Norway is moving to lower the legal age for obtaining a car driver's license to 17, though new drivers will be required to have an adult supervisor in the vehicle. The proposal, confirmed by the Ministry of Transport, follows an EU directive and is slated for implementation in November 2028.
This marks a significant shift in Norway's traditionally cautious approach to road safety. The change aims to give young drivers more supervised experience, a factor officials believe could reduce accident risk in the long term. Senior advisor Kristin Bentdal Larsen at the Ministry of Transport stated the plan is under development.
"Allowing 17-year-olds to get a license, limited to driving with a supervisor, does not differ substantially from the current arrangement for supervised practice driving," Larsen said. She emphasized the importance of driving experience for reducing accident risk.
However, Larsen noted a critical distinction. "Yet, driver responsibility must be carefully assessed, as it differs from practice driving in that the driver has the responsibility, not the supervisor."
A Shift in Responsibility and Experience
The core of the change lies in the transfer of legal responsibility. Under Norway's current system, learners drive under a supervisor's liability until they pass their test at 18. The new model would grant a full license at 17, but with a mandatory passenger restriction. The driver, not the accompanying adult, would hold legal responsibility for the vehicle.
Proponents argue this creates a more authentic and responsible learning environment. Young drivers gain real-world experience under supervision before gaining full, independent driving privileges at 18. The policy is framed as an extension of the existing practice period, potentially leading to more seasoned drivers.
This approach is common in several European countries and some U.S. states, often referred to as graduated driver licensing. Norway's version, as proposed, appears less restrictive than models that include night-time or passenger limits beyond the supervisor requirement.
Safety First, But Questions Remain
The announcement has triggered a debate centered on Norway's world-leading traffic safety record. The organization Trygg Trafikk (Safe Traffic) expressed immediate skepticism. Press chief Christoffer Solstad Steen questioned the necessity of the change.
"Even if the EU adopts this, it is not the case that Norway absolutely must let 17-year-olds take the driving test," Steen said. "Norway is the safest traffic country in Europe, and it is not certain that this will improve traffic safety here, as it perhaps does in countries that have poorer driver training than us."
His comments highlight a tension between EU harmonization and national discretion. While Norway aligns with many EU regulations through its European Economic Area (EEA) agreements, it retains the right to set higher safety standards. The question is whether this change represents a lowering of standards or a logical evolution of training.
Critics worry that formalizing a license at 17 could create pressure for earlier independent driving or reduce the perceived seriousness of the supervised period. Safety research consistently shows young, inexperienced drivers are the highest-risk group on the roads.
Looking Ahead to 2028 Implementation
The 2028 implementation date provides a long lead time, suggesting further details and safeguards will be developed. The Ministry of Transport will need to draft specific legislation, which will then be considered by the Storting, Norway's parliament.
Key details remain undefined. These include the exact requirements for the supervising adult, potential vehicle power restrictions, and how violations by the 17-year-old driver would impact both the driver and the supervisor. The government must balance accessibility with maintaining Norway's low road fatality rates.
Public consultation and political debate are expected. The ruling Labour Party-led coalition will need to build consensus for the change, which may face scrutiny from opposition parties and safety advocates. The four-year timeline allows for a thorough examination of data from other countries with similar systems.
For Norwegian teenagers and their families, the potential change represents both new freedom and new responsibility. It promises an earlier start to the process of gaining crucial life skills and mobility, especially in rural areas with limited public transport. Parents will play a central role as the mandated supervisors during that first year.
The Path Forward for Norwegian Roads
Norway's transport policy often walks a line between innovation and caution. This proposal tests that balance. The government's argument hinges on the belief that more supervised, responsible practice makes safer drivers. The counter-argument rests on the principle of not fixing what isn't broken in an already safe system.
The final policy design will be crucial. Will it include a mandatory log of supervised hours? Specific training for the adult supervisors? Technology monitoring? These are the questions policymakers must address before 2028.
The coming years will see detailed analysis of how comparable systems function in neighboring countries like Sweden and Finland. This evidence will be vital in shaping a Norwegian model that prioritizes safety above all. The debate is not just about age, but about how best to cultivate a generation of responsible drivers on Norway's challenging winter roads and scenic, winding fjord-side highways. Can structured, early responsibility make them even safer?