constantly being developed which will increasingly take over driving for the driver. The goal is self-driving cars.

But can we rely exclusively on this technology, or are new issues emerging?

Examples of new driver support systems

• Adaptive cruise control - Using radar/laser technology, the car can measure the distance to the driver in front and adjust the speed itself. The system is also known as adaptive cruise control.
• Lane Keeping - This system registers the markings in the road using a digital camera and keeps the car correctly positioned in the lane using small steering wheel movements. The system takes over the steering wheel so you don't have to steer.
• Parking assistant - Cameras in the car measure whether it is possible to place the car in a hatch or in a parking space. The car then does the work itself with steering, gas and brakes. On some cars, you can get out of the car and let the car do all the work itself.

Reversing camera.

The limitations of driver assistance systems

Who is the boss?

On the road to the self-driving cars of the future, a number of problems that had not been foreseen at first have appeared. Will we at some point be able to let the car control its own driving 100%? How does the car know what is the best solution in all situations?

The more advanced the technology becomes in today's cars, the more we have to think through its use. Here are some issues that are already relevant:

New challenges:

• Snow and road markings - How can the car use lane keeping if there are no clear road markings to read? When lane keeping is activated, today's driver must follow as closely as if he were driving himself.
• Speed ​​limit - The car reads speed limit signs of 80 km/h and settles down at that speed. But is the driving or visibility good enough to follow the signs?
• Who controls - What happens if the car reads an evasive maneuver you do as a mistake and tries to correct it. Against your will?

What happens if one of the pedestrians suddenly runs a red light. Does your car stop by itself?

2. Technical information about the car

2.10 Trailer, weight and load (1/3)

Car and trailer

With a driving license for class B, you are allowed to tow a trailer or caravan. Now we will look at the rules for weight.

Supporter

A trailer is a cart that is attached to a vehicle. The trailer is designed to give the vehicle an extended load capacity.

Driving license class B: what can you draw?

With a driving license for class B, you can drive a car with a permissible total weight of up to 3,500 kg. And as the movie showed, you can also…

• towing a trailer with a permissible total weight of up to 750 kg. Then the total permissible weight for car and trailer is 4,250 kg.
• towing a trailer with a permitted total weight of more than 750 kg, as long as the permitted total weight for car and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg together.

Even heavier trailer!

If you want to tow a trailer with a higher total weight, you can extend your driving license to a driving license class B code 96, or class BE.

Check in the vehicle registration card

Car and trailer restrictions

The permitted total weight for the trailer, i.e. car and trailer together, is 4250 kg if the trailer is 750 kg or less, and 3500 kg if the trailer is over 750 kg.

Permitted trailer weight and permitted trailer weight

The limitation of 4,250 kg or 3,500 kg for truck trains is decided by the Norwegian Road Administration. But the car also has restrictions on trailer weight. It is stated in the vehicle license as the permitted vehicle weight.

The car also has restrictions on the weight of the trailer, depending on whether it has brakes or not. They appear in the vehicle license as permitted trailer weight with brake and permitted trailer weight without brake.

Current weight!

Current weight is what your car weighs when you drive it on a scale. Driver, cargo, passengers and other things. You must make sure that your current weight never exceeds the permitted weight.

The current weight is not stated in the vehicle registration card. Your vehicle registration card cannot know how much your car weighs at any given time.

Carriage card

Vehicle license is a document that contains information about a vehicle and its owner.

Part 2 mainly contains information related to the identity of the vehicle and the owner. In addition, this section contains a notice of change of ownership (sale notice). This part should be kept in a safe place separate from the vehicle.

Part 1 contains the same information as part 2, but also has some technical information about the vehicle. This part must be with the vehicle while driving.

How to stay within the permissible total weight?

You must ensure that the weight of the car, trailer, driver, cargo and passengers does not exceed the permitted total weight. You must therefore be careful not to load too much.

Net weight

Part of the permitted total weight is included in the weight of the vehicles. You can spend what's left on cargo and passengers.

To find out how much is left, subtract the vehicle weight from the permissible total weight. The vehicle's weight is stated in the vehicle registration card, and is called the curb weight.

For the car, you use the number behind the curb weight with driver and for the trailer, you use the number behind the curb weight.

Coupling load

The coupling load is the weight with which the trailer presses down on the trailer hitch. In both carriage cards you will find a restriction on how big it can be. Lowest value applies!

Net weight

The tare weight of a vehicle is what the vehicle weighs. It is stated in the vehicle registration card.

How do I know what the car weighs?

It is rare that you have the opportunity to weigh the car, so it is not expected that you know the car's current weight.

But you must know that there are weight restrictions for both car and trailer. And you have to take this into account when you're transporting - for example when you're at IKEA, when you're going to the recycling station or when you're transporting large things such as boats, motorbikes and other heavy equipment.

So, the most important thing is that you are aware of the weight restrictions and use common sense when transporting. You should also know what the permitted total weight and current total weight are, and you should know that you can find information about weights in the vehicle registration card.

Requirements for the trailer

In addition to weight restrictions, there are also some technical requirements for the trailer itself.

Requirements for the trailer

• The trailer must be equipped with at least two red, triangular reflectors at the rear.
• All lights on the trailer must work properly.

Speed!

There is one more thing you have to think about when towing a trailer - namely the speed.

When towing a trailer, you cannot drive faster than 80 km/h, even if the speed limit is higher. If you get a Tempo 100 approval on a trailer or caravan, you can drive up to 100 km/h.

2. Technical information about the car

2.10 Trailer, weight and load (2/3)

Security of goods

As a driver, you are responsible for ensuring that goods/cargo are secured and positioned so that they do not impede safe driving.

• Goods must be secured so that they do not cause damage or danger, drag on the road, fall off the vehicle or generate unnecessary noise. The same applies to chain, rope, tarpaulin or other fastening means.
• Goods must be placed so that you have sufficient visibility and are not prevented from maneuvering properly.
• Neither the required light nor the identification mark must be covered.
• Goods must not extend more than 15 cm beyond the sides of the vehicle.
• Goods must not protrude more than 1 meter in front of the vehicle.
• During transport, goods on trailers must be secured so that no part of the goods can shift or fall off.

Loose objects

An ill-placed soda can can become a deadly projectile if you have to make an emergency brake at high speed. Investigations under the auspices of NAF show, among other things, that a thermos can increase from 1.5 kg to 45 kg in a collision at 50 km/h! Therefore, take great care to secure all loose objects properly.

Distinguishing mark

Also known as license plate, license plate or registration number.

Loose objects

In this film, we look at why it is so important to secure loose objects in the car.

Marking of protruding loads

All goods that protrude in front of the vehicle must be marked. There must also be goods that protrude more than 1 meter behind the vehicle. This is stated in the regulations on the use of vehicles. The marking must be attached to the outermost part of the load, so that it is easy to see that it is sticking out of the vehicle.

The marking must:

• have an alternating red and white colour, where the red material must be light-reflective
• have a visible area of ​​at least 250 cm² from all sides
• be placed so that it is clearly visible
• be visible in the driving conditions in which you will be driving. If visibility is particularly poor, due to fog or darkness, the load must be marked with a light.

Random transport

If you regularly transport long goods, for example in a work context, you must follow the requirements for marking. But with casual and private shipping, you can mark the load with something else, as long as it is visible enough. You can, for example, use a plastic bag that differs from its surroundings. You must always carry out the shipment as safely as possible.

If you do not have access to red and white markings, you can, for example, use a colored plastic bag.

Random transport

Sporadic transport that does not happen very often and is not part of a regular, planned transport operation.

For example, transporting a plank you have bought at the woodshop.

Transport of bicycles

When transporting a bicycle across a car with a width of 180 cm or less, the bicycle must be mounted so that the vehicle, including the bicycle, is no wider than 180 cm. If the bicycle protrudes outside the side of the car, it must be fixed in the middle, so that approximately the same amount protrudes on each side.

If the bicycle hides the car's lights or registration plate, you must use a light beam clearly marked with the car's registration number in black letters of approximately the same size as on the registration plate. The background must be white or aluminium-coloured.

The light beam must have a rear light, stop light, turn signal light and reflector.

Overload

Driving with a trailer or a heavily loaded car can affect the car's handling. If you load a car or trailer beyond the weight restrictions in the vehicle license, it can be downright dangerous to drive the car.

What disadvantages can a too heavily loaded car cause?

• The driving characteristics become worse.
• The braking distance increases.
• The lights on the car are raised, which in turn can lead to a dazzle hazard for other motorists.

What can happen if you drive with a trailer that is too heavy on the car?

• The traction of the front wheels is significantly reduced.
• The braking distance increases.
• Directional stability is reduced.
• The lights on the car are raised, which in turn can lead to a dazzle hazard for other motorists.

Driving characteristics

How the car behaves on the road, how easy it is to control.

Brake length

The distance the car moves, from the time you start to brake until the car has stopped, is called the braking distance. The braking distance is affected by the tire's grip, the car's kinetic energy and how hard you step on the brake.

Glare hazard

Glare is a temporary impairment of vision that occurs when the eyes are exposed to light that is significantly stronger than what they are adjusted for. This typically happens when you look straight into the main beam of an oncoming car.

Directional stability

Directional stability is the vehicle's ability to keep a straight course and not drift to one side.

2. Technical information about the car

2.11 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 2

• That the car is in regulatory condition means that the car meets all the requirements set by the authorities.
• That the car is in proper condition means that it is safe to drive. If the car is not in safe condition, you must stop driving immediately.
• You can drive with a trailer with a permissible total weight of up to 750 kg (if the permissible total weight of the trailer does not exceed 4,250 kg).
• If the permissible total weight of the trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg, you can also drive with a trailer with a permissible total weight of more than 750 kg.
• The car and trailer must also be approved to withstand the weight. Make sure that the current total weight of the trailer is not higher than the permissible trailer weight stated in the car's registration card. You need to know if the trailer has brakes or not.
• As a driver, you are responsible for ensuring that goods/load are secured and placed so that they do not impede safe driving.
• On the theory test, you may be asked about technical details of the car, so much of this you just have to memorize. In addition, you will be tested in various safety checks of the car on the way up.

In the next chapter, we will look at our physical and psychological characteristics and limitations as drivers. Among other things, we will look at how we experience traffic situations and how the driving process works.

In a state according to regulations

That a vehicle is in regulatory condition means that it meets the requirements of the Vehicle Regulations. That is, that all functions work and are as they should be - for example lights, tire pressure and mirrors.

Proper condition

If a vehicle is to be used, it must be in good condition. Good condition means that the vehicle is safe for traffic. If, for example, you have a serious brake fault or the brake lights do not work, the vehicle is not in safe condition.

The vehicle may be in good condition even if it is not in legal condition. For example, you can drive a car with a broken headlight during the day and in good light, even if such a car is not in legal condition. But - fix the lamp as soon as you can.

Current total weight

Current total weight is the weight of the vehicle at a weight check. That is, what the vehicle actually weighs, with everything included.

The human being

Our physical and psychological characteristics and limitations have a lot to say about driving. In this chapter, we will take a closer look at the challenges we face in traffic and how our senses and ways of thinking affect our ability to drive safely and securely.

In chapter 3 we will review:

• 3.1 The driving process
• 3.2 Assessing speed and distance
• 3.3 Condition
• 3.4 Reaction time and inattention time
• 3.5 Summary

3. The human being

3.1 The driving process

Traffic situations and the driving process

Traffic situation is an important concept in traffic education. A traffic situation consists of you and your vehicle, other road users, the road, signage, visibility and driving conditions and the interaction between these factors.

Traffic situations vary from the completely simple and clear to the complicated and unclear. In a complicated traffic situation, there is a lot going on that you have to deal with and large amounts of information that your brain has to process through processes.

We call this process the driving process and it describes what you as a driver do in traffic from the time something happens until you have reacted and responded:

The driving process

You sense – Your eye is receiving information, but your brain hasn't processed it yet.

You perceive what you have sensed - The brain recognizes what you see and what is happening.

You decide what to do - You consider various solutions for further action and choose.

You act - You implement what you have decided to do.

The driving process

In this film, we take a closer look at the driving process.

Sense

When you drive, you must be aware of what is happening around you in order to detect potential dangers and plan your drive as best as possible. You constantly receive sensory impressions from your surroundings, and in this regard, sight is the most important sense. Sight accounts for almost 90% of the sensory impressions when we drive.

You SENSE that something is wrong. But it takes quite a few milliseconds before you PERCEIVE what is actually happening!

Central vision/sharp vision

• looks forward and has a viewing angle of approx. 3–5 degrees
• discovers details
• works best in good light

The side view

• looks out on the sides with a viewing angle of almost 180 degrees when we are standing still
• perceives movements and light changes
• perceives the surroundings, shadows and silhouettes

Fixation (focusing on a point)

• Fixing your gaze on a point takes 2-3 tenths of a second.
• When you fixate your gaze on things that have no bearing on the driving process, you remove important attention from the traffic situation. Then you cover many meters before your attention is again directed to the traffic situation.

Acuity and lateral vision.

Perceive

To perceive means to interpret and understand the sensory impressions you get in the traffic situation.

To be able to interpret and understand, you must have knowledge and gain experience. Experience means that you recognize situations and can therefore more quickly predict how the situation will play out and how you should act in the situation yourself.

If you find yourself in a complicated traffic situation with many – and perhaps unclear – sensory impressions (for example if you are driving in fog), you will spend more time perceiving the situation and what you have to do. Therefore, adjust your speed according to the conditions so that you have enough time to perceive what is happening.

The brain processes the visual impression - and PERCEIVES what is happening.

Decide

Once you have perceived the traffic situation, your brain can begin to consider the various options for further action.

• You assess the situation based on previous experiences and must assess different options and what outcome you think these have.
• You decide which actions you want to take.

You will also benefit from previous experience in the decision-making process. The more similar situations you have experienced in the past, the easier and faster you make good decisions.

Should you brake or steer away? If you have extensive experience in traffic, there is a good chance that you will know what you should do and therefore DECIDE faster.

Decision-making process

When you have to decide what to do, you go through a decision-making process. This can be both conscious or unconscious.

Shop

Once you have decided what you want to do, the next step is to take the action.

The performance of the action is sometimes easy and sometimes difficult. If something happens when the speed is high or the driving is bad, we will often not be able to act correctly.

To become a good driver, it is necessary to practice automated actions. When you have done something many times, such as changing gears or stopping the car, you eventually perform the action automatically - without having to think about how to do it. Then you will spend less time and concentration on shopping and you free up capacity to follow the traffic and avoid dangerous situations.

You must know that different cars react differently to different actions. If, for example, the car has ABS brakes, you will be able to control it even if you step on the brake fully. If, on the other hand, the car does not have ABS brakes, you will not be able to control it when you brake fully.

Factors such as weight, engine power and steering systems also affect how the car reacts to your actions. A heavy car will, for example, have longer braking distances than a lighter car. You must take this into account when driving.

You decide to brake and ACT by stepping on the brake.

3. The human being

3.2 Assessing speed and distance

Assessing other people's speed and distance

Surveys show that we as drivers tend to think that the distance to oncoming vehicles is longer than it really is. This is something you must pay particular attention to when overtaking or when turning left at an intersection.

It can be difficult to assess the speed of oncoming vehicles.

We also believe that the speed of oncoming vehicles is much lower than it really is. At distances over 300 metres, we are actually unable to distinguish between a car driving slowly and a car driving at 80 km/h.

Remember!

• We usually think that oncoming vehicles are further away than they actually are.
• We usually think that oncoming vehicles keep a lower speed than they actually do.
• It is particularly difficult to judge the speed and distance of motorcycles (because motorcycles are relatively small).
• We also tend to think that vehicles we observe in our car mirrors are further away than they actually are.

Your own speed

Speed ​​blindness is when you maintain a higher speed than you are aware of. This is particularly dangerous considering that you risk having significantly less time than expected to observe and react if something unexpected happens first.

What causes speed blindness?

When you maintain a high and steady speed over a long period of time, you get used to the speed to such an extent that the brain is tricked into thinking that the speed is lower than it actually is. If the road you are driving on is also wide, clear and the landscape open or monotonous, the chance that the brain is exposed to this optical illusion increases

If the noise level is low or you play loud music, this can also help to dampen the feeling of your real speed.

You can prevent speed blindness by

• check your own speed on the speedometer
• brake decisively down to a new speed in the event of changes in the speed limit
• control speed by looking to the side

On clear, wide roads, you can lose the feeling of speed.

Tunnel vision

The faster you drive, the smaller your field of vision becomes. This phenomenon is called tunnel vision.

Limitations of the sense of sight

3. The human being

3.3 Condition

Am I fit?

Your ability to perceive the traffic situation correctly and act in time is significantly impaired if you are tired, ill, stressed or under the influence of drugs or medicines. If you feel unwell due to medication, illness or other things, you can overlook important information in traffic, and make the wrong decisions.

Therefore, the Road Traffic Act states that you must leave the car parked if you are not fit to drive safely. Fitness is about how you feel, and whether you are able to perceive traffic and make good traffic decisions.

The typical reasons for unsuitability can be divided into two categories:

• Alcohol, other drugs and dangerous drugs. Traffic-dangerous drugs have a red warning triangle on the package
• Fatigue, illness, lack of clarity, stress and mood

If you don't feel comfortable, perhaps you should leave the car.

Section 21 of the Road Traffic Act

No one must drive or attempt to drive a vehicle when he is in such a state that he cannot be considered fit to drive safely, whether this is due to his being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating or narcotic substances, or that he is ill, weakened, tired or fatigued, or due to other circumstances.

The Road Traffic Act

The provisions of the Road Traffic Act apply to all motor vehicle traffic in Norway. The provisions also apply to cyclists and others traveling in traffic, when they are on a road or area where cars or other motor vehicles normally drive.

The Road Traffic Act contains many important provisions that regulate our behavior in traffic. Particularly important is the "Basic rules for traffic", which is the main regulation on behavior in traffic.

Alcohol, other drugs and dangerous drugs

Blood alcohol limit

In Norway, the blood alcohol limit is 0.2 and it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle if the blood alcohol level exceeds this. It is also illegal to drive with a lower blood alcohol level than this if the blood alcohol level makes you unfit to drive.

Alcohol in the blood burns at 0.10–0.15 parts per thousand per hour. The combustion cannot be accelerated by coffee, physical activity or other factors. Only time can reduce the blood alcohol level.

The risk of being killed in traffic is almost a thousand times higher with a blood alcohol level above 1.5 compared to a blood alcohol level of 0.5.

Narcotics and medicines

It is obvious that the use of narcotic substances and drugs that are dangerous to traffic do not belong with driving, but the problem is nevertheless quite large. Note that medicines that affect the central nervous system are most often marked with a red triangle on the packaging.

In 2012, driving under the influence of drugs was a contributing factor to 24% of fatal accidents on Norwegian roads (the average over the past 8 years was 22%). Source: Statens Vegvesen's in-depth analyzes of fatal accidents.

Obligatory abstinence

Some occupational groups have strict rules for alcohol, for example the police, healthcare personnel, the military, aviation and professional drivers. The regulations are called mandatory abstinence. Professional drivers are obliged to abstain not only when they are at work, but also 8 hours before they go to work.

Fatigue and illness

Fatigue

Lack of sleep can lead to a considerable impairment of driving skills in the same way as the influence of alcohol. Being awake for more than 20 hours corresponds to a blood alcohol level of 0.8. Sleep is the only thing that helps when you're tired, so take a 15-minute "power nap" rather than expose yourself and others in traffic to unnecessary danger.

Accident statistics show that fatigue is a contributing factor in around 15% of fatal traffic accidents (Source: Norwegian Road Administration's in-depth analyzes of fatal accidents)

Driving when you are tired can be dangerous. Stop the car and take a 15 minute rest.

Disease

Colds, headaches, nausea or other everyday ailments can make it difficult to concentrate. Then it might be a good idea to leave the car.

Can I drive?

Distractions

Distractions are various things that disturb you when you drive and cause you to lose focus on driving and become inattentive in traffic. In the worst case, distractions can lead to accidents.

Typical things that disturb you as a driver

• Talk on the phone, even when using the handsfree.
• Check the mobile phone.
• Fiddling with spotify or radio.
• Eating and drinking.
• Troubled children.
• Setting and using GPS.

Checking text messages while driving is dangerous!

3. The human being

3.4 Reaction time and inattention time (1/2)

Reaction time

The reaction time is the time that elapses from when you sense a danger until you have perceived it and decided how to act. The reaction time thus consists of the first three of the four steps that we looked at in the driving process – sensing, perceiving and deciding.

We estimate that the reaction time is usually approx. one second, but the following factors can significantly lengthen the reaction time:

• The traffic situation is complex and you have to keep track of many factors at the same time.
• Visibility is poor (darkness, fog, snow).
• You lack experience or experience the situation as unfamiliar.
• You get distracted.
• You are under the influence of drugs or feel tired and out of sorts.

Can you react to what may be hiding around the bend?

Inattention time

Time passes from the time a potential hazard occurs until you notice it. We call this phase the inattention period.

In a simple traffic situation, the period of inattention should be short, but if you are unfocused and not paying attention - or find yourself in a complex traffic situation where there is a lot to keep track of - it can take quite a long time from the time a danger occurs until you notice it.

Example

You drive at 80 km/h and spot a moose in the road 100 meters in front of you. If the inattention time is 1.5 seconds and your reaction time is 1.5 seconds, you move for 3 seconds and thus approx. 66 meters before you decide how you want to shop. You just manage to swing away.

If you had been talking on the mobile phone, the time of inattention would probably have been much longer, and you would not have been able to act in time.

How long do you spend discovering important things in traffic?

3. The human being

3.5 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 3

• The traffic situation consists of you and your vehicle, other road users, the road, the road system and signage, visibility and driving conditions and the interaction between these factors.
• The driving process describes what you as a driver do in traffic and consists of the following four steps: 1) sense, 2) perceive, 3) decide and 4) act. In a complicated and unclear traffic situation, you spend more time on the various steps in the driving process than in a simple situation.
• The Road Traffic Act states that you must not drive or attempt to drive a vehicle when you are in such a condition that you cannot be considered fit to drive safely.
• In Norway, it is illegal to drive if you have a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.2 per thousand.
• Being awake for more than 20 hours corresponds to a blood alcohol level of 0.8.
• The reaction time is the time from when you sense a danger until you have perceived it and decided how to act, while the inattention time is the time from when a possible danger arises until you sense it.
• Alcohol, illness, stress or lack of sleep can greatly prolong reaction time.
• Distractions, such as checking your mobile phone or muting the radio, make you unfocused and can cause it to take longer to spot a danger.

In the next chapter, we will look at the responsibility that comes with being a driver.

Suitability

Being fit means that you are awake, healthy and clear-headed, and not under the influence of alcohol, other drugs or road-dangerous drugs.

The Road Traffic Act states that you must not drive or attempt to drive a vehicle when you are in such a state that you are not considered fit to drive safely.

Responsibility

Driving comes with a great deal of responsibility and it is required that you know your duties as both owner and driver of a vehicle. You must know the content of relevant laws, regulations and rules, and know what the reactions may be if you do not follow them.

In chapter 4, we will particularly go through the following topics about responsibility:

• 4.1 The car's condition and use
• 4.2 Registration and change of ownership
• 4.3 Financial responsibility and insurance
• 4.4 Sanctions
• 4.5 Summary

4. The responsibility

4.1 The car's condition and use (1/2)

The condition of the car

Before driving

According to the Road Traffic Act, you have a responsibility to know that the car is in safe and legal condition before driving.

While driving

You are also responsible for ensuring that the car is in good condition while driving. If an error occurs while driving, you can therefore continue as long as the error does not affect traffic safety.

If you lend your car...

• you are responsible for ensuring that the car is in a safe condition when you borrow it from you.
• you are also responsible for ensuring that the person borrowing your car has a valid driving license and is fit to drive.

Proper condition

If a vehicle is to be used, it must be in good condition. Good condition means that the vehicle is safe for traffic. If, for example, you have a serious brake fault or the brake lights do not work, the vehicle is not in safe condition.

The vehicle may be in good condition even if it is not in legal condition. For example, you can drive a car with a broken headlight during the day and in good light, even if such a car is not in legal condition. But - fix the lamp as soon as you can.

In a state according to regulations

That a vehicle is in regulatory condition means that it meets the requirements of the Vehicle Regulations. That is, that all functions work and are as they should be - for example lights, tire pressure and mirrors.

Suitability

Being fit means that you are awake, healthy and clear-headed, and not under the influence of alcohol, other drugs or road-dangerous drugs.

The Road Traffic Act states that you must not drive or attempt to drive a vehicle when you are in such a state that you are not considered fit to drive safely.

Decent and regulatory condition

EU control

The owner of a vehicle, or the person who has control over it on behalf of the owner, is obliged to ensure that the vehicle is prepared for periodic vehicle inspection also known as EU inspection.

Passenger cars must be checked for the first time in the fourth calendar year after the year of registration and then every two years. Information about when the car was registered for the first time can be found in the car's registration card.

When is the next checkup?

The deadline for the next EU control is calculated from the date of when you took the previous control. As long as the vehicle is approved by the deadline, it is up to you how early you want to carry out the EU inspection. If you take the check less than two months before your deadline expires, the original deadline will remain as the starting point for the next EU check again.

If you are unsure when your car will be inspected next, you can check at Vegvesen.no. They have a service where you enter your car's registration number and get to know the date of the next inspection.

On the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's website, you can check when you have to deliver the car for inspection.

4. The responsibility

4.1 The car's condition and use (2/2)

Securing children in the car

The driver is responsible for ensuring that all children under the age of 15 use the correct safety equipment (child seats and seat belts) and that this is used correctly. Correct child restraint depends on the child's age, weight and height:

• It is mandatory to secure children who are shorter than 135 cm or weigh less than 36 kg with an approved child seat.
• Children under 140 cm should not be placed in the front seat if the airbag cannot be deactivated.
• Where there is no approved child restraint equipment, children who are between 135 cm and 150 cm can use an ordinary seat belt.

It is recommended that children sit in a rear-facing seat until they are 4 years old.

Liability when towing a car

If you find yourself in a situation where you have to tow a car, there are some special rules you must know:

• Only one motor vehicle can be towed at a time.
• The car being towed must be able to brake properly.
• Tow ropes, stays or other equipment must be properly and clearly marked.
• If the car does not have plates, you must have test plates to be able to tow it.

When towing, completely normal regulations on the use of lights apply. You must therefore not use warning lights/emergency signal lights.

Also be aware that certain cars should not be towed as this can lead to damage. If you want to tow a car with an automatic transmission, you must check the car's instruction booklet to find out how far and at what speed it can possibly be towed.

4. The responsibility

4.2 Registration and change of ownership (1/2)

Registration of a motor vehicle

Basically, all passenger cars and trailers for passenger cars must be registered in order to be used.

To register a vehicle for the first time in Norway, you must go to a traffic station. You must take out traffic insurance and prove that tolls and fees have been paid before you can get the vehicle registered.

Vehicles that are registered have a license plate (the letter code in the registration number) and a vehicle registration card.

The carriage card consists of two parts:

• Part 1, which must always be carried when driving.
• Part 2, which must not be kept with the vehicle. You should keep it safe at home, you need it if you are going to sell your car.

Traffic insurance

Also called liability insurance.

Traffic insurance is compulsory insurance that you must have on almost all vehicles. If you are at fault in a traffic accident, the traffic insurance covers damage to another person and other people's property. It also covers damage to yourself.

The insurance does not cover damage to own property. For that you must have a helmet.

Change of ownership

When you buy or sell a car, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration must be notified of the new owner. In this connection, there are a number of rules that are important to familiarize yourself with:

• The change of ownership must be reported to the Swedish Road Administration no later than three days after the change of ownership took place.
• The former owner (seller) is responsible for the sale notice being submitted. Otherwise, all future fees/claims will still go to the previous owner.
• The sales notice can be delivered online or on paper. If the sales notification is delivered online, both buyer and seller must use the online service. Seller must identify himself.
• If you do not use the online service, the Swedish Road Administration recommends that part 2 of the vehicle license be used as a sales notification.
• Both buyer and seller must sign the sales notification. If it is delivered online, both must approve the sales notification.
• When the sale notification has been submitted and registered, the new owner is sent a letter about what needs to be arranged, claims for traffic insurance tax, toll claims, any fines, etc.
• The new owner cannot use the car until a new vehicle license has been received.

The easiest way is to submit a sales notice at vegvesen.no

Sales notice

You must always submit a sales notification when selling a vehicle. The notice of sale must be delivered to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, and it is easiest to do this digitally.

4. The responsibility

4.3 Financial responsibility and insurance

Traffic insurance

All drivers are basically financially responsible for the damage caused by the vehicle, regardless of whether the driver was unlucky or careless.

To ensure that the person who is injured receives compensation, all cars must be insured (often referred to as liability insurance).

The traffic insurance covers damage to

• other people
• other vehicle (if the driver of the other vehicle cannot be charged for the damage that has occurred)
• other people's property (e.g. if you drive into a house or a fence)
• the driver (i.e. yourself, if you are the driver)

The traffic insurance does not cover damage to your own car. To insure yourself against damage to your own car, you must take out vehicle damage insurance (also called comprehensive insurance).

Vehicle damage insurance

To insure yourself against damage to your own car, you must take out vehicle damage insurance. It is perhaps better known under the name kasko.

Insurance and recourse

If the insurance company has to make an insurance payment due to damages that are your fault, they can claim money back from you. We call this regression.

The insurance company can claim recourse if you

• caused the damage intentionally or was very careless
• was under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• had stolen the car or used it in connection with a crime
• driving without a valid driver's license
• practice run illegal

Passengers in the car can also have their ticket cut off or lose their right to compensation if they e.g. know that the car is stolen.

4. The responsibility

4.4 Sanctions (1/2)

Sanctions

As a driver, you must know - and comply with - all relevant laws and regulations issued by the authorities.

In the event of a breach of laws and regulations, the authorities can react with

• verbal warnings
• fees
• simplified orders, fines and prison terms
• points and confiscation of the driver's license
• sanctions related to the vehicle, such as separation and prohibition of use, impoundment of the vehicle and storage, as well as lien on the vehicle

Fee

Fees are not a punitive action, and can be imposed by the police, the Norwegian Road Administration at the regional road office or by municipal parking wardens. A fee can be given for some less serious infringements of the traffic legislation. It is given, among other things, if the driver's license is left behind at home, if the seat belt is not used, if driving with tires with too little tread depth, as well as for overloading.

Simplified presentation

Simplified summons can be imposed by the police for various traffic offences, such as speeding offences, driving in violation of certain traffic signs/road markings, driving against a red light.

Deposit

If someone has a lien on your vehicle, it means they can demand that you sell the vehicle to pay what you owe.

Drunk driving

It is illegal to drive a car with a blood alcohol level above 0.2 in Norway. In the Road Traffic Act, there are separate penal provisions for drink-driving.

If you are convicted of drink driving, you can get...

• fine, if the alcohol concentration in the blood is between 0.2 and 0.5 per thousand. In some cases also loss of driving license for a maximum of one year.
• fine and conditional or unconditional imprisonment, as well as loss of driving license for at least one year, if the alcohol concentration in the blood is between 0.5 and 1.2 per thousand
• fine and unconditional imprisonment, as well as loss of driving license for at least one year, if the alcohol concentration in the blood is over 1.2 per thousand

Abstain after driving

If you are involved in an accident or other incident that you believe, or should understand, could lead to a police investigation, you cannot consume alcohol or other drugs for the first six hours after driving. Once the blood sample or breath sample has been taken, or you are told by the police that they will not take samples, this prohibition no longer applies.

Obligatory abstinence

Professional drivers are subject to the Act on compulsory abstinence. The law states that you must not drink alcohol if there are 8 hours or less until you have to go to work. Of course, you should also not drink alcohol when you are at work.

ATTENTION!

You can be convicted of driving under the influence with an alcohol concentration below 0.2 per thousand if you have shown great carelessness while driving.

Point load

In Norway, we have a penalty charge scheme where certain violations result in a penalty charge.

If you get eight points or more within 3 years, you will lose your driving license for at least 6 months.

During the trial period - the first 2 years after you have obtained a class B driver's license - double the number of points will be recorded for each offence.

Example

Running a red light gives you 3 points. But during the trial period it gives a total of 6 dots.

4. The responsibility

4.5 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 4

• As the owner of a vehicle, you are responsible for knowing that the car is in a safe and compliant condition before driving, and as a driver you are also responsible for ensuring that the car is in a safe condition while driving.
• The owner of a vehicle must present the vehicle for periodic vehicle inspection (EU inspection) for the first time in the fourth calendar year after the year of registration and every two years thereafter.
• As a driver, you are responsible for children under the age of 15 using the correct safety equipment. It is mandatory to secure children with an approved child seat until they are 135 cm tall or 36 kilograms in weight.
• All passenger cars and trailers for passenger cars must be registered in order to be used.
• All cars must be insured (often referred to as liability insurance).
• Drink-driving can be punished with a fine, conditional or unconditional imprisonment and loss of driving licence, depending on the alcohol level. A blood alcohol level above 1.2 results in a fine and unconditional imprisonment.

In the next chapter, we will look at the traffic system and the basic rules for behavior in traffic.

The traffic system

The traffic system consists of four parts: the traffic management, the road, the vehicles and the road users. Your behavior in traffic and the interaction between the various parts of the traffic system are largely governed by laws and regulations in the Road Traffic Act and traffic rules. In addition, traffic is managed through road markings, signs and traffic lights.

In chapter 5 we will review:

• 5.1 The traffic rules and the Road Traffic Act
• 5.2 Road and road markings
• 5.3 Signs
• 5.4 Traffic lights
• 5.5 Police
• 5.6 The authority pyramid
• 5.7 The road users
• 5.8 Summary

The traffic rules

Actually "Regulations on driving and walking traffic." The traffic rules contain, among other things, the rules on location, the obligation to give way, special speed regulations, overtaking, stopping and parking.

5. The traffic system

5.1 The traffic rules and the Road Traffic Act

What controls the traffic?

Without a set of rules that everyone follows, traffic would be chaotic and life-threatening. That is why we have laws, rules and regulations that regulate how all the elements of the traffic system should function and how we should behave in traffic.

Through legislation, the authorities have given us both general and special rules on behavior in traffic, requirements for vehicles, requirements for the design of the road environment and for traffic management.

Traffic regulation

The biggest and perhaps most important topic in class B is the regulation of traffic . Regulation of traffic covers everything within the traffic system - That is, everything from signs, traffic markings, laws and regulations for traffic. You should therefore read this chapter several times.

The traffic management

The traffic rules and the Road Traffic Act give us guidelines for how we should drive and behave in traffic. We can say that they are part of traffic management.

Important laws and regulations

Conditions such as giving way, stopping and parking, speed, changing lanes, use of lights and signals, etc. are governed by several different laws and regulations. The most important of these are the Road Traffic Act and the traffic regulations.

The Road Traffic Act

The Road Traffic Act contains many important provisions that regulate our behavior in traffic. Particularly important is the "Basic rules for traffic", which is the main regulation on behavior in traffic.

The provisions of the Road Traffic Act apply to all motor vehicle traffic in Norway. The provisions also apply to cyclists and others traveling in traffic, when they are on a road or area where cars or other motor vehicles normally drive.

The Road Traffic Act

The Road Traffic Act has provisions on speed, intoxication, duties in the event of a traffic accident, practice driving, infringements and penalties, among other things.

The Road Traffic Act is in Norway's laws

The traffic rules

"Regulations on driving and pedestrian traffic" - better known as the traffic rules - contain provisions on behavior in traffic.

The traffic rules apply on public or private roads, streets or spaces open to general traffic.

The traffic rules

The traffic rules contain provisions on the use of the roadway, the position of the vehicle in the roadway, changing lanes, the obligation to give way, duties towards pedestrians, reversing and turning, special speed regulations, stopping and parking, among other things.

Which lane you should use is regulated in the traffic rules.

Motor vehicle

Motor vehicle is a collective term for all vehicles that are propelled by their own engine.

Cars, mopeds, tractors, motorized lawnmowers and scooters such as the Segway are all considered motor vehicles. An electric bicycle is not defined as a motor vehicle.

General traffic

That a place is open to general traffic means that there is normally traffic there, although it may not be open to everyone at all times.

The basic rule for traffic

Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act lays the foundation for all behavior in traffic, and is therefore also called the basic rule for traffic. You must always keep the basic rule in mind when traveling in traffic. When someone does not follow the basic rule, dangerous traffic situations easily arise, and a breach of this section is therefore often grounds for losing the driver's license for a period of time.

The basic rule for traffic says:

"Everyone must travel with consideration and be alert and careful so that no danger can arise or damage be caused and so that other traffic is not unnecessarily obstructed or disturbed."

"Pedestrians must also show consideration for those who live or stay by the road."

When you drive, it is therefore your basic duty to be:

• Considerate - Take into account the needs of other road users and not just your own.
• Paying attention - Be focused and attentive and pay close attention to the traffic.
• Careful - Drive in a way that reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. Adjust your speed according to the conditions and show your fellow road users in a clear way, and in good time, what you want to do.

You must be careful when you drive past soft road users.

The basic rule for traffic

In this film, we take a closer look at 3 different situations that show the basic rule for traffic in practice.

5. The traffic system

5.2 Road and road markings (1/4)

The road

The road is an important part of the traffic system.

In the traffic rules, a road is defined as "a public or private road, street or space that is open to ordinary traffic." The road markings distinguish between different parts of the road and provide important information about which rules apply.

General information about road markings

• Longitudinal markings are used to divide the carriageway into lanes/indicate the outer edge of the carriageway.
• Transverse markings are used, among other things, to mark stop lines, yield lines and pedestrian lanes.
• Yellow markings distinguish between traffic in the opposite direction.
• White markings differentiate between traffic in the same direction.

General traffic

That a place is open to general traffic means that there is normally traffic there, although it may not be open to everyone at all times.

Road components

In addition to the definition of road, the traffic rules contain definitions of many other important terms about the road and the road environment.

• Carriageway – The part of the road intended for normal driving.
• Driving lane – Each of the longitudinal lanes into which a carriageway is divided by markings, or which is wide enough for traffic with a row of cars.
• Road shoulder – The part of the road that is outside the curb line.
• Cycle lane – Lane which, by means of public traffic signs and markings, is intended for cyclists.
• Center dividers/Traffic lane – Physical obstacle between two lanes.

• Sidewalk - "Facilities" for pedestrians that are separated from the roadway by curbs.
• Footpath and cycle path – Road which, according to public traffic signs, is intended for pedestrian, cycle or combined foot and cycle traffic. Such a road is separated from another road by a lawn, ditch, fence, curb or in some other way.

5. The traffic system

5.2 Road and road markings (2/4)

Road markings in the middle of the carriageway

Lane line

A lane line warns that overtaking can be done safely as long as there is no oncoming traffic and visibility is good. The lane line consists of short yellow/white lines with long intervals. The space should be 3 times as long as the line. When the speed limit is 50 km/h or lower, the line will be 1 meter and the space between will be 3 metres. When the speed limit is 60 km/h or higher, the length is increased to 3 meters for the line and 9 meters for the space in between.

Notification line

A warning line warns that overtaking will be risky, often because you will not be able to have a long enough line of sight. It is therefore legal to drive past, but it requires that you have full control. The line itself consists of long yellow/white lines with short spaces, where the lines are 3 times as long as the spaces. When the speed limit is 50 km/h or lower, the space will be 1 meter and the line 3 metres, but when the speed limit increases to 60 km/h or higher, the length will be increased to 3 meters for the space and 9 meters for the line.

combined lines

In cases where you and oncoming traffic have different views ahead, you will often see combined lines. In the case of combined lines, you must follow the line closest to you. In the picture, oncoming traffic must follow the warning line, while traffic in your direction must follow the lane line.

Barrier line

A barrier line consists of an uninterrupted line that warns that overtaking is not possible. If you cross the barrier line, you risk having your driver's license revoked. In the image example on the right, you see a combined line with two barrier lines, one for each direction of travel. We call this combination a double blocking line.

Restricted area

A restricted area is a shaded area that must not be crossed. Such restricted areas are often used at intersections or to separate traffic on motorways. As with the barrier line, crossing the barrier area is strictly prohibited and, in the worst case scenario, could lead to you losing your driving license for a period of time.

Arrows

The arrows indicate that the lane must be used by road users who must drive in the direction or one of the directions shown by the arrow. Before major intersections, these arrows will also appear on information signs hanging over the road, as they are easily hidden by road users in front or under snow and slush in winter.

5. The traffic system

5.2 Road and road markings (3/4)

Road markings on the side of the carriageway

Dividing line

A dividing line consists of equally long lines and spaces and often separates traffic lanes from e.g. cycle lane or bus pocket. Separation lines are also used to separate lanes intended for public transport and taxis from the other lanes.

A solid edge line is white and runs along the outer edge of the carriageway. Solid curb lines are used both on carriageways with two-way traffic and traffic in one direction only.

Border - dashed

On roads with a road width of less than 6 metres, the carriageway is not divided into lanes and therefore there is also no line in the middle of the carriageway. Instead, dashed lines are used on the page, which consist of equally long lines and spaces.

Transverse road markings

Line of way

A yield line is a transverse road marking consisting of triangles that mark the stopping point for the obligation to give way at an intersection. Yield lines are also used when entering roundabouts.

Stop line

A stop line is a solid line that marks the stopping point in front of traffic lights and at stop signs.

Crosswalk

A pedestrian lane is marked with thick white stripes and equally large spaces. You are obliged to give way to pedestrians who wish to cross the road over the pedestrian crossing. When approaching a crosswalk where a pedestrian is waiting, you must clearly slow down to show that you will give way to the pedestrian.

Be aware that not all footpaths are marked with the footpath sign and that some footpaths may be raised.

Road markings

5. The traffic system

5.3 Signs (1/3)

Divorced

You must know the different groups of signs and what each sign means for your further driving.

We will now look at the various sign groups, but for a complete review of all the signs you should go to Chapter 10, "Sign overview"

Important!

On the official theory test, your knowledge of signs will be thoroughly tested. Some tasks are simply about knowing the meaning of a certain sign, while in other tasks you are shown a situation where you have to take into account several signs at the same time.

In the last chapter of the course, you will find a complete list of all signs used in Norway today

You must know what all the signs inform you about.

The sign groups

In this film, we take a look at the sign groups.

Danger sign

Danger signs warn of particular danger on a stretch of road. It can be a warning about irregularities in the road such as sharp bends, slippery road surfaces or uneven roads. Danger signs also warn of road users who you must watch out for, animals that may be in the road or other conceivable dangers.

All danger signs are shaped with a red triangle on the outside and a white background. The exception is when such signs are put up for a short period, typically in connection with roadworks. A yellow base color is then used.

Danger signs will often have sub-signs that inform about the distance, extent or during which period the sign applies. The lower sign can also have symbols, arrows or text with important additional information to the danger sign.

Dangerous turn.

The location of the danger sign depends on the speed limit at the location:

• If the speed limit is 60 km/h or lower, the sign is placed between 50 and 150 meters from the danger.
• The sign is placed 150–250 meters from the danger when the speed limit is 70 km/h or higher.
• At speeds of 90 km/h or higher, the danger signs are usually placed 400 meters from the danger.

Obligation to yield and right-of-way signs

Obligation to yield and right-of-way signs regulate the obligation to give way at intersections or on a stretch of road. The signs in this category have varying designs based on their task. You can read more about these signs in chapter 7.1, which deals with the right-of-way rules.

Obligation to give way and right-of-way signs may have sub-signs indicating e.g. distance or course of a right-of-way.

Obligation to give way.

5. The traffic system

5.3 Signs (2/3)

Prohibition sign

Prohibition signs are signs that prohibit something on a stretch of road or a place, or cancel a prohibition. In principle, the prohibition signs apply in the direction of travel from where the sign is up to the next intersection (but some prohibition signs apply until they are canceled by other signs). The sign showing the speed limit on a stretch is also a prohibition sign.

The prohibition signs are round with a red edge and a white background colour. The exception is for temporary signage where the base color is yellow, and the signs for stopping and parking prohibited where the base color is blue.

Prohibition signs can also have sub-signs that describe the time, extent, etc

Prohibited for motor vehichle.

Mandatory sign

The injunction signs apply to an injunction on a stretch of road or a place. The order usually applies to which lane to use or which direction you can drive at an intersection.

The mandatory signs are round with a blue base color and may have sub-signs that inform which road users the sign applies to.

Enforced lane.

Information sign

Information signs indicate that special rules, including prohibitions and orders, apply or cease to apply for the road section or place in question. Most information signs are square with a blue background colour. Information signs that inform about the further movement of the lanes have a white background colour.

Like most other sign groups, information signs can also have sub-signs that provide more detailed information about the main sign.

Crosswalk.

5. The traffic system

5.3 Signs (3/3)

Service plate

Service signs provide information about emergency assistance, road service, sights and more. Two or more symbols can be combined on the same sign. Distance and further information about the service point can also be indicated on the sign.

Service signs that inform about emergency assistance and road service are square, with a blue edge and a black or red symbol. The signs that inform about sights, nature experiences or outdoor activities are square, with a brown border with brown symbols.

Service plate.

Directional signs

Directional signs provide information about place names, businesses, road routes, choice of lane, choice of road and distance to destination. Unlike the other sign types, direction signs do not have sub-signs. Instead, text, numbers and symbols can be on the road sign itself. If public traffic signs are reproduced on direction signs, this means that corresponding signs have been set up on the road to which they refer.

Color codes for road signs

• Geographical measures motorway - blue background and white text
• Geographical measures other roads – yellow background and black text
• Second target – white background and black text
• Temporary guidance - orange bottom and black text
• Tourist destination - brown bottom and white text

This combination is a lane guide.

Undersigned

Sub-signs are only valid when they stand together with a main sign, and provide further clarification, expansion, completion or limitation of the main sign's meaning or area of ​​validity.

Sub-signs for main signs that are used for temporary signage in connection with road works can have a yellow ground colour.

Marking sign

Marking signs inform about the further course of the road or about obstacles on or near the carriageway. Curb posts and traffic cones are also considered within this category

Temporary marking signs may have a red base color and yellow or white symbols.

Direction marking.

5. The traffic system

5.4 Traffic lights (1/2)

Traffic lights

At intersections where there is a steady flow of road users, traffic is often regulated with traffic lights. In recent years, many traffic lights have been replaced with roundabouts to improve traffic flow, but we still find a number of traffic lights in the larger cities in this country. We will now look at what the different traffic lights mean:

• Green light – means that you can pass the signal or stop line if the road is clear.
• Yellow light – warns that a red light will immediately come on and that you must stop. If you don't have time to stop because you have good speed and are close to the intersection, it is usually better to drive through the intersection than to brake suddenly just before.
• Red light – means you must not pass a signal or stop line.
• Red light together with yellow light - warning that it will soon turn green.
• Flashing yellow light or no light - means that the traffic light is out of order and then signage or the general rules on giving way apply.

Pedestrian signal and arrow signal

Pedestrian signal

• The light shows a green or a red man.
• Red means that pedestrians must not start crossing the carriageway if this will obstruct drivers or involve danger. Pedestrians who have already entered the carriageway can continue crossing.
• Green means that pedestrians can cross the carriageway.
• A flashing green signal warns that the signal will shortly change to red, and has the same meaning as a red signal.

Arrow signal

• The signal applies to those who want to drive in the direction shown by the arrow.
• Arrow signal can have one, two or three light openings. If the arrow signal is not lit, follow the main traffic light. If both are lit, but you are going the way the arrow is pointing, you must follow the arrow.

Other traffic lights

Lane signal

• A red cross indicates a ban on using the field in the direction of the signal.
• Green arrow indicates that the field can be used.
• A yellow arrow indicates that the lane will be closed, and that drivers must immediately change lanes in the direction the arrow shows.

Flashing signal in front of railway

• A red flashing signal indicates that road users must stop at the stop line or at a safe distance in front of the signal.
• A white flashing signal indicates that the level crossing can be passed in accordance with the provisions of the traffic rules. A white flashing signal also shows that the signaling system is in operation.

Flashing light arrow

• The arrow marks which side is to be passed.
• Flashing light arrows are usually set up in connection with road works.

Signal for public transport

• Signal for public transport.
• S stands for stop and thus means the same as the red light at a normal traffic light.

5. The traffic system

5.5 Police

Police and traffic controllers

There are not always rules, signs and lights are enough to ensure a safe and efficient flow of traffic. In some cases, such as traffic accidents or roadworks, there will be a need to regulate the traffic manually - that is, for a person to direct the traffic on the spot. At other times, you may be waved in for a check under the auspices of the police or the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

Persons with authority to give directions in traffic

• Police - Directs the traffic when there has been a traffic accident, or when other reasons cause the flow of traffic to stop. In addition, the police also carry out various types of checks, such as speed checks, seat belt use and blood alcohol checks.
• Customs - Customs officers can wave road users in for checks. Such checks usually take place at the border crossings, where it is usually checked that you are not carrying contraband, but the car can also be impounded if the papers are not in order.
• The Swedish Road Administration - The Swedish Road Administration carries out some of the same checks as the police; technical control, belt use, etc.
• Roadworks - In the case of roadworks, there will preferably be one or more people directing traffic past the area in question. These often have orange or other luminescent clothing and lights to direct traffic with. Temporary signage may also be set up, then with a yellow base colour.

Duties in traffic control

You are obliged to stop at a traffic control and follow instructions until the control has ended or until you have been given permission to leave the place. You are also obliged to present required documents and comply with the requirements set.

Traffic flow

When there is a lot of traffic, there will often be a lot of congestion and we get poor traffic flow. During rush hour, traffic flow is often at its worst.

Instructions at a traffic light

When the police are standing at a traffic light and directing, you must follow the police's instructions rather than traffic rules, signs and traffic lights.

You see the policeman from the side

If the policeman stands with his side towards you, this is considered a green light and you can drive through the intersection. The policeman also likes to use his hands to wave both you and oncoming traffic through the intersection. Traffic from the side must wait until the policeman turns his side towards them.

The policeman raises an arm in the air

An arm in the air means the same as a yellow light and applies to everyone approaching the intersection. Traffic that is already at the intersection can drive out, while all others must stop before the intersection.

You see the policeman from the front/back

If the policeman stands with his body turned towards or away from you, this is considered a red light and you cannot drive into the intersection.

5. The traffic system

5.6 The authority pyramid

The pyramid of authority

The pyramid of authority

You will often encounter situations in traffic where traffic rules, road markings, signage and traffic lights come into conflict with each other. In order for you to know what to follow, it is important that you learn the ranking of these in between, the so-called "pyramid of authority".

The authority pyramid therefore tells you that the police are at the top. If, for example, a policeman shows you to drive, you must drive regardless of what any yield signs or traffic lights show.

Traffic lights are under the police. This means that as long as the traffic lights are active, they go ahead of any right-of-way signs. If you come to a traffic light and you have a green light, but at the same time there is a yield sign there, it is the traffic light that applies. If, on the other hand, the traffic lights are out of order, you must give way according to the right-of-way sign.

Below traffic lights are signs and road markings. So if a right-of-way sign tells you that you have a right-of-way to traffic on a crossing road, you have a right-of-way, even if the traffic rules' general right-of-way rules actually say that traffic from the left has a right of way.

At the bottom of the authority pyramid are the traffic rules and other applicable regulations.

Tip!

In the theory test, you are not necessarily given tasks about the authority pyramid directly, but you are usually asked questions about situations where you have to use the authority pyramid to find the right answer.

5. The traffic system

5.7 Traffickers (1/4)

The traffickers

The Road Traffic Act and the traffic rules require you as a driver to take other road users into account. As a driver, you have a great moral and legal responsibility and the demands placed on you are strict – much stricter than the demands placed on soft road users.

The traffic rules contain separate provisions that require us to show extra caution in relation to pedestrians, children, the elderly and people with reduced functional abilities.

In order to achieve efficient and safe traffic flow, you as a driver must also pay particular attention to some other groups of road users, especially larger vehicles and two-wheelers.

Different road users.

Soft trafficants

Soft road users are non-motorized road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, kickers, skiers, etc. Soft refers to the fact that soft road users are particularly vulnerable to traffic accidents and collisions.

Two-wheelers

By two-wheelers we mean here motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles.

The soft road users

By soft road users, we mean cyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized road users - the road users who have the greatest risk of serious injury in an accident. You have to pay extra attention to some soft road users, and to avoid accidents between vehicles and particularly vulnerable soft road users, the following provision is found in the traffic rules:

As a driver, you are particularly obliged to keep a sufficiently low speed and, if necessary, stop immediately when passing

• children staying on or near the road
• school patrol
• person who uses a white cane or guide dog for the blind
• another person who can be assumed to suffer from a blemish or disease that inhibits him/her in traffic
• tram or bus that has stopped or is about to stop at a stop

Cycling

Although more and more places are building their own cycle paths, it is not unusual to meet cyclists on the road. Sharing the road with soft road users requires you as a motorist to take extra care. In addition, there are some separate provisions for cyclists in the traffic regulations.

To improve interaction between motorists and cyclists

• Keep a good distance from cyclists on the road. When passing cyclists, you should have a safety margin of 1.5-2 metres. A good tip is to move as far to the side as you would for a car.
• Cycle lanes are for cyclists, driving in the cycle lane is not permitted.
• If you are going to turn, you must give way to cyclists going straight ahead. Signal and check the blind spot before turning.
• Although cyclists must also follow the traffic rules, you cannot assume that all cyclists know the rules. Be prepared for cyclists who may be about to turn even if they have not signaled, and cyclists who cycle against the direction of travel on one-way streets.

Blind spot

The blind spot is the areas you cannot see in the mirrors from the driver's seat.

In passenger cars, there are two large blind spots on either side of the mirror, which you must check by looking out the window. You must have an overview of these when changing lanes.

Walking

The traffic rules also contain a separate provision that requires you to show extra caution towards pedestrians in traffic.

As a driver, you must:

• Give pedestrians sufficient space on the road.
• Give way to pedestrians if you cross a footpath or pavement and when driving in a pedestrian street or street garden.
• Give way to pedestrians who are in a pedestrian crossing or are on their way out of it (applies to pedestrian crossings that are not regulated by traffic lights or the police).
• Stop and give way for passengers getting off or wanting to get on a tram at a stop without a traffic island if you drive past a tram on the right.
• Avoid stopping on pedestrian crossings.

Free way

In order to make it easier for some special road users, the traffic rules require us to give them the right of way. Giving way means that you should do what you can to let them pass and reduce the risk of accidents by swerving to the side and possibly stopping.

5. The traffic system

5.7 Traffickers (2/4)

Children

You are obliged to keep a sufficiently low speed and, if necessary, stop immediately when passing children who are on or near the road.

The background for this rule is mainly that:

• Children are impulsive and do unexpected things.
• Children's field of vision is much smaller than that of adults (lacks the same wide angle).
• Children's hearing is also underdeveloped, among other things children are less able to hear where a sound is coming from.
• Children's ability to judge distance and speed is worse than that of adults.
• Children do not understand how traffic works and have no concept of reaction times and braking distances.

Since children are small, you must pay particular attention in relevant areas, and adjust your speed so that you avoid accidents as a result of children being hidden behind parked cars.

Elderly and disabled

As mentioned, you are obliged to keep a sufficiently low speed and, if necessary, stop immediately when passing a person who uses a white cane or a guide dog for the blind and for people who have disabilities or illnesses that hinder them in traffic.

Old age naturally leads to impaired sight and hearing and often reduced agility. Therefore, it becomes more difficult for the elderly to get a good overview of the traffic situation and it also becomes more difficult to travel in traffic, which you as a motorist must take into account.

Blind and disabled people will naturally also often have difficulties traveling in traffic.

Horses

Accidents involving horses and cars happen very rarely, but the consequences can often be serious.

As a driver, you have a great responsibility to ensure that the passage of a horse takes place without danger. To pass the horse properly, you should:

• Reduce speed when approaching.
• Make sure the horse and rider have spotted you.
• Stop and wait if the horse seems frightened or uncontrolled.
• Avoid sudden movements - drive past the horse quietly and calmly.

5. The traffic system

5.7 Traffickers (3/4)

Motorcycles and mopeds

Accident statistics show that most collisions between two-wheelers and cars occur as a result of the driver of the car not noticing the two-wheeler.

Because two-wheelers are small and therefore more difficult to detect than cars, there are some situations where things go wrong more often. Pay particular attention to any two-wheelers coming from the right at a junction, or lying to the side of you when turning. Also watch out for oncoming two-wheelers going straight ahead at a junction where you have to turn left.

This is what you should do to detect two-wheelers in traffic:

• Look especially for two-wheelers.
• Position yourself correctly in the roadway and signal in good time so that other road users see what you plan to do.
• Use the mirrors actively.
• Check the blind spot before turning and when moving sideways.

Sign and signal

Signs and signals are used to provide information to other road users.

• Signs are turn signals and brake lights. You give signs to inform other road users of what you are doing.
• Signaling means using the car's horn or light horn (flashing the high beams/turning on the emergency signal lights). Signal is only used to warn or avert danger.

Blind spot

The blind spot is the areas you cannot see in the mirrors from the driver's seat.

In passenger cars, there are two large blind spots on either side of the mirror, which you must check by looking out the window. You must have an overview of these when changing lanes.

Lateral displacement

A lateral movement means any change in the vehicle's position on the road in a sideways direction, for example when you change lanes, drive off the side of the road, drive around an obstacle in the road or similar.

When moving sideways, you are obliged to give way to road users who are already in the lane you wish to enter.

Large vehicles

As a driver of a passenger car, you must take into account the limitations of large vehicles compared to small vehicles and help facilitate efficient traffic flow.

In particular, consider the following differences between large and small vehicles:

• Speed. Large vehicles accelerate more slowly.
• Weight. Higher weight leads to longer braking distances.
• Wheelbase. A larger wheelbase leads to a larger turning radius.
• Sight. It can be difficult/impossible to see what is happening in front/behind/the side of a large vehicle.

By acting in the following way, you contribute to better traffic management:

• Allow large vehicles the necessary space to complete turns.
• Feel free to waive your right-of-way to avoid forcing a large vehicle to slow down or stop (heavy vehicles that need to brake will take a long time to regain cruising speed, which will affect all rear-end drivers).

Wheelbase

The distance between the front axle (the front wheels) and the rear axle (the rear wheels) of a vehicle. In the image example, you see the wheelbase of a car.

Tram

If you drive in areas with trams, there are several things you have to think about. The tram is large and heavy, and can have a long braking distance. At the same time, it also does not have the opportunity to turn away if something were to happen. Therefore, the tram is also exempt from many of the traffic rules. As a motorist, you are obliged to give way to the tram in the vast majority of situations, regardless of whether it is coming from the right or left. The tram is only obliged to give way when it is entering a roundabout.

As a motorist, you must remember that:

• You have a duty to give way for the tram.
• In addition to the left side, passing trams on the right is permitted, but be aware of the part of the view that is restricted by the tram.
• You have a duty to keep a low speed, and if necessary stop, when passing a tram at a stop. When overtaking on the right at a stop without a traffic island, you must stop and give way to any passengers.
• The tram takes longer to brake and it needs more space on bends, so always keep a good distance.

5. The traffic system

5.8 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 5

• The traffic system consists of four parts: the traffic management, the road, the vehicles and the road users.
• In the Road Traffic Act we find the basic rules for traffic : "Everyone must travel with consideration and be alert and cautious so that no danger can arise or damage be caused and so that other traffic is not unnecessarily obstructed or disturbed. Road users must also show consideration for those who live or stay by the road.
• The traffic rules contain provisions on i.a. the vehicle's position in the roadway, the obligation to give way, stopping and parking, and applies to all roads. A road is defined as "a public or private road, street or space open to ordinary traffic."
• According to the Road Traffic Act, "everyone must pay attention to public traffic signs, signals and markings and must comply with the prohibitions and orders given in this way." It is therefore important that you are familiar with signs and light signals, as well as the meaning of different types of road markings.
• The traffic rules also contain separate provisions that require us to show extra caution towards pedestrians, children, the elderly and the disabled.
• The authority pyramid tells you what applies when traffic rules, road markings, signage and traffic lights come into conflict with each other.

In the next chapter, we will look at basic observation techniques and how you can best make yourself understood by other road users in traffic. You also get to know how the car behaves physically in terms of speed, grip and braking.

The driving

Before you go out and drive in traffic for the first time, you should practice basic observation techniques and think about how best to make yourself understood by other road users in traffic. You should also know how the car behaves physically in terms of speed, grip and braking.

In chapter 6 we will review:

• 6.1 See the rules
• 6.2 Interaction
• 6.3 Speed
• 6.4 Road grip
• 6.5 Braking and braking distances
• 6.6 Summary

6. The driving

6.1 See rules (1/2)

See the rules

When you travel in traffic, you must constantly obtain information about the traffic situation. You get as much as 90% of this information through your vision. You interpret the behavior of other road users and adapt your own driving accordingly. But in order for others to be able to interpret your behavior correctly and have the opportunity to adapt their own driving, it is also important that you are clear and act in good time. If you follow the see rules, it will be easier to both see and be seen.

See the rules

Look far ahead.

Move your gaze.

Take an overview.

Always look for a way out.

Be seen and understood.

Use the see rules actively to get a full overview on the way to traffic lights.

See the rules

6. The driving

6.1 See the rules (2/2)

1. Look far ahead

Look far ahead to detect and perceive situations as early as possible, so you can adapt your driving in good time.

Looking far ahead also makes it easier for you to stabilize the car's course and it becomes easier to position the car correctly on the road.

How far ahead should you look?

• In densely built-up areas, you should look as far ahead as the street can reach.
• On country roads, the speed is often high, and you should therefore try to look at least 400 meters ahead to drive safely and avoid dangerous situations.
• In the dark, you should try to see further ahead than the car's lights can reach. Even high beams only illuminate the road approx. 100 meters ahead, but you can spot a pedestrian with a reflector at a distance of as much as 300 metres.

Country road

By country road we usually mean roads outside densely built-up areas and with a speed limit above 50 km/h.

2. Move your gaze

To get a full overview of the traffic situation, even at higher speeds, you must take care to move your eyes often. As mentioned in Chapter 3, acuity covers only a small part of your field of vision. When the speed increases, it is more difficult to see and discover things that happen outside of our sharp vision, and it is easier for us to get tunnel vision. By using your gaze actively, you will be aware of what is happening on side roads further ahead, the traffic behind you and on the sides.

You have to watch to get an overview, and to understand what is going to happen.

Move your gaze frequently to gain control over potential hazards that may arise.

Forward and to the sides

• Move your gaze often.
• Look at each page several times to make sure you get all the important information.

Back and to the sides

• Look in the mirrors frequently.
• When braking, you must take a look in the mirror to check that the traffic behind is also able to stop.
• Look in your mirror and blind spot before turning at an intersection, before changing lanes or making other lateral movements.

The blind spot

The blind spot, also called the blind spot, is the area to the side and behind the vehicle that cannot be seen in the side mirrors or center mirror. Before changing lanes or turning at an intersection, you must therefore glance into the blind spot to check that there are no other vehicles there.

The sight

Our field of vision can be divided into two parts – central vision and lateral vision. Central vision, or acuity, has a viewing angle of approx. 3-5 degrees, and discovers the details of the surroundings. The side vision has a viewing angle of almost 180 degrees, and perceives movements and light changes outside the acuity.

Side vision warns of events that should be checked more closely with sharp vision. This is called the warning reflex of the eye.

The sight

Our field of vision can be divided into two parts – central vision and lateral vision. Central vision, or acuity, has a viewing angle of approx. 3-5 degrees, and discovers the details of the surroundings. The side vision has a viewing angle of almost 180 degrees, and perceives movements and light changes outside the acuity.

Side vision warns of events that should be checked more closely with sharp vision. This is called the warning reflex of the eye.

Blind spot

The blind spot is the areas you cannot see in the mirrors from the driver's seat.

In passenger cars, there are two large blind spots on either side of the mirror, which you must check by looking out the window. You must have an overview of these when changing lanes.

Cross

Place where a road crosses or empties into another road.

Lateral movement

A lateral movement means any change in the vehicle's position on the road in a sideways direction, for example when you change lanes, drive off the side of the road, drive around an obstacle in the road or similar.

When moving sideways, you are obliged to give way to road users who are already in the lane you wish to enter.

Observation in mirrors and blind spots

3. Take an overview

Take an overview to get an overview of the entire traffic situation and try to predict how the traffic situation will develop. Basically, you should be able to predict what may happen in the next 10 seconds in traffic.

At a speed of 50 km/h, you drive approx. 14 m/s. To predict how the traffic will develop in the next 10 seconds means that you have to predict what will happen in the next 140 metres.

4. Always look for a way out

Unforeseen events and dangerous situations can always occur, no matter how well you keep track. Always look for a way out or alternative solution, so you have a plan for what to do if something happens.

In order to know what options you have, it is appropriate to keep a good distance to the driver in front so that you have a good view. If you discover potential dangers, you should take emergency braking so that you are ready if something were to happen.

5. Be seen and understood

For you as a driver, it is of course very important that you are seen and understood. You must therefore always drive so that other road users can, as far as possible, take you into account and understand what you are planning to do.

In the interaction section, we will look more at how you can act to make yourself understood as best as possible in traffic.

Tips for being seen and understood

• Position yourself correctly in the lane in good time. For example, on a multi-lane road, you should get into the left lane early when turning left.
• Adjust your speed in good time. For example, you must slow down in good time before a pedestrian crossing so that pedestrians can see that you will comply with your right of way.
• Give signs in good time. You give signals using turn signals and brake lights.
• Try to make eye contact with other road users whenever possible to make sure they have seen and understood you (MC drivers are specially trained for this).
• Give a signal with a light horn (high beam) or a sound horn (honk) to contact or inform others about dangers (according to the traffic rules, unnecessary use of sound and light horns is prohibited).

Sign and signal

Signs and signals are used to provide information to other road users.

• Signs are turn signals and brake lights. You give signs to inform other road users of what you are doing.
• Signaling means using the car's horn or light horn (flashing the high beams/turning on the emergency signal lights). Signal is only used to warn or avert danger.

6. The driving

6.2 Interaction

Interaction

One of the most important things in traffic is to make yourself well understood by your fellow road users and to be able to interpret how they think and act.

If you start from the fact that all road users mostly follow the guidelines given in the traffic rules, you can make many assessments based on other road users' signaling, choice of speed and position on the road. You will also be able to form an opinion about whether the other road users have actually observed you, and act accordingly. This forms the basis for much of the interaction in traffic.

First and foremost, we use the car's blinker and brake lights to signal traffic, but we start by looking at how the choice of speed and position on the road plays into the interaction in traffic.

Accessibility

Good interaction between road users through choice of speed, lane choice and lane changes, overtaking and a clear driving style, provides good passability in traffic. When interaction is poor, traffic flows more slowly and accessibility is reduced.

Good interaction

Choose a speed that makes you understood

You can give a lot of information to other road users through your choice of speed. When you slow down towards an intersection, this will be interpreted by your fellow road users as a sign that you are either going to turn at the intersection or that you intend to give way to another road user going through the intersection.

When you drive towards a roundabout (where you are obliged to give way), you are obliged to slow down well before the roundabout to show that you will comply with the obligation to give way.

When you drive towards a pedestrian crossing, you are also obliged to slow down well in advance of the pedestrian crossing to show pedestrians that you will stop for them.

Position yourself so that others understand you

You can also give a lot of information to other road users just through your position in the lane.

If, for example, you lie close to the right-hand side of the road/kerb before an intersection, you send a sign that you plan to turn right at the upcoming intersection.

If, on the other hand, you go all the way to the left in your own lane before an intersection, this can be interpreted as planning to turn left at the intersection.

It is at least as important to maintain a neutral position in the lane, i.e. stay in the middle of the lane if you are going straight ahead at the intersection so that you avoid confusing other road users.

Give clear signs

What are signs?

You signal by using your turn signal when you are about to turn at an intersection or make a lateral movement. When you brake, the rear brake lights will signal that you are braking.

When do you use characters?

The traffic rules state that you must give signals when turning and other significant changes in the vehicle's position in a lateral direction (for example when changing lanes or when turning around a car parked on the side of the road).

In order for other road users to understand you - and adapt their own driving - you must give clear signs in good time.

By clear signs, we mean that the signs you give should not be misunderstood. If, for example, you are going to turn right at an intersection, you should inform by using both brake lights (lightly press the brake pedal a few times) and turn signals.

If possible, you should switch on your turn signal 5-8 seconds before turning or moving sideways. However, be aware that if you switch on your turn signal too early, this can be misinterpreted and thus confuse other road users. For example, it is not appropriate to flash for 5 seconds before changing from the inner to the outer lane in a roundabout.

Give signs when you are going to make a lateral movement.

Use signal to warn of danger

What is signal?

By giving a signal, we mean using the car's horn or light horn (flashing the high beams/switching on emergency lights).

When do you use signal?

Signal is used to warn other road users of a dangerous situation you have just passed, so that they may slow down. Many also flash their high beams to warn other road users that they have forgotten to switch on their headlights, or that one of the lights has stopped working.

You must still be careful not to give unnecessary signals in traffic. There is a separate provision in the traffic rules which states that "unnecessary or reckless use of sound or light signals is prohibited."

If an oncoming car flashes its high beams, you should be extra vigilant.

6. The driving

6.3 Speed ​​(1/2)

Speed ​​limits

Speed ​​limits

There are some main rules about speed in the Road Traffic Act and in the traffic regulations.

In Norway, we have two general speed limits, which apply unless traffic signs say otherwise. When special speed limits are lifted, the general speed limits will apply.

General speed limits

• In densely built-up areas: 50 km/h.
• Outside densely built-up areas: 80 km/h.

The term "densely built-up area" is not defined in the law, but there is usually a speed limit of 50 km/h when you drive into a densely built-up area.

Adjust your speed according to the conditions

The most important rule about speed is, however, that you must assess yourself how much speed you can safely maintain.

The driver of a vehicle must adjust the speed according to the location, driving, visibility and traffic conditions so that no danger can arise or cause inconvenience to others, and so that other traffic is as little hindered or disturbed as possible. The driver must always have full control of the vehicle.

Drivers must be able to stop on the stretch of road over which the driver has an overview, and in front of any foreseeable obstacle.

The rules mean that you, the driver, must always make your own assessment of whether you can keep to the speed limit or whether you must choose a lower speed.

Road stretch

Part of a road. Can be anything from the part of the road you see in front of you to a stretch between two places.

What speed should you really keep?

Speed ​​limits and signage

The general speed limits for densely built-up areas and outside densely built-up areas apply unless signs say otherwise.

Speed ​​limit sign

The Speed ​​limit sign applies on the road on which it is placed and until the speed limit is changed by another sign. Signs for the new speed limit and the lifting of speed limits are placed on both sides of the road. If the sign is only on the right side of the road, it is a reminder of the current speed limit.

The sign End of special speed limit means that the new speed limit is 80 km/h.

Zone sign

In residential areas there is a separate type of speed limit sign, so-called zone sign.

Zone signs apply on all roads until they are revoked. Unless otherwise indicated by the sign, the general speed limit of 50 km/h applies when you pass the sign "End of speed limit zone".

Danger signs and recommended speed

Danger signs along the road inform you of potential dangers, and normally require you to adjust your speed to avoid dangerous situations.

In many places there is a combination of danger signs and sub-signs about the recommended maximum speed. Typically, such signs will be found on a very tight bend outside a densely built-up area.

Special rules on speed

There are also several specific provisions on speed in different situations/circumstances:

Drivers must, in particular, keep a sufficiently low speed and, if necessary, stop immediately when passing:

• children staying on or near the road
• school patrol
• people who are partially sighted or blind
• people who can be assumed to have a disability or suffer from an illness that hinders them in traffic
• tram/bus that has stopped or is about to stop at a stop

Other important special rules about speed

• On pedestrian streets or street gardens, you must not drive faster than walking speed (5-10 km/h).
• If you are driving with a trailer, you cannot legally drive faster than 80 km/h, even if the local speed limit is higher. The exception is if you get a Tempo 100 approval for a trailer or caravan, then you can drive up to 100 km/h.

If you are driving with a trailer, you must also check what speed the trailer is approved for. If, for example, the trailer is approved for speeds up to 50 km/h, that is what applies.

6. The driving

6.4 Road grip

Road grip

Road grip is the tire's contact with the surface you are driving on. To be able to have good control of the car, you must have good road grip at all times. There are mainly two things that affect how well your road grip is:

• Car kinetic energy – This is the energy your car has due to your speed and the weight of the vehicle. The higher the kinetic energy, the worse the grip when you try to turn or brake with a heavy car at high speed.
• Grip between tire and surface - How good the quality of your tires is, as well as the type of surface you drive on, is the other factor that determines your grip. If you drive on an icy road around zero degrees with worn-out summer tyres, you have little traction and the chance of the car skidding in a different direction than the one you are driving is high.

You therefore decide the road grip yourself by choosing good tire equipment and by keeping a reasonable speed based on the surface and weather conditions.

Road grip

Kinetic energy and speed

The energy of movement depends on your speed. If you change the speed, the kinetic energy changes. But the kinetic energy changes much more than the speed changes: if you double the speed, the kinetic energy quadruples. That's because the kinetic energy changes with the square of the change in speed. The square of the change in velocity is the change in velocity multiplied by itself.

When you double the speed, you quadruple the kinetic energy of the car. This means that four times as much energy is required to stop a car traveling at 60 km/h than a car traveling at 30 km/h. And if you increase the speed to 90 km/h, the kinetic energy is increased to nine times what you had at 30 km/h.

The square!

We say that the kinetic energy increases with the square of the change in speed. The square of a number is the number multiplied by itself. The square of 2 is 2 x 2 = 4, the square of 3 is 3 x 3 = 9, and so on.

Grip and steering

You therefore need the road grip when you turn and when you change speed. In order to keep your grip when driving in a corner, you must therefore slow down before turning. If not, you risk the car's kinetic energy sending the car out of the turn.

When traction is lost, the wheels spin and you can no longer control the vehicle. When the wheels are locked, they cannot be steered either. The wheels lock when you brake hard in a car without ABS brakes.

In winter conditions, the car's grip can be reduced to 1/4 of what is normal. Good winter tires contribute to increased road grip, but it is still necessary to drive more carefully than in summer. It may be appropriate to test the surface carefully before driving out into traffic.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is a phenomenon you can experience on wet roads and which you must be aware of. Hydroplaning occurs when so much water gets between the tire and the road that the tire does not make contact with the road. Then the tire will float on the water and you will lose control of the vehicle. The risk of aquaplaning increases with the car's speed. It usually occurs at speeds higher than 60 km/h.

Hydroplaning hazard.

6. The driving

6.5 Braking and braking distances (1/3)

Braking and braking distances

In order for you to really understand the benefit of being concentrated and driving at the right speed, the curriculum requires you to be able to calculate the change in reaction length and braking distance in metres.

Of course, road users are not expected to calculate what these lengths are at all times while driving. But being able to calculate this makes you much more aware of the forces at work when you drive and how much the braking distance increases with just a small increase in speed.

Reaction distance, braking distance and stopping distance

You are out driving and spot a hazard further ahead on the road. You quickly decide to brake suddenly to stop before the danger. How long does it take from the time the accident occurred until you have stopped the car? How long does the car travel before it stops?

You may remember the elements from the driving process – discover, perceive, decide and act. Let's use these as a starting point when we look further at braking.

• Detect - It takes time from the time a hazard occurs until you actually detect the hazard. We call this time inattention time and the distance you cover here we can call inattention length. There are many factors that affect the length of inattention and we therefore do not usually include this in tasks about braking. A driver who actively uses the se rules while driving will be able to detect and perceive dangers earlier than other drivers.
• Perceive and decide - A certain amount of time elapses from when you have discovered the danger until you decide how you want to act. We call this time reaction time and the corresponding distance is called reaction length. Reaction time is affected by factors such as the driver's level of experience, vigilance and maturity.
• Act - Time elapses from the time you start to brake until the car has stopped. The distance covered is called the braking distance. The braking distance is affected by the tire's grip, the car's kinetic energy and how hard you step on the brake.

Reaction length + braking distance = stopping distance

If you combine reaction distance with braking distance, we find the car's stopping distance. Many people confuse the terms braking distance and stopping distance, so make sure you understand the difference between them.

To calculate reaction length

To calculate reaction length, you need to know your reaction time and speed. Since the reaction time is given in seconds, it is useful if the speed is given in meters per second (instead of km per hour). To convert the speed from km/h to m/s, divide the speed by 3.6. Multiply the answer by the reaction time to find the reaction length.

How do you calculate the change in reaction length?

To calculate how much the reaction length changes when the speed changes, you must first find the change in speed. You can find it by calculating how many times faster or slower the new speed is compared to the old one: New speed / old speed = speed change

The reaction length changes as much as the speed, so to find the new reaction length you multiply the change in speed by the original reaction length: Change in speed x original reaction length = new reaction length

6. The driving

6.5 Braking and braking distances (2/3)

To calculate braking distance

How do you calculate braking distance?

It is much more difficult to calculate braking distance than reaction distance at a given speed because there are so many different things that come into play.

Braking distance is a function of, among other things, speed, surface, road, weight, how hard you brake and the quality of the brakes. Because of this, it is not expected that you will be able to calculate braking distances based only on a stated speed.

Instead, there are a number of tables for braking distances. Feel free to guess these, but if you learn that the braking distance (with maximum braking) on ​​dry asphalt at 20 km/h is 2 metres, then you can calculate the braking distances for other speeds. And for different reasons. We will see how.

How do you calculate the change in braking distance?

It is the car's kinetic energy that is the basis for the change in braking distance. Just as the kinetic energy changes with the square of the change in speed, so the stopping distance changes with the square of the change in speed. The braking distance changes much more than the speed change!

To calculate the change in braking distance, you must therefore first find the change in speed. As mentioned, you find the speed change by dividing the new speed by the old speed. Since the braking distance changes with the square of the change in speed, you must multiply the change in speed by itself.

To find the braking distance after the speed change, multiply the braking distance before the change by the square of the speed change, which you have just calculated.

Braking lengths for emergency braking on dry asphalt.

To calculate stop length

The stopping distance is the sum of the reaction distance and the braking distance. The stopping distance thus tells you how far you travel from the time you detect a danger until the car has come to a complete stop. If, for example, the reaction distance is 10 meters and the braking distance is 20 meters, the stopping distance is 30 meters.

When calculating the increase in stopping distance from one speed to another, you must remember that

• the reaction length increases with the change in speed
• the braking distance increases with the square of the speed change

6. The driving

6.6 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 6

• The see rules make it easier to both see and be seen: Look far ahead, move your gaze often, take an overview of the situation, always look for a way out, and drive so that you are seen and understood.
• Good interaction in traffic is an important basis for safe and efficient traffic management.
• Choose a speed that makes you understood: Slow down in good time to show your intentions.
• Position yourself so that others understand you: lean to the side if you are going to turn, stay in the middle of the field if you are going straight ahead.
• Give clear signs: Use turn signals when turning at an intersection or making a lateral movement. When you brake, the rear brake lights will signal that you are braking.
• Unnecessary or reckless use of sound or light signals is prohibited! Only use a signal (sound or light horn) to warn other road users of a dangerous situation.
• If no other speed limit is set by public traffic signs, the speed limit in densely built-up areas is 50 km/h, and 80 km/h outside densely built-up areas.
• Adjust your speed according to the location, driving, visibility and traffic conditions: You must be able to stop on the stretch of road you have an overview of, and in front of any foreseeable obstacle.
• Road grip is the tire's contact with the surface you are driving on. By choosing good tire equipment, and by keeping a reasonable speed in relation to the surface and weather, you can largely influence the road grip yourself.
• Distance of inattention: The distance you travel from a hazard until you actually notice the hazard.
• Reaction length: The distance you cover from when you have discovered the danger until you decide how you want to act. You find the reaction length by multiplying the reaction time by the speed in meters per second.
• Braking distance: The distance you cover from the time you start to brake until the car has stopped. The braking distance changes with the square of the speed change. On wet roads it can be twice as long - on winter roads it can quickly become 4 times as long.
• Stopping distance: The sum of the reaction distance and braking distance.

In the next chapter, we will look at the obligation to give way and position, and correct behavior in various situations you are likely to encounter when driving in urban areas.

Driving in the city

In the city, traffic is often congested, there are many intersections, roundabouts, one-way streets, and many cars that have to change lanes. There are also many soft road users that you must constantly be aware of.

Therefore, you must have good knowledge of the right-of-way rules and knowledge of how to deal with buses, trams and soft road users. In addition, you must pay particular attention to the distance to other road users and your position on the road.

In chapter 7, we deal with the following topic:

• 7.1 Obligation to give way
• 7.2 Driving lane and location
• 7.3 Cross
• 7.4 Roundabouts
• 7.5 Reversing and turning
• 7.6 Stopping and parking
• 7.7 Summary

7. Driving in the city

7.1 Obligation to give way (1/4)

Obligation to give way

What is the right of way?

Obligation to yield is the obligation to hold back for other road users. We will take a closer look at what the obligation to give way entails and who has the obligation to give way when meeting road users in various situations. First, let's see what we actually mean by giving way.

Traffic to be given way to must not be obstructed or disturbed

Having a duty to give way means that you do not obstruct or disturb the road user for whom you have a duty to give way, and the duty to give way arises precisely when your continued driving will obstruct or disturb other road users. If you do not risk disturbing other road users, you also do not have to give way.

The person who has a duty to give way must clearly show that they will comply with the duty to give way

Slow down in good time so that other road users understand that you will comply with the duty to give way. If the person for whom you have a right of way has to slow down because they are unsure of what you are going to do, you have disturbed the road user and thus breached the right of way.

The right-hand rule

The main rule for giving way is the right-of-way rule. The right-hand rule means that:

• Unless signage or other rules indicate otherwise, you are obliged to give way to traffic from the right.
• The same applies if you are going to turn left at an intersection and because of the turn you will have road users on your right.

Everyone must give way!

Sometimes you will end up in a situation where everyone is given the right of way for everyone. Who will drive first?

This is interaction in practice: Basically, the person who reaches the intersection first in such a situation should take the initiative to drive first, but it is absolutely crucial that you have shown your intentions clearly and that the other road users show signs of giving way.

Since the white car must turn left, it will have to give way to the blue car, which will then come to the right of the white car.

7. Driving in the city

7.1 Obligation to give way (2/4)

Obligation to give way - other rules

In addition to the right-hand rule, there are a number of rules that apply in certain places or in certain situations.

Obligation to give way when coming from a car park, bus stop, etc

When coming from a car park, private road, street yard or similar places, you always have to give way to all other road users. This also applies if you are coming from a footpath, cycle path, pavement or roadside, and are going to enter the road.

Obligation to give way to buses

On roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less, you are obliged to give way to a bus when the driver signals for the bus to leave the stop.

Obligation to give way when cars meet

If the road is too narrow for cars in the opposite direction to easily pass each other, drivers meeting in good time must give way sufficiently to the right and drive slowly or stop.

Meeting places are often set up on narrow roads where cars cannot pass each other. If you are standing at a meeting place, you should normally be able to see the next meeting place. You should then know that you can get to the next meeting place unimpeded before you drive.

If part of the road is blocked (e.g. by a parked car, cyclist, or other obstacle), the person who has the obstacle on their side is obliged to give way. Giving way must then wait until oncoming traffic has passed.

Oncoming cars are obliged to give way because the obstacle is on their side.

Obligation to give way when coming from special places

You are obliged to give way to other road users when you come from the following places:

• Parking space
• Holding place
• Square
• Property
• Gas station
• Pedestrian street
• Street yard or similar area
• Farm road or other road that is not open to general traffic

Obligation to give way when changing lanes

When you have to change lanes, you are obliged to give way to traffic in the lane you are driving into. The same applies when you have to drive off the side of the road or make another lateral movement. Note that when the number of fields is reduced by merging, this rule does not apply.

When to change fields

• Use your flashing lights to inform other road users, and check your mirrors and blind spot before turning out. Remember that you are obliged to give way to the traffic behind when you change lanes.
• Turn out in good time to improve visibility and to allow others to understand what is happening. The rules on the obligation to give way require you to clearly show other road users that you will comply with the obligation to give way. You must therefore be confident that you can change lanes or move sideways without obstructing others or creating dangerous situations.

If you are going to change lanes, you have to give way.

Obligation to give way

Obligation to give way is an obligation not to obstruct or disturb traffic for which you have an obligation to give way. If you have a duty to yield, you also have a duty to show that you will comply with your duty to yield. Who has the right to drive and who must give way is defined in the traffic rules.

Lateral movement

A lateral movement means any change in the vehicle's position on the road in a sideways direction, for example when you change lanes, drive off the side of the road, drive around an obstacle in the road or similar.

When moving sideways, you are obliged to give way to road users who are already in the lane you wish to enter.

Blind spot

The blind spot, also called the blind spot, are the areas around the vehicle that you cannot see in the mirrors or by looking out of the window from the cab.

Obligation to give way for pedestrians

Pedestrians are particularly protected through various provisions in the traffic rules. These provisions are strictly enforced by the police.

Important rules about the right of way for pedestrians and cyclists:

• At pedestrian crossings where traffic is not regulated by the police or at traffic lights, the driver is obliged to give way to pedestrians who are in – or on their way out of – the pedestrian crossing. Drivers must also avoid stopping on footpaths.
• Drivers who want to turn are obliged to give way to pedestrians or cyclists who are going straight ahead on the carriageway or the shoulder of the road.
• Drivers who want to turn onto the pavement are obliged to give way to pedestrians and cyclists traveling on the pavement.
• Drivers who cross a footpath or pavement are obliged to give way to pedestrians. You are also obliged to give way to pedestrians when driving on a pedestrian street or in a street garden.

You must pay extra attention to pedestrians.

The traffic rules

Actually "Regulations on driving and walking traffic." The traffic rules contain, among other things, the rules on location, the obligation to give way, special speed regulations, overtaking, stopping and parking.

Free way

In order to make it easier for some special road users, the traffic rules require us to give them the right of way. Giving way means that you should do what you can to let them pass and reduce the risk of accidents by swerving to the side and possibly stopping.

When you drive, you must give way

• emergency vehicles with lit blue lights (police, ambulance and fire service)
• trams and trains (but trams must give way to other traffic where special yielding signs have been set up)

You must always give way to emergency vehicles during an emergency

You must also not obstruct or disturb

• Walking in a group under the supervision of a leader
• Processions and funeral processions
• Military vehicle convoys or civil defense convoys

ATTENTION!

Emergency vehicles are exempt from many traffic rules. They can therefore come at high speed or from roads with red lights, so pay close attention and be careful if you see blue lights or hear sirens.

7. Driving in the city

7.1 Obligation to give way (3/4)

Obligation to yield and right-of-way signs

The traffic rules do not always provide the most appropriate traffic flow. From the authority pyramid, you may remember that signage applies before the traffic rules, and you must therefore be familiar with the various right-of-way and right-of-way signs that override the traffic rules.

Obligation to give way

• When you come to this sign, you are obliged to give way to road users coming from both the right and the left. Very often there will be a yield line that marks where you should stop at the intersection.
• Be aware that a yield sign does not necessarily mean that the crossing road is a right-of-way. On a crossing road, the right-of-way intersection sign (210) will usually be displayed.

Give way to crossing vehicles.

Stop

• This sign informs you that you must come to a complete stop before crossing. You must stop at the stop line - or as close to the crossing road as possible if there is no stop line or cannot be seen due to snow/ice, etc. Please note that you must stop completely before you can drive onto the crossing road.
• The sign also states that you are obliged to give way to road users coming from both the right and the left.
• The sign is used at particularly dangerous or unclear intersections.

Stop for crossing road.

Line of way

A yield line is a transverse road marking consisting of triangles that mark the stopping point for the obligation to give way at an intersection. Yield lines are also used when entering roundabouts.

Access road

A right-of-way is a road marked with the sign "right-of-way". If you are driving on a right-of-way, drivers coming from a side road or crossing road are required to give way through a right-of-way sign or stop sign.

Stop line

A stop line is a transverse line that indicates where vehicles must stop when a public traffic sign or traffic light signal requires a stop. The line is solid.

Right-of-way and right-of-way intersection

On larger and more congested roads, it will be advantageous to avoid the usual obligation to give way from the right, as this will result in a much better flow of traffic. Such roads are marked with the sign "right-of-way" and are simply called right-of-way.

Access road

• This sign says that road users coming from a side road or crossing road are required to give way through a give way sign or stop sign. The sign is normally repeated after each intersection so that road users coming from a side road are informed that they are now driving on a right-of-way.
• A right-of-way is canceled by the sign "End of right-of-way" or by a right-of-way sign or stop sign.
• Even if you are not obliged to give way to road users coming from a side road, you are still obliged to give way to oncoming traffic if you are turning left from the right-of-way.

Right-of-way intersection

• The sign warns of a dangerous intersection and says that drivers from a side road or crossing road are required to give way through a give-way sign or stop sign.
• The sign only applies to the upcoming intersection and says nothing about whether you are driving on a right-of-way or not.
• The distance between the sign and the crossing is determined by the speed limit on the spot. The higher the speed limit, the longer the distance - just like with the danger signs.

Access road

A right-of-way is a road marked with the sign "right-of-way". If you are driving on a right-of-way, drivers coming from a side road or crossing road are required to give way through a right-of-way sign or stop sign.

Oncoming traffic and the right of way

On stretches where the road is too narrow for two cars to pass each other safely, signs are often put up that regulate who can drive first. The red arrow shows the direction of travel that is obliged to give way.

Obligation to yield to oncoming traffic

• The sign indicates a prohibition against driving onto a narrow stretch of road if such driving causes oncoming traffic to be obstructed.
• Note that the sign is also shaped like a prohibition sign.

Oncoming traffic is obliged to give way

• The sign indicates that oncoming traffic is required to give way with a sign.
• Note that the sign is also shaped like an information sign.

Sub-sign for yield and right-of-way signs

Course of access road

• In places where the access road follows a different course than what might be expected, there are usually signs showing where the access road goes.
• A thick line indicates the right-of-way, while a thin line indicates roads that have a right of way (and where there is a right-of-way or stop sign).

7. Driving in the city

7.2 Driving lane and location (1/3)

Location in the roadway

Correct positioning in the roadway gives other road users good information about what you plan to do and helps to avoid conflicts with other road users.

How you should position yourself in the roadway is partially regulated in the traffic rules:

• As far as the conditions permit, vehicles must be driven on the right side of the road (if there is an obstacle on the right side of the road, you are of course allowed to drive on the left side of the road, but then you are obliged to give way to oncoming traffic).
• Vehicles must be kept well within the lane (you are therefore allowed to use your entire lane).
• On a carriageway with two or more lanes in the direction of travel, the right lane must be used when the traffic rules do not require or allow the use of the left lane.
• When turning, you should basically lie down on the side you are going to turn to. On a road with several lanes in the same direction, this means that you should choose the lane furthest to the right when turning right, and the lane furthest to the left when turning left. On a road with traffic in both directions, when turning left, you must lie as close to the center of the carriageway as possible.
• Bicycles or other vehicles that are not motor vehicles can be driven on the right shoulder of the road.

Correct location.

Vehicle

A vehicle is a "device intended to run on the ground without rails". Consequently, both bicycles, mopeds, motorbikes and cars are vehicles. Note that mopeds, motorcycles and cars are also defined as motor vehicles (vehicles that are propelled by an engine).

Driving lane

A lane is each of the longitudinal lanes into which a carriageway is divided by markings, or which are wide enough for traffic with a row of cars.

Carriageway

The carriageway is the part of the road intended for normal driving (the area between the curb lines).

Motor vehicle

Motor vehicle is a collective term for all vehicles that are propelled by their own engine.

Cars, mopeds, tractors, motorized lawnmowers and scooters such as the Segway are all considered motor vehicles. An electric bicycle is not defined as a motor vehicle.

Road shoulder

The road shoulder is the part of the road that lies outside the curb line. The road shoulder is therefore not intended for motorized vehicles. Pedestrians must basically walk on the shoulder of the road and cyclists can choose to cycle on the shoulder of the road.

Distance

In addition to positioning in the roadway, it is also important how you position yourself in relation to other road users.

Why should you keep your distance in traffic?

To reduce the risk of accidents in traffic, it is important that you keep the necessary distance from your fellow road users.

A good distance will also lead to a better overview and give you better time to react if something unexpected happens, e.g. that the car in front of you brakes suddenly.

How much distance should you keep?

In the traffic rules, there is a general provision on distance to the driver in front which states:

• The distance to the driver in front must be such that there is no risk of collision if the driver in front slows down or stops.
• The distance must be such that passers-by can drive in between the vehicles without danger.

Red car has plenty of space to drive in between the cars in the right lane.

The traffic rules

Actually "Regulations on driving and walking traffic." The traffic rules contain, among other things, the rules on location, the obligation to give way, special speed regulations, overtaking, stopping and parking.

The 3-second rule

You must assess exactly how big the distance must be from situation to situation. A rule of thumb is that you should have a distance of at least 3 seconds to the vehicle in front.

In many situations you will need more than 3 seconds of distance:

• On slippery roads, the braking distance increases dramatically and the need for distance becomes greater.
• If your speed is higher than 80 km/h, increased braking distance will mean that you need more than 3 seconds of distance to the vehicle in front.
• If you have heavier vehicles behind, or vehicles behind are unreasonably close, you yourself need a greater distance than 3 seconds since you would not be able to apply emergency braking without risking being hit from behind.

7. Driving in the city

7.2 Driving lane and location (2/3)

Multiple lanes in the same direction

It follows from the traffic rules that, as a general rule, you must use the right lane on roads with two or more lanes in the direction of travel.

When required or permitted by the traffic rules, you can still use the middle or left lane. As signs and road markings apply before the traffic rules (remember the authority pyramid), you must comply with them if the signs and/or road markings on site allow or require the use of the middle or left lane.

Remember that the right-of-way rules for moving sideways also apply when you have to change between lanes in the same direction of travel.

The traffic rules allow or require the use of the left or middle lane in some cases:

• The middle or left lane can be used when overtaking.
• The middle or left lane can be used when traffic is heavy, to improve traffic flow.
• Before turning left, the left lane must be used.

Collective field

You cannot use the right-hand lane if this is a public transport lane. The exception is if you drive an electric car/hydrogen car or a two-wheeler (unless otherwise determined through a sub-sign).

Driving lane

A lane is each of the longitudinal lanes into which a carriageway is divided by markings, or which are wide enough for traffic with a row of cars.

The pyramid of authority

The flow of traffic is regulated through the traffic rules, signs, markings, light regulation and manual traffic management. This hierarchy is called the authority pyramid, and tells what/who decides if regulations are missing or come into conflict with each other. The authority pyramid is as follows:

Police

Light signal

Traffic signs and road markings

Traffic rules

Lateral movement

A lateral movement means any change in the vehicle's position on the road in a sideways direction, for example when you change lanes, drive off the side of the road, drive around an obstacle in the road or similar.

When moving sideways, you are obliged to give way to road users who are already in the lane you wish to enter.

One-way streets

In one-way streets, there is often room for two cars in the width in the same direction. Then the location rules for multi-lane roads apply.

If you are going to turn left from a one-way street, you must therefore position yourself in the left lane in good time. As usual, you are obliged to give way when moving sideways, also when there are no marked two lanes on the road.

If the road is too narrow for two cars in width, you must follow the main rule for placement. This means that you must keep to the right in the lane when you are going to the right or straight ahead, and lie to the left in the lane when you are going to the left.

When driving in the left lane on a one-way street, you must be aware that:

• pedestrians and cyclists may not be aware that the street is one-way, and therefore not prepared for you coming driving in the left lane
• where the one-way street ends at an intersection, traffic from the left may not be prepared for you driving in the left lane

Lateral movement

A lateral movement means any change in the vehicle's position on the road in a sideways direction, for example when you change lanes, drive off the side of the road, drive around an obstacle in the road or similar.

When moving sideways, you are obliged to give way to road users who are already in the lane you wish to enter.

7. Driving in the city

7.2 Driving lane and location (3/3)

Signage and field selection

Location will in some cases be controlled by signs that require you to choose a particular lane.

Enforced lane

This sign shows which lane you must choose. The sign is very often used on small central discounts to emphasize which side they should be passed on.

Optional lane

This sign informs you that you can freely choose which lane you wish to use and is typically used on one-way streets with multiple lanes.

Mandatory direction of traffic

This sign shows in which direction you must leave the intersection. If there are several lanes in the same direction, you must orientate yourself in relation to the lane you are in. The sign usually stands together with road markings that show the same corresponding arrows for the intersection, but both signs and arrows can also stand alone.

Mandatory roundabout

This sign indicates that the rules for roundabouts apply, and the arrows show which direction you must take in the roundabout. The sign is almost always accompanied by a yield sign that warns that you must give way to drivers who are already inside the roundabout

Normally you should be in the right lane if you are going right or straight ahead, and in the left lane if you are going left, but signage may mandate or allow otherwise.

Driving lane

A lane is each of the longitudinal lanes into which a carriageway is divided by markings, or which are wide enough for traffic with a row of cars.

7. Driving in the city

7.3 Cross (1/2)

Cross

A road junction is defined in the traffic rules as a place where a road crosses or flows into another road.

When turning at a junction, you must show your fellow road users in good time what you plan to do. The main rule for positioning states that you should lie on the right if you are going right, and on the left if you are going left. If you are going straight ahead, stay in the middle of your lane, and in the right lane if there are several lanes in the same direction. Signs and road markings may give different directions, so be aware of this when approaching an intersection.

Traffic lights

At intersections and pedestrian crossings in areas with heavy traffic, traffic is often regulated through traffic lights.

In the case of a flashing yellow light or when the traffic light is out of order, the signage or the general right-of-way rules apply. If there are yield signs at the intersection in question, these are the yield signs that you must comply with. If there is no right-of-way sign, the general right-of-way rules apply. When a yellow light is flashing at a pedestrian crossing, you are always obliged to give way to pedestrians in - or on their way out of - the pedestrian crossing.

Crossing with arrow signal

The arrow signal applies to those who want to drive in the direction the arrow shows. If you are turning in the direction of the arrow signal, you do not have to give way to anyone (pedestrians in the road you are turning into get a red man).

7. Driving in the city

7.3 Cross (2/2)

When turning left at an intersection

• Inform other road users by giving signs, positioning yourself towards the center of the road and reducing your speed well in advance of turning.
• Do not position yourself so far to the left of the roadway that you obstruct oncoming traffic.
• When both you and an oncoming car are going to turn left, you turn before you pass the car, so that the car is on your right. This facilitates the flow of traffic.
• Pay particular attention to any vehicles behind the first oncoming car. Unfortunately, it happens all too often that a car turns left at an intersection without spotting an oncoming two-wheeler going straight ahead (which has been hidden behind another vehicle).
• If oncoming vehicles are going straight ahead, you are obliged to give way to them and must wait to turn until oncoming vehicles have passed.
• Be aware of any pedestrians crossing the street you are entering. When you have a green light, but are about to turn left, you are obliged to give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

Sign and signal

Signs and signals are used to provide information to other road users.

• Signs are turn signals and brake lights. You give signs to inform other road users of what you are doing.
• Signaling means using the car's horn or light horn (flashing the high beams/turning on the emergency signal lights). Signal is only used to warn or avert danger.

When turning right at an intersection

• Inform other road users by giving signs, positioning yourself towards the shoulder/kerb and reducing your speed well in advance of turning.
• When you position yourself right next to the shoulder of the road or the curb, you avoid getting two-wheelers on the inside of you. Then you remove the risk of conflict (if the two-wheeler is going straight ahead at the intersection where you have to turn right, you may risk the two-wheeler running into you when you turn).
• Be sure to make the right turn so tight that you do not obstruct oncoming traffic in the road you are turning into.
• Be aware of any pedestrians crossing the street you are entering. When you have a green light, but are about to turn right, you are obliged to give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.

Sign and signal

Signs and signals are used to provide information to other road users.

• Signs are turn signals and brake lights. You give signs to inform other road users of what you are doing.
• Signaling means using the car's horn or light horn (flashing the high beams/turning on the emergency signal lights). Signal is only used to warn or avert danger.

7. Driving in the city

7.4 Roundabouts (1/2)

Roundabout

Many people are unsure of the rules for driving in roundabouts. It may be a little easier for you when you know that in the traffic rules a roundabout is considered a normal intersection.

Just as at normal road junctions, it is important that you send clear signals to your fellow road users:

• Give signs in good time
• Position yourself correctly before the roundabout
• Adjust your speed to get an overview and to show others that you will comply with the duty to give way

Obligation to give way at roundabouts

Roundabouts are marked with yield signs. This means that you are obliged to give way to traffic inside the roundabout. As usual, the duty to yield means that the person you are giving way to must not be obstructed or disturbed.

Adjust your speed well in advance of the roundabout. Then you will be able to more easily observe any pedestrians before and after the roundabout and you will show road users in the roundabout that you will comply with your obligation to give way.

In roundabouts with several lanes, you must also remember that you have to give way when changing lanes and other lateral movement. Therefore, you must check your mirrors and blind spot carefully before moving between lanes in a roundabout.

Sign and signal

Signs and signals are used to provide information to other road users.

• Signs are turn signals and brake lights. You give signs to inform other road users of what you are doing.
• Signaling means using the car's horn or light horn (flashing the high beams/turning on the emergency signal lights). Signal is only used to warn or avert danger.

Blind spot

The blind spot, also called the blind spot, are the areas around the vehicle that you cannot see in the mirrors or by looking out of the window from the cab.

When you are going straight ahead at a roundabout

Straight ahead at the roundabout with one lane in the direction of travel

• Place yourself on the right in your own lane and slow down to get an overview and to show others that you will comply with the right of way.
• Drive into the roundabout when you have a large enough opening.
• Turn on your turn signals on the right as you pass the first exit from the roundabout. Then everyone else can see that you are about to turn out of the roundabout and oncoming traffic will then be able to drive into the roundabout.
• Be aware of any pedestrians in pedestrian crossings when exiting the roundabout.

Straight ahead at the roundabout with two lanes in the direction of travel

• As a general rule, you should position yourself in the right-hand lane towards the roundabout. Lane orientation boards and road markings tell you whether you can also use the left lane.
• If you choose the left lane (when going straight ahead), you must change lanes in the roundabout before exiting the roundabout. Remember that you are then obliged to give way when changing lanes. Also remember that you must use your indicators (which you must always do when changing lanes).

When turning right at a roundabout

When turning right at a roundabout, you must always stay in the right lane - regardless of whether the roundabout has one or two lanes.

How to drive:

• Turn on your turn signals on the right well before you reach the roundabout. Then other road users will know that you are going to the right at the roundabout.
• Place yourself on the right in your own lane and slow down to get an overview and to show others that you will comply with the right of way.
• Drive into the roundabout when you have a large enough opening and then turn straight out of the roundabout.
• Be aware of any pedestrians in pedestrian crossings when exiting the roundabout.

When turning left at a roundabout

Turn left at a roundabout with one lane in the direction of travel

• Turn on your turn signals on the left well before you reach the roundabout. Then other road users will know that you are going through the roundabout and to the left.
• Place yourself on the left in your own lane and slow down to get an overview and to show others that you will comply with the right of way.
• Drive into the roundabout when you have a large enough opening.
• Turn on your turn signal on the right when you have passed the penultimate exit.
• Be aware of any pedestrians in pedestrian crossings when exiting the roundabout.

Turn left at a roundabout with two lanes in the direction of travel

• When you are going left in a roundabout with two lanes, you must position yourself in the left lane towards the roundabout.
• When you pass the second-to-last exit, you must change from the left lane to the right lane to get out of the roundabout. Remember that you are then obliged to give way when changing lanes.

Signage at roundabouts

7. Driving in the city

7.5 Reversing and turning

Backing

When backing up or turning, you have a duty to yield to all other road users.

Important rules and recommendations about reversing and turning

• If you cannot check yourself that no damage or danger can occur when reversing or turning, it is forbidden to reverse or turn unless you get another person to look after you (helper). The helper should stand behind the car, preferably on the left side, so that he has a full view of the area behind the car and can still make eye contact with the driver via the mirror.
• Reversing and turning are prohibited on motorways and motor traffic roads or on entrance or exit roads to motorways and motor traffic roads.
• Keep a low speed when reversing.
• Don't just look backwards, you also have to look forwards, because the front of the car moves sideways when you back up and turn at the same time.

Children in the blind spot

Because children are small and unpredictable, it takes little for them to disappear in the blind spot behind the car. Many modern cars have small rear windows that sit high and in some cases you get a blind spot of 7 - 15 meters behind the car.

Therefore, do not always rely on what you can see from the driver's seat in the car, but take an extra check around the car if you are unsure.

Motorway

A motorway is a road that is designed for high speed and heavy traffic flow. To avoid dangers and problems with traffic management, a motorway must meet a number of requirements.

Motor traffic road

A motorway is a road that is designed for high speed, but does not have the same quality and safety level as a motorway.

The same traffic rules apply to both motorways and motorways, but there are not the same design requirements. For example, traffic in opposite directions need not be separated by physical barriers, and there may be fewer than two lanes in each direction.

For both motorways and motorways, there is a requirement that properties along the road do not have direct access to the road.

The blind spot

There is an area next to the vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. This applies to both moped riders and motorists. The area is called the blind spot, and to see what is happening in the blind spot you simply have to look around.

Reversal

Due to the risks of reversing, it is recommended that you try to turn/turn around without having to reverse as far as is practically possible.

The very best is if you have the opportunity to make a turn at the side of the road (e.g. a wide shoulder). If this is not possible, you should consider the possibility of making a U-turn.

Basically, you are allowed to turn around everywhere except on motorways and motor traffic roads and entrances to these.

Of course, it is also forbidden to turn around where there is a no turning sign. The turning ban then applies until the next intersection.

7. Driving in the city

7.6 Stopping and parking (1/3)

Stop and parking

Stopping and parking on public roads is usually regulated through provisions in the traffic rules, as well as signage.

What is considered parking?

In the traffic rules, parking is defined as any provision of a vehicle, even if the driver does not leave it. The exception is the shortest possible stop for disembarking or boarding or unloading or loading.

What is considered a stoppage?

When you stop the car, it is considered a stop. If you stopped because a traffic situation, signage, traffic lights or traffic rules made you have to stop, we call it a traffic stop.

All stopping is prohibited here.

Example of stopping and parking

• If you stop to drop off a person, this is considered according to the traffic rules as a stop, but not as parking. You are therefore allowed to stop to drop off a passenger in a place where a No Parking sign applies.
• On the other hand, you are not allowed to stop to drop off a person where a No Stopping sign applies.

Remember!

In addition to the traffic regulations' provisions on parking, you must also take into account the basic rules for traffic when stopping or parking.

You must therefore not stop or park in such a way that danger may arise or in such a way that you unnecessarily obstruct or disturb other traffic.

You are also obliged to "take appropriate measures" to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle. This means, among other things, that you must lock the vehicle when you leave it.

Traffic stop

A traffic stop is a natural stop as a result of the traffic situation, such as a stop due to an obligation to give way, red light, traffic jam, etc.

Basic rules for traffic

Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act is called basic rules for traffic. The law reads:

Everyone must travel with consideration and be alert and careful so that no danger can arise or damage be caused and so that other traffic is not unnecessarily obstructed or disturbed.

Road users must also show consideration for those who live or stay by the road.

This is the basis for all behavior in traffic. Many are punished for violating this.

The traffic rules on stopping

It is prohibited to stop at the following places:

• In an imprecise curve, in a tunnel, on a hilltop or in another imprecise place.
• At a road junction or closer than 5 meters from the road junction. The distance is calculated from the point where the kerb, curb line or road edge begins to round.
• Entirely or partially on pavements, footpaths or cycle paths.
• On footpaths or cycle crossings or closer than 5 meters in front of such places.
• On motorways and motor traffic roads or on entrance or exit roads to motorways and motor traffic roads.
• Closer than 5 meters from a level crossing.
• In public transport lanes, shared use lanes or cycle lanes, except for buses or trams at stops.
• On a road extension for a bus, taxi or tram stop or closer than 20 meters from a public traffic sign for such a stop. Getting off or getting on is exempt when it does not obstruct a bus, taxi or tram.

Stopping on hilltops is prohibited.

Imprecise curve

A turn where you cannot see very far due to visibility obstacles such as forest, buildings, the design of the turn etc

Motorway

A motorway is a road that is designed for high speed and heavy traffic flow. To avoid dangers and problems with traffic management, a motorway must meet a number of requirements.

Motor traffic road

A motorway is a road that is designed for high speed, but does not have the same quality and safety level as a motorway.

The same traffic rules apply to both motorways and motorways, but there are not the same design requirements. For example, traffic in opposite directions need not be separated by physical barriers, and there may be fewer than two lanes in each direction.

For both motorways and motorways, there is a requirement that properties along the road do not have direct access to the road.

The traffic rules on parking

In addition to the fact that it is forbidden to park where it is forbidden to stop, there are some separate prohibition rules regarding parking.

Parking is prohibited

• in front of the entrance or exit
• at the meeting point in the entire width of the road as far as the carriageway is widened
• in pedestrian street
• on the street garden outside of specially designated places
• in the carriageway on the right-of-way with a higher speed limit than 50 km/h

Note that there is no prohibition against parking on the left side of the road, but the basic rules of the road apply as always - and therefore it is only permitted to park on the other side of the road as long as it cannot cause danger or be an obstacle to other road users.

It is forbidden to park on the right-of-way with a speed limit of more than 50 km/h.

Meeting place

On narrow roads where there is no room for oncoming traffic, the road may be widened in some places with so-called meeting places. Such meeting places are specially signposted.

Carriageway

The carriageway is the part of the road intended for normal driving (the area between the curb lines).

Pedestrian street

A pedestrian street is a street that is specially marked with a pedestrian street sign. In pedestrian streets, you can only drive at walking speed, and parking is only permitted in specially marked spaces.

Street garden

A street garden is a street in a residential area, mainly intended for pedestrians. Gatetun often has demarcated communal areas with planting, playground and benches. Gatetun is marked specifically with gatetun signs.

On street gardens, drivers must keep to walking speed, and always give way to pedestrians.

Access road

A right-of-way is a road marked with the sign "right-of-way". If you are driving on a right-of-way, drivers coming from a side road or crossing road are required to give way through a right-of-way sign or stop sign.

Do not stop here

7. Driving in the city

7.6 Stopping and parking (2/3)

Signage

Parking prohibited

This sign indicates that parking is prohibited on the side of the road where it is posted. It is permitted to stop for a short period to drop off or pick up passengers and you are also allowed to unload or load goods.

The sign is valid until the nearest road junction or until it is replaced with a new sign of the type "Parking prohibited" or signs of the type "Stopping prohibited", "Parking zone", "End of parking zone" or "Parking".

Stop forbidden

This sign indicates a prohibition against stopping on the side of the road where the sign is posted. The ban applies until the next intersection, or to a parking sign or no-parking sign.

All stops are prohibited, including short stops for disembarking and boarding.

Permitted parking

The parking sign indicates that parking is permitted on the site, if the parking does not contravene the provisions of the traffic rules on stopping or parking.

If signs indicate that parking is reserved for specific vehicle or road user groups, parking is prohibited for others.

Is the sign placed on or near a specially demarcated area, e.g. car park, the sign applies to the entire area. Otherwise, the sign is only valid on the side of the road where it is posted. The sign then applies until the nearest road junction or until it is replaced by a new sign ("Parking", "Stopping prohibited", "Parking prohibited" or "Parking zone").

Undersigned - time regulations

A parking sign will often have a sub-sign that defines the time period in which parking is permitted. But if the sign is together with "Parking prohibited" or "Stopping prohibited", then the lower sign defines the period during which the prohibition applies.

Note that:

• Times that apply from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) are written in black without brackets.
• Saturdays, excluding public holidays, are written in black characters with brackets around them.
• Sunday and other public holidays are written in red characters.

7. Driving in the city

7.7 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 7

• Obligation to yield is the obligation to hold back for other road users, when your continued driving will obstruct or disturb other road users. The person who is obliged to give way must clearly show that he/she will comply with the obligation to give way by slowing down in good time.
• The main rule for giving way is the right-hand rule, which means that you are obliged to give way to traffic from the right.
• As far as conditions permit, vehicles must be driven on the right side of the road. On a carriageway with two or more lanes in the direction of travel, you must therefore stay in the right lane if the traffic rules do not require or permit the use of the left lane.
• The middle or left lane can be used when overtaking, or to improve traffic flow when there is a lot of traffic.
• When turning, you should basically lie down on the side you are going to turn to. Inform other road users by giving signals (blinkers and possibly brake lights), by positioning yourself correctly and by reducing your speed well in advance of turning.
• To reduce the risk of accidents in traffic, it is important that you keep the necessary distance from your fellow road users. A rule of thumb is that you should have a distance of at least 3 seconds to the vehicle in front.
• When you have to change lanes, you are obliged to give way to traffic in the lane you are driving into. The same applies when you have to drive off the side of the road or make another lateral movement.
• Roundabouts follow the same rules as normal intersections. When you have to drive into a roundabout, you are usually obliged to give way to road users already at the roundabout. Remember that you are obliged to give way as normal when changing lanes inside the roundabout.
• When backing up or turning, you have a duty to yield to all other road users. If you cannot check yourself that no damage or danger can occur, you must get another person to help (helper).
• In the traffic rules, parking is defined as any provision of a vehicle, even if the driver does not leave it. The exception is the shortest possible stop for disembarking or boarding or unloading or loading.

In the next chapter, we will look at situations that are more typical of high-speed traffic than city driving. We look in particular at road facilities such as motorways, tunnels and level crossings. We also look at overtaking, dark driving and driving abroad.

Driving on the country road

When you are driving on a country road/motorway, a number of situations arise that are more typical of high-speed traffic than city driving.

Driving in the dark and overtaking are situations that require extra of the driver's skills.

In chapter 8 we will review:

• 8.1 Motorway
• 8.2 Access road
• 8.3 Overtaking
• 8.4 Driving after dark
• 8.5 Tunnels
• 8.6 Plan transition
• 8.7 Abroad
• 8.8 Summary

8. Driving on the country road

8.1 Motorway (1/2)

Motorway

A motorway is a road which is intended for safe driving at high speed, and to increase the capacity for car traffic. Statistically speaking, the chance of getting into an accident is less on the motorway than on other roads.

There are requirements for how motorways are designed:

• Traffic in different driving directions is physically separated by medians or large distances.
• There are at least two lanes in each direction.
• All crossings are unplanned, that is, the motorway is only crossed by a bridge or tunnel.
• No properties along the road have direct access to the motorway.
• All entry or exit on the motorway takes place either at the start or end point or via exit and entry ramps with exit lanes and speed bumps.

In addition to the characteristics of the motorway itself, the traffic regulations have their own provisions on the use of the motorway:

• All traffic must take place with vehicles that can legally drive at least 40 km/h on level ground.
• Mopeds are prohibited on motorways because mopeds can be difficult to see and because drafts can cause accidents.
• It is forbidden to walk or cycle on the motorway.
• It is forbidden to turn, reverse, stop or park on the motorway.

Middle parts

A physical separation between opposing driving directions on roads, previously often called "middle ramp". The central divider's main function is to separate the driving directions to reduce head-on accidents.

Exit lane

Also called deceleration zone or speed reduction zone. Exit lanes direct traffic from a main road onto a secondary road. First, the traffic drives into the deceleration zone, which turns into an exit ramp that leads the traffic on to the secondary road. The field makes it possible to leave a main road without disrupting the flow of traffic, thus adapting the speed to the speed level of the secondary road.

Speed ​​boost field

Also called acceleration lane or collision lane. Speed ​​bumps direct traffic from a secondary road onto a main road. From the secondary road, traffic first drives onto an on-ramp that leads traffic to the same level as the main road. When the on-ramp is in the same plane as the main road, the speed increase zone starts. Here the traffic can increase its speed in accordance with the speed level on the main road and then merge with the main road traffic.

Motor traffic road

A motorway is also a road that is intended for driving at a relatively high speed, but does not have the same high standard as a motorway. Among other things, there is no requirement for more than one field in each direction and there is no requirement for center dividers.

Motor traffic roads do not have many special characteristics beyond the fact that the quality of the road must be high, and that no properties have direct access to the motor traffic road (just like on a motorway).

Motor traffic road. Note that there is only one lane in each direction of travel and that oncoming traffic is not physically separated

Many of the same traffic rules apply to motorways as to motorways:

• All traffic must take place with vehicles that can legally drive at least 40 km/h on level ground.
• Mopeds are prohibited on motorways.
• It is forbidden to walk or cycle on motor traffic roads.
• It is forbidden to turn, reverse, stop or park on motor traffic roads.

Speed ​​limits on motorways and motorways

Normally the speed limit is signposted. The highest speed limit in Norway today is 110 km/h. If there is no special speed sign, the general speed limit applies outside densely built-up areas - 80 km/h.

When towing a trailer, you cannot drive faster than 80 km/h, even if the speed limit is higher. If you get a Tempo 100 approval on a trailer or caravan, you can drive up to 100 km/h.

On some motorways the speed limit is 100 km/h.

8. Driving on the country road

8.1 Motorway (2/2)

Speed ​​boost field

On motorways, entry takes place via a separate speed increase lane. Such speed bumps are also used on selected motorways and high-speed roads.

The merging rule also applies to speed increase zones

The traffic rules state that "drivers in lanes for speeding must adapt their speed to the traffic in the lane they are driving into".

The traffic rules further state that other drivers must ease the exit from the lane to increase speed. You do this through:

• speed adjustment
• sufficient distance to the driver in front to create room for entering
• to shift to left field if appropriate

Use the speed increase field to set yourself at the same speed as the road you are entering.

Braiding

When the rule for merging applies, drivers in the right lane and the acceleration lane have a mutual duty to yield. This means that drivers in both lanes must give way to road users in front of them when the two lanes become one lane.

Speed ​​adjustment

Also called speed adaptation. To adapt the speed according to the conditions and the traffic situation.

Exit lane

On motorways, exits always take place via a separate exit lane (except where the road ends). On other types of road, such exit lanes are also sometimes used.

Use of exit lanes

The traffic rules state that "on a carriageway with two or more lanes in the direction of travel, the driver must drive into the rightmost lane in good time when turning to the right." This means

• that you should lie down in the right-hand lane in good time (before you reach the exit lane)
• that you should enter the exit lane as quickly as possible when you reach it. Remember to check the blind spot before changing lanes!
• that unless the traffic situation requires otherwise, you must wait to slow down until you are in the exit lane (so that you do not obstruct the traffic behind or create dangerous situations)

In the exit lane, you can reduce your speed without impeding the traffic behind.

Blind spot

The blind spot is the areas you cannot see in the mirrors from the driver's seat.

In passenger cars, there are two large blind spots on either side of the mirror, which you must check by looking out the window. You must have an overview of these when changing lanes.

Acceleration lanes and exit lanes

The film shows both how the person driving in the speed limit zone and the person driving on the motorway should drive in such a situation

Narrowing to fewer lanes

Narrowing by braiding

The general right-of-way rules for changing lanes do not apply when the number of lanes in the same direction of travel is reduced by two lanes merging into one.

In such cases, the drivers must adjust their speed so that they can continue alternately without unnecessarily impeding or disturbing each other (merging).

However, remember to signal in good time, as well as to check your mirrors and blind spot before changing lanes.

Lane ends

Sometimes the number of lanes is reduced by the end of one lane.

When a lane ends, road users in this lane are obliged to give way as when changing lanes.

Tip!

A good rule to remember is that the red arrow on the sign indicates who has the right of way. If both arrows are red, both have a mutual duty to yield, and then the rules for merging apply.

Blind spot

The blind spot, also called the blind spot, are the areas around the vehicle that you cannot see in the mirrors or by looking out of the window from the cab.

8. Driving on the country road

8.2 Access road

Access road

In order to ensure flow on larger roads with occasional heavy traffic, they are often made into access roads. Such roads are marked with the sign Forkørvei. If you are driving on a right-of-way, drivers coming from a side road or crossing road are required to give way through a right-of-way sign or stop sign.

The sign is usually repeated after each intersection to inform new road users that they are now driving on a right-of-way, and is canceled at the sign End of right-of-way or at a stop or yield sign.

When you come from a side road and are going out onto a right-of-way, you are obliged to give way to the traffic on the right-of-way. The duty to give way means that those driving on the right-of-way must not be obstructed or disturbed by you. Therefore, you should check your interior mirror and increase your speed decisively when you enter the driveway, so that road users on the driveway do not have to slow down because of you.

On the right-of-way, some special rules apply:

• It is forbidden to park on a right-of-way with a speed limit higher than 50 km/h.
• Overtaking directly in front or at an intersection is permitted on the right-of-way.

Contribute to the flow

In rush hour traffic, there will often be a steady stream of road users on a right-of-way, and it can be difficult for drivers coming from a side road to get onto the road without violating the right of way. As a driver on the right-of-way, you should show a willingness to cooperate and let a road user pass from a side road.

Drive onto a driveway

If you are going to drive onto a right-of-way, you must be aware that drivers on the crossing road are allowed to overtake at the intersection. This means that even if you are going to the right at the intersection, you must check to both sides that it is clear before you drive out onto the access road.

8. Driving on the country road

8.3 Overtaking (1/4)

Overtaking

As a driver, you will often find yourself in situations where you have to consider overtaking. It is therefore important to understand the dangers of overtaking and incorporate good routines to assess whether and how you want to overtake.

In principle, it is only permitted to pass on the left, regardless of the type of road you are driving on. Also three-lane highway.

Overtaking on the right

In some situations you can drive past on the right:

The driver in front must turn left

If the driver in front is going to the left at the upcoming intersection and remains standing and waiting for a clear lane, then you can drive past on the right. Provided that there is sufficient space to carry out the overtaking. Please note that if the vehicle you are about to pass is large, it may be difficult for oncoming road users to spot you.

Heavy traffic in both lanes

If there is heavy traffic in both lanes in the same direction, overtaking in the right lane is permitted, if this follows the flow of traffic. This typically happens in rush hour traffic on entry and exit roads to the larger cities, or on the major departure days during the holidays.

Situations where overtaking is prohibited

Overtaking is prohibited

• when visibility is obstructed, for example at hilltops and sharp bends (the prohibition does not apply to overtaking in lanes where oncoming traffic is not permitted)
• at pedestrian crossings, when visibility is partially obstructed
• when signs prohibit overtaking or warn of conditions where overtaking is particularly risky
• when road markings prohibit it

Overtaking at intersections

According to the traffic rules, the main rule is that overtaking is prohibited just ahead or at a road junction. But here there are quite a few exceptions to the general rule where you are actually allowed to drive past at or in front of intersections. You can drive past when:

• traffic on a crossing road is required to give way at public traffic signs
• there are two or more lanes in the direction of travel
• the driver in front turns left or is clearly preparing for such a turn, and you drive past on the right
• traffic at the intersection is regulated by traffic lights or the police

8. Driving on the country road

8.3 Overtaking (2/4)

Before making an overtaking

Before overtaking, make sure that:

• overtaking is permitted
• the road is clear of oncoming traffic and obstacles so that you have sufficient space and time to make a safe overtaking
• the leading driver does not show signs of changing lanes
• vehicle behind has not started, or is about to start, an overtaking
• you will be able to quickly get back into the flow of traffic if necessary

You must also take road markings into account:

• A lane line warns that overtaking can be done safely as long as there is no oncoming traffic.
• A warning line warns that overtaking is risky, often because you will not be able to have a long enough line of sight.
• A barrier line warns that overtaking is not possible. If you cross the barrier line, you risk having your driver's license revoked.

Lane line

A lane line consists of short yellow/white lines with long intervals (3 times as long as the lines). The line warns that overtaking can be done safely as long as there is no oncoming traffic.

A yellow lane line separates lanes with opposing driving directions. White lane line separates lanes with the same direction of travel.

Notification line

A warning line consists of long yellow/white lines with short intervals (1/3 of the length of the lines). The line warns that overtaking is risky, often because you will not be able to have a long enough line of sight.

Barrier line

A barrier line consists of an uninterrupted line that warns that overtaking is not possible. If you cross the barrier line, you risk having your driver's license revoked. Barrier lines can often be double, as in the picture.

To drive past and be passed

When you are going to overtake, you must:

signal with flashing lights

check mirrors and blind spot

keep a safe distance when passing the person you are driving past

signal that you want to end the overtaking

turn back into your own lane when you can see the front of the car you have passed in the center mirror

When you are overtaken, you are obliged to make the overtake as safe as possible:

• Stay well to the right.
• Do not increase your speed so that the overtaking distance becomes longer for the person driving past.
• Slow down or swerve to the side if necessary.
• Use the mirrors and remember to check blind spots.

8. Driving on the country road

8.3 Overtaking (3/4)

Overtaking section

The overtaking distance is the distance you cover when you overtake. From the time you drive the car out of your lane until you are back in your lane.

How many meters the overtaking stretch will be is difficult to calculate as there are many factors that come into play. How close are you to the leading driver when you merge into the oncoming lane, what speed do you maintain when you pull out, how fast do you turn into the oncoming lane, etc.

You are also not expected to be able to calculate this, but you are expected to understand how the difference in your speed and that of the person you are passing affects the overtaking section

We call this difference relative speed. If relative speed is doubled, the overtaking distance is halved.

Example

You must drive past a car that is doing 70 km/h while you yourself are doing 80 km/h. The relative speed will then be 10 km/h, the overtaking distance will be approx. 500 meters.

If the person you are about to pass slows down to 60 km/h while still maintaining 80 km/h, the relative speed will be 20 km/h. That is, twice as much.

Since the overtaking distance is halved when the relative speed is doubled, the overtaking distance then becomes 250 meters if the relative speed increases to 20 km/h.

Free stretch of road

One of the most important and most difficult assessments you have to make before overtaking is to calculate how long the overtaking will take and whether you have a sufficient clear stretch of road, so that the overtaking is safe.

Free road section consists of three elements:

• the overtaking stretch
• a safety margin corresponding to the overtaking distance
• the distance traveled by oncoming traffic

Based on the fact that oncoming traffic will maintain approximately the same speed as you, we simplify this to: overtaking distance x 3 = free road section

This means that if the actual overtaking will take 250 metres, you will need a free stretch of road of 750 meters to be able to carry out the overtaking in a safe manner.

8. Driving on the country road

8.4 Driving after dark (1/2)

Dark driving

Considering that up to 90% of all information you gather while driving comes via the sense of sight, it perhaps goes without saying that a lot of important information disappears in the dark. And the accident statistics show that the risk of accidents is considerably greater in the dark than in daylight.

In particular, the risk of hitting pedestrians is far greater in the dark than in daylight.

Do you see the third person?

What you see in the dark depends on how much light the car emits and how much of this is reflected back to your eye:

• Dark clothes reflect little of the light from car lights (about 5–10%).
• Bright clothes can almost act like a reflector and reflect up to 80% of the light.
• A good reflector reflects almost all the light emitted by the car's headlights.

Correct speed = your responsibility!

Remember that both the Road Traffic Act and the traffic rules require you to adjust your speed to the conditions. In the dark, this means that you often have to slow down to drive safely.

Driving in the dark

Limitations of the eye

The human eye works well in the dark, but only through gradual adaptation. It takes approx. 30 minutes for the eye to adjust to darkness after being in daylight. If you are exposed to bright light in the dark, your night vision weakens again and you need another 30 minutes to be able to see as well.

Since it takes time for the eye to achieve optimal dark vision, you must be especially aware that your vision is impaired when you

• driving from daylight into a dark tunnel or into a dark car park
• comes from a place with a lot of light, for example a petrol station or a grocery store
• has been blinded by the lights of oncoming vehicles

Bright lights at a gas station impair night vision.

Dark vision

The eye's ability to adapt to low-light environments. The human eye works well in the dark, but only through gradual adaptation. It takes approx. 30 minutes for the eye to adjust to darkness after being in daylight. If you are exposed to bright light in the dark, your night vision weakens again and you need another 30 minutes to be able to see as well.

Dazzle

When the eye is exposed to bright light, you are dazzled.

In traffic, you experience this especially when you have low visibility, or when it is dark and passing cars shine their headlights on you. You can prevent glare by avoiding looking directly at light sources. Look slightly to the right of the road, instead of in the middle of the road.

If you are dazzled, you must slow down.

Avoid looking directly at the headlights of oncoming cars.

Stopping and parking in the dark

When you stop or park on the road, in poor visibility conditions, the car's parking lights must be on.

It is forbidden to use high beam and dipped beam when stopping or parking. Such lights are dazzling and reduce the visibility of oncoming traffic.

8. Driving on the country road

8.4 Driving after dark (2/2)

Light use when driving in the dark

In the dark, correct use of the car's lights is essential. As we saw in chapter 2, the dipped beam lights must illuminate the roadway at least 40 meters in front of the car, while the main beams must light up at least 100 meters in front of the car. In the dark, you should therefore preferably use high beams, as far as possible.

Because the high beams are more powerful and directed higher, you still have to switch to low beams when you risk dazzling the traffic ahead or oncoming traffic with your lights.

When two cars meet on a road in the dark, both drivers must

• change from high beam to low beam only when the distance between the cars is 200-300 metres
• reduce your speed (because your line of sight is reduced when you catch oncoming traffic's lights in your eye)
• look along the right side of the road (to avoid being dazzled and to look for pedestrians and animals along the road)
• switch back to main beam approx. two car lengths before the meeting (since the high beams shine straight ahead, you will not dazzle each other)

When the cars are about 200-300 meters apart, both cars must switch to dipped beam.

When the cars are approx. 2 car lengths apart, it can be changed to main beam without anyone being dazzled.

Line of sight

How far you can see.

Overtaking in the dark

Overtaking in the dark is extra risky. You must especially take account of the fact that there may be pedestrians and animals on the side of the road - on both sides of the road.

When overtaking in the dark

• The person driving past must switch to dipped beam when the main beam begins to illuminate the car in front. This happens when the distance is 100-200 meters (depending on how far the high beams shine).
• After turning left to start overtaking, the passerby switches back to high beam again when the car is approx. two car lengths behind the car in front.
• The person being overtaken must keep their main beam on until the other car has just passed. Then the car being overtaken must switch to dipped beam.

When the red car is approx. 2 car lengths behind the white car, the red car must switch to high beams.

White car switches to dipped beam when red car has passed.

8. Driving on the country road

8.5 Tunnels

Tunnels

Before driving into a tunnel, there are a number of potential dangers that you should be aware of, so that you can drive with the lowest possible risk.

From 2016, training and testing in tunnel driving is mandatory, both on the theory test and the drive-up. You must also have knowledge of how to act if an accident occurs in a tunnel.

Danger points in tunnels

• Visibility may be poor.
• It can be slippery in the tunnel.
• In some areas there may be animals (sheep, goats, cows) in the tunnel opening seeking shelter from the sun or storms.

Safe driving in tunnels

• Slow down towards the tunnel.
• Be ready to remove the dew. You can e.g. heat the windshield when it is cold to remove fog on the inside of the window. Or use the windscreen wipers to remove fog on the outside of the window.
• Avoid overtaking in the tunnel. The exception is if there are several lanes in the same direction.
• Use high beams when you can, but be careful not to dazzle others.

Tunnel safety

Traffic accidents in tunnels are rare, but when they do occur, the extent of the damage and the consequences are significant. That is why the authorities make large investments in securing tunnels, and it is important that you, the driver, know what to do if an accident first occurs.

• Do not drive into tunnels closed with barriers or red lights.
• Pay attention to signs showing where the nearest escape route is, as well as the location of emergency telephones and fire extinguishers.
• If your engine stops, you have a puncture or for other reasons you cannot continue, drive into the nearest emergency pocket if possible. Put on a reflective vest and get out of the car to find the nearest emergency phone.
• Use an emergency telephone, where this is available - then the operator will automatically know exactly where you are and can more easily take measures and help you further.
• Use the fire extinguishers in the tunnel - these trigger the fire alarm at the same time.

Keep your distance!

If inside the tunnel you notice that a queue is forming in front of you, switch on your emergency lights and make sure you stop with enough distance to the driver in front that you can turn around if necessary. If there has been an accident and you have to leave the car, you must leave the keys in the ignition so that emergency crews can move the car easily if necessary.

Emergency pocket

Extension of the roadway where a vehicle that would otherwise be an obstacle to other traffic can be placed. Not to be used for normal parking.

Emergency phone

An emergency telephone is a telephone mounted along the road, primarily on motorways and in tunnels. The telephone is to be used in emergencies or when roadside assistance is needed, and has a direct connection to a traffic information center or emergency centre.

8. Driving on the country road

8.6 Plan transition

Plan transitions

A level crossing is a place where a road and train or tram tracks cross at the same level.

It is very rare for accidents to occur at level crossings, but if accidents do occur they are often very serious. Therefore, many level crossings are specially secured and all level crossings must be signposted.

Level crossings are usually secured with

• boom/gate
• own type of light signal
• sound signal

Signage of level crossings

Crossing a level crossing always carries some risk. In addition to securing the level crossing itself, level crossings are therefore clearly signposted well in advance of the crossing.

The signage tells you a lot about the transition itself. First, you will see a danger sign, which tells you whether the crossing is secured with a barrier/gate.

Remember that there may be several trains on the way, so never cross until you have made sure it is safe - even if a train has already passed.

Distance sign

Many level crossings are also notified with distance signs indicating how far there is to the level crossing.

The distance signs start from where the danger sign is and count down towards the level crossing, so that you first see the sign with three lines, then the sign with two lines, and finally the sign with one line. The lines tell you how much of the route remains, e.g. when you see the sign with two lines, 2/3 of the distance remains towards the crossing.

Light and sound signals at level crossings

Light signals

Light signals at level crossings have two lights – a red, flashing light at the top and a white, flashing light at the bottom. It may happen that the signaling system is out of order or there may be a fault with the signaling system, so in any case look carefully before crossing the level crossing.

• A red, flashing light means that you must stop at the stop line or at a safe distance from the signal.
• White, flashing light means you can pass. A white, flashing light also indicates that the signaling system is in operation.

Sound signals

Sometimes there will also be separate sound signals installed at the level crossing. The sound signal rings when the light flashes red.

Passing a level crossing

You must take this into account when approaching a level crossing:

• Pay attention to the signs and the distance signs so that the level crossing does not suddenly come at you.
• Adjust your speed in good time so that you can stop if a train or tram is coming.
• Even if the barrier is up and the white light signal is flashing, you must always look out before crossing the level crossing. If a train or a tram is coming, you have to give way anyway.

Remember!

It is forbidden to stop (and thus park) closer than 5 meters from a level crossing. The background for the rule is that parked cars reduce visibility for other road users.

8. Driving on the country road

8.7 Abroad (1/2)

Driving abroad

When you drive a Norwegian car abroad, the car must be marked with a nationality mark. You must acquire your own badge if there is no nationality badge on the number plate. Before you drive abroad, it is a good idea to check that your insurance also applies outside Norway.

Also remember that the risk of accidents is often much greater than in Norway.

The traffic rules are quite similar in many countries, but there are some important exceptions:

• Many countries use white lines to distinguish between oncoming traffic (for example, this applies in Sweden, Denmark and Finland).
• Speed ​​limits differ from country to country.
• On high-speed roads, you must be especially careful when changing lanes, as cars can come very fast.
• Rules for giving way can vary, so don't assume that others will give way because you're coming from the right.
• Daytime running lights are prohibited in several countries.
• Alcoholic drink regulations vary from country to country.

You don't go any further than Sweden before both the sign colors and the color of the road markings are different.

Left-hand drive

In a number of countries, driving is done on the left side of the road, the best known being Great Britain, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia and India. In these countries, the cars have the steering wheel on the right. It is perfectly legal to drive with the steering wheel on the left, but you will have a reduced view of oncoming traffic.

Nationality badge

Letter code that informs which country the car is registered in.

Left-hand drive

In some countries, you drive on the left side of the road. The best known are Great Britain, India, Australia and Japan.

8. Driving on the country road

8.8 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 8

• Motorways and motorways are designed for high speed. To avoid dangers and problems with traffic management, the quality of the road is high, and properties along the road do not have direct access to the road. There are several requirements for motorways, i.a. traffic in different driving directions must be physically separated by medians.
• On motorways and motorways, all traffic must take place with vehicles that can legally drive at least 40 km/h - mopeds, cyclists and pedestrians are prohibited. It is forbidden to turn, reverse, stop or park on motorways and motorways.
• If you are going to overtake, you must consider whether and how the overtake can be carried out safely and legally. In principle, overtaking must take place on the left.
• The overtaking distance is the distance you cover when you overtake, and depends on the relative speed between you and the road user you are going to overtake. If relative speed is doubled, the overtaking distance is halved.
• Clear stretch of road is how far ahead it must be clear for overtaking to be safe. Free road section consists of the overtaking section itself, how far oncoming traffic drives, and a safety margin, and is calculated as approx. three times the overtaking distance.
• It takes approx. 30 minutes for the eye to adjust to darkness after being in daylight.
• In the dark, you must use high beams as far as possible. To avoid dazzling other road users, you must still switch to dipped beam when you are closer than 100-200 meters to the car in front, or when the distance to oncoming traffic becomes 200-300 metres. When overtaking, you can switch back to main beam when the front of your car is in line with the rear of the car in front.
• In tunnels, visibility can be poor, so slow down before entering the tunnel. Be aware of slippery roads and animals that may have wandered into the tunnel.
• Level crossings are clearly signposted well in advance of the crossing, and are usually secured with barriers/gates and special light and sound signals. Even if the barrier is up and the white light signal is flashing, you must always look out before crossing a level crossing. Remember that you have to give way to trains and trams.

In the next – and last regular chapter – we will look at traffic accidents, first aid and motoring from an environmental perspective.

Traffic accidents and the environment

There are many demands placed on you as a motorist about what to do if you are involved in an accident or you arrive at the scene of an accident. In this chapter, we will look at the duties you have in such cases and take a closer look at the subject of first aid.

We will also look at accident statistics and what you especially need to think about as a new driver.

Finally, we will look at how driving affects the environment and what you can do yourself to drive environmentally friendly.

In chapter 9 we will review:

• 9.1 Duties in the event of a traffic accident
• 9.2 First aid
• 9.3 Statistics and accidents
• 9.4 Driving and environment
• 9.5 Summary

9. Traffic accidents and the environment

9.1 Duties in the event of a traffic accident

Duties in the event of a traffic accident

Not helping in the event of a traffic accident is punishable under Norwegian law. You are obliged to stop and help even if you are not involved in the accident yourself, if this is necessary. Therefore, you should know what is expected of you should you be unlucky enough to experience a traffic accident.

It is not easy to keep a cool head when you are involved in an accident and you will often find that there is chaos at the scene of the accident. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct measures are taken and that they are taken in the correct order.

If you fail to try to help an injured person, you can be punished with imprisonment for up to 3 years and you risk losing your driving license forever.

As the first person at the scene of an accident, you must:

• Start by securing the injury site. It is important that you ensure that the site of the injury is properly secured to avoid further mishaps and accidents. Set out warning triangles correctly. If possible, you should park your car with the warning lights on so that you effectively warn other road users approaching the scene of the accident. If possible, you must move vehicles that are an obstacle or pose a risk of new accidents. Remember to wear a reflective vest when you get out of the car.
• Get an overview. Who is injured and who needs attention first?
• If you have a telephone available, you must notify 113.
• Practice first aid.

Orange signs

If one of the vehicles involved has orange plates on the front and rear, pay extra attention. Orange signs mean that the car is carrying dangerous goods, which can be flammable, corrosive or harmful in other ways. You must inform the emergency services about this, and give them the number on the sign, if you can.

Dangerous cargo

A number of dangerous substances can pose a safety challenge to life, health, the environment or material, which makes handling and transport risky. Transport of dangerous goods is therefore subject to both national regulations and international safety requirements through various transport regulations.

At the scene of the injury

In this film, we take a closer look at how you should act as the first person at the scene of an accident.

Other duties in the event of a traffic accident

Fortunately, most accidents in traffic are of a less serious nature, with minor injuries or only material damage. Since the probability is quite high that you could end up in such a situation, you should know what is expected of you.

• Everyone who is involved in a traffic accident is obliged to give their name and address to each other, and to the police if they ask.
• If you drive a car that you do not own, you must state the owner's name and address.
• You have a duty to report to the police if the accident has resulted in personal injury, if it is not completely insignificant.
• You have a duty to report to the police if there is no one present who can look after the interests of the injured party, for example if you hit a parked car and cannot get hold of the owner.

Good documentation!

To ensure that the question of guilt is dealt with correctly, it is smart to provide good documentation. Use a damage report and write down what happened. Feel free to illustrate with pictures and drawings, find witnesses, and note their names and addresses.

Minor personal injury

Injury that does not need to be checked by medical personnel. E.g. small scrapes, bruises etc

Material damages

Damage to vehicles, luggage and infrastructure such as fences, signs and buildings.

9. Traffic accidents and the environment

9.2 First aid (1/3)

First aid

First aid is the first aid you can provide in the event of a car accident. After securing the scene of the injury, you must begin with first aid. As a first step, call 113 if you have a phone available. 113 will then help you through what to do.

If you arrive at the scene of an accident without having a phone handy or outside the coverage area, you need to know what to do.

Before you can perform first aid, there are three questions you must find answers to:

1. What is the injured person's condition?

Is the injured person conscious, does the person have a free airway and how is breathing? Look for visible injuries and check skin color and temperature.

2. What does the injured person say?

Does the injured person have pain and, if applicable, what kind of pain is it? Also ask if there are other things that feel abnormal.

3. What can you do?

Based on what you see and what the injured person(s) say, you must decide what kind of treatment to give.

What can you do?

The person is conscious

If the person is conscious, you should therefore ask about their condition, any pain and the like in order to form a picture of the person's condition. Also be aware of how you appear and try to act calmly and decisively so that the person gets a feeling of security.

The person is unconscious

First try gently shaking the person to see if you can wake them up. If this is not successful, you must ensure that the person has a free airway.

An unconscious person cannot keep the airway clear by themselves if something should lead to a blockage of the airway, so first make sure that the person has a clear airway by bending the person's head backwards and place the person in the side position if breathing seems normal.

If the person is unconscious and not breathing or breathing with gasping, short and irregular breaths, you must immediately perform CPR.

The helmet must come off!

If a person is unconscious and wearing a helmet, the helmet must be removed to prevent the injured person from choking on blood or vomit.

This was a relatively controversial topic and previously it was recommended to leave the helmet on due to the risk of aggravating possible neck injuries. This has now changed: An intact neck is of little help if the person suffocates anyway due to blocked airways.

Ideally, there should be two of you when removing the helmet. One that supports the person's neck and one that gently pulls off the helmet.

CPR

Abbreviation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is performed as a series of chest compressions and breaths given in combination as part of the treatment of cardiac arrest in a person.

9. Traffic accidents and the environment

9.2 First aid (2/3)

CPR

How to perform CPR correctly:

• Make sure the injured person lies with their back flat on a hard surface.
• Start with 30 chest compressions and then 2 breaths.
• The compressions should be performed in the middle of the chest and you should press the ribcage down approximately 1/3 of the depth of the ribcage. Keep a pace of approx. 2 taps per second.
• The inhalations are carried out in the following way: Lift the person's chin and pinch the nostrils. Blow for a second and be careful not to blow too hard. Record that the chest rises when you blow and after two blows (successful or not) proceed to the next 30 compressions.
• Continue like this until paramedics have arrived and are ready to take over, or until the person actually comes back to life.

Bleeding

Light to moderate bleeding

If the wound is small and clear, with moderate bleeding, it is sufficient to clean and bandage the wound.

Arterial bleeding

If the blood comes in spurts and is bright and frothy, it may be a pulse.

In case of arterial bleeding, press hard and firmly on the wound site, and bandage it with a pressure bandage if you can. Elevate the injury site so that it lies above the rest of the body, i.e. higher than the heart.

It may be a good idea to have a first aid kit with you. Here you will find, among other things, bandages.

Internal bleeding

Internal bleeding can be difficult to detect. Typical symptoms are that the injured person is pale, has clammy and cold skin and has reduced consciousness.

If the victim is unconscious, ensure that the airways are clear and the person in the side position. You should not give drinks to people with internal bleeding.

Circulation failure/Shock

Typical symptoms of circulatory failure or shock are clammy and cold skin, rapid breathing, low blood pressure and abnormally low/high pulse.

There is not very much you can do with a person who has circulatory failure. Ensure that the person is placed in a side-lying position and if cardiac arrest occurs, CPR must be carried out immediately.

Cooling down

Make sure the injured person stays dry and warm, as hypothermia can quickly make the situation worse.

If the person is sitting in a car, you should consider not moving the person unless absolutely necessary, as there may be a risk of back and neck injuries that worsen when moving.

Circulation failure

Is the same as shock. A condition where blood circulation is insufficient to meet the body's needs. The reduced blood circulation leads to cold and clammy skin and blurred consciousness.

9. Traffic accidents and the environment

9.3 Statistics and accidents

The accident statistics

Still fewer killed

In 2020, for the first time there were under a hundred traffic fatalities since 1947, with a total of 95 fatalities. If we compare with 1970, when 560 people died in traffic accidents, we see that it is significantly safer to drive a car today. In fact, the number of people killed in traffic has been halved in just the last 10 years.

The zero vision

In an international context, 95 people killed is not enough, but one person killed is one too many anyway. In order to minimize the number of serious accidents, the authorities have set a goal for road safety work: "Zero killed and zero seriously injured" - the so-called "zero vision".

The zero vision has been adopted by the Storting, and it is the vision and guideline for all traffic safety work.

Who gets into accidents?

In the past, young, fresh, male drivers were overrepresented in the accident statistics. Among the reasons for this were that they were immature, vulnerable to peer pressure and had an excessive belief in their own abilities.

But the statistics have changed in recent years. In the most recent thematic analysis carried out by TØI in 2018, we find the following:

• Male drivers have a higher risk of being killed than female drivers and an important reason is probably that accidents involving male drivers occur at higher speeds. Many fatal accidents also involve a male driver who has been driving under the influence of drugs.
• The oldest car drivers still have a higher risk than other groups both when it comes to the most serious accidents with fatalities or fatalities and serious injuries, and in the least serious accidents with only material damage.

Increased focus on knowledge and attitudes in traffic education has led to a decrease in accidents for young drivers.

Reasons for the decline

Increased focus on knowledge and attitudes about safe driving in traffic education is highlighted as one of the most important reasons for the decrease in traffic accidents. Other important reasons are:

• Modern car park - Newer cars are equipped with the best in safety technology, both passive and active safety.
• The points system - in 2011 the system of points was made stricter for new drivers. This has led to less dangerous driving.
• Less weekend driving - From 2010 to 2018, the decrease in accidents that occur at the weekend was a whopping 72%. This may be due to people making agreements on social media about evening driving, which in turn is believed to lead to fewer spontaneous trips and drunken driving.

New cars are full of technology that contributes to road safety.

Accident types and contributing causes

Accident types

The largest type of accident when measured in the number of traffic fatalities is head-on accidents. About. 37% of those killed in traffic in 2019 died in collisions.

The second largest type of accident in terms of the number of fatalities is downhill accidents. About 34% of those killed in traffic in 2019 died in downhill accidents.

Contributing causes

The biggest contributing factors to fatal accidents on the road in 2019 were:

• Lack of driving skills - Contributing cause of 55% of fatal accidents.
• Excessive speed - Contributing cause of 40% of fatal accidents.
• Fatigue/Falling asleep behind the wheel - Contributing cause of 26% of fatal accidents
• Influence of drugs - Contributing cause of 20% of fatal accidents.

Influence of drugs as a cause

In this film, we take a closer look at the influence of drugs as a cause of fatal accidents.

9. Traffic accidents and the environment

9.4 Driving and environment (1/2)

Environmentally friendly choices

As a motorist, there are many things you can do that are beneficial to the environment. The most environmentally friendly thing will always be to leave the car standing, but for many this is unrealistic. Therefore, it can be good to know some choices you can make that contribute to less pollution.

• Drive with studless tires if possible. A studded tire can wear out as much as 5 - 20 grams of asphalt dust per kilometer driven.
• Use an engine heater. Cold starting of the engine results in large emissions of environmentally harmful exhaust gases.
• Good maintenance of the car. Regular servicing reduces the car's emissions and pollution.
• Drive an electric car. The fuel emissions from petrol and diesel cars constitute the biggest environmental threat from motoring.
• Avoid unnecessary short trips whenever possible. As the catalytic converter reaches operating temperature after 6 kilometres, the car pollutes most before the engine has warmed up properly. If possible, you should therefore consider alternatives such as public transport, cycling or quite simply - get your legs going!

Engine heater

Many cars have a built-in engine heater that runs on diesel or petrol, or an electric engine heater that connects to electricity. This helps the engine to warm up faster and get the best possible operating temperature early.

Catalyst

The catalytic converter is part of the car's exhaust system, and contributes to reduced emissions of harmful exhaust gases. Since 1989, catalytic converters have been mandatory in all new passenger cars in Norway.

Environmentally friendly ways of driving

In addition to the environmentally friendly choices mentioned above, your driving style will also have a big impact on the environment.

Plan the route and time for driving to avoid queues.

• "Skip" gives. For example, go straight from 2nd gear to 4th gear.
• Use the highest possible gear. Drive in the highest gear the car can handle - this minimizes fuel consumption.
• Determined speed increase. Make sure not to exceed 3,000 revolutions per minute. Acceleration uses fuel, so once you've reached your desired speed you should try to maintain a steady speed.
• Use the terrain. On downhills and just before hill tops, you can save fuel by letting off the gas so that the fuel supply is cut off.
• Plan the driving route. By avoiding long detours and roads with rush hour traffic, you can save fuel.

Bonus!

Increased focus on environmentally friendly driving also makes your driving safer and more affordable.

9. Traffic accidents and the environment

9.5 Summary

Summary

The main points in chapter 9

• Not helping in the event of a traffic accident is punishable under Norwegian law. You are obliged to stop and see if anyone needs help, even if you are not involved in the accident yourself.
• When you arrive at the scene of an accident, you must first secure the scene of the accident and get an overview. Then call 113 and give first aid to those who need it.
• Everyone who is involved in a traffic accident is obliged to give their name and address. You must also state the owner's name and address (if the car is owned by another person).
• You have a duty to report to the police if damage has occurred to a person that is not insignificant, or if there is no one present who can look after the interests of the injured party, e.g. if you hit a parked car and can't get hold of the owner.
• To save the environment, you should avoid unnecessary small trips. Leave the car, and use public transport, bicycle or simply - get your legs going!
• If you use your car, there are several things you can do to minimize the impact on the environment. Use an engine heater and studless tires in winter. Drive in as high a gear as possible, unless you can brake the gear by selecting a lower gear. If you avoid sudden braking and unnecessary starting and stopping, driving becomes both more economical and environmentally friendly.

You have now completed the last normal chapter. Chapter 10 gives an overview of all the signs.