HOW TO GET YOUR DRIVERS LICENCE teori and send it to for 24+hour access to ATLs \2 TEXT BOOK CATEGORY B© Norwegian Driving Schools Asecation Drawings: oar Horgen and Gee Elingjord Photos: Tore Fredenund, Arne lesen Jale Nermark el. Design Lystld Design Layout and sroduction: Zoom Grafik AS English ansaion- Jorgen Aall Myhve, Ezabeth A Satre January 2010 190N 970-02-7910-201-4 HOW TO GET YOUR DRIVERS LICENCE DAGFINN MOF + JARLE NERMARK + KJFILTORSMYR ‘Norwegian Driving Schools AssciationPREFACE ‘Most people are regular road users -as drivers, passengers, cycliss or pedestrians. In every town and city and al. over the countryside, a large number of people and vehicles are out on the roads every day. Its in the interest of society and of the individual road user to do every’hing possible to ensure the safe and orderly low of trafic Road accidents are the source of immeasurable pain, suffering and sorrow to those involved, and the cost to society s enormous. Road trafic is moreover responsible for environmental damage ‘caused by harmful vehicle emissions. Information and instruction are among the measures {implemented to promote road safety. Its important to reach all, toad users and this applies not least to motorists. ‘The majority of Norwegian driving schools are members of the ‘Norwegian Driving Schools Association. The Associaton has published this book as part of its efforts to ensure the quality of driving instruction. It is the hope ofthe authors and the Association that this book will fulfil a need at the driving schools and thus contribute to the work of improving road salty We ae grateful to the Norwegian State Railways, Braathens, (Ofoten og Vesteraalen Dampskibsselshap and Sunnhordland Bru og Tunneiselshap for contributing photographs. ‘This edition of How To Get Your Driver's Licence complies with ‘the new curriculum for driving instruction dated 2005, “The Norwegian Driving Schools Association “The authors ADVICE TO READERS 1 Keep in mind that theoretical knowledge will help you to benefit more from practical training and to pass your driving 2 Read the table of contents. Take a quick glance through the book to get an overall picture, while asking yoursell what is ‘most important to you. Then read the book more thoroughly. Underline and make notes, and rest yourself to see if you can remember what you have read, 4 Sum up whet you have read and make sure you have a comprehensive picture. Its a good idea to reread the theory that is most relevant to what you are going to practise, belore you start driving, Refer to the plan for mandarory instruction on page 14,Pe iwrmopucrioN THE TRAFFIC SYSTEM ‘The motor car ~ practical and convenient o Large vehicles, motor cycles and mopeds Learning w be good driver ra Horses on the ond Vision Zero. a Driving abroad Zero emissions 12 Driving instruction 2 Mandatory instruetion M THE ROAD Driver licences ‘THE DRIVER'S RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS. ‘The road and its environment THE MOTOR CAR ECONOMICAL AND ECO-FRIENDLY DRIVING The car~a means of transport and a pasion s Do we always have to goby et. Constuction 2 Car maintenance 2 BEHAVIOUR ON THE ROAD Inceligen tansporationsysems are the way of the fare 34 The driver's tasks Road traffic legislation Basic rules for road users Driving position, mizror and seat belt. Being observant. Driver and owner responses Signaling Reglsration and ownership a ‘Adapting speed Required documents, 37 Position on the cariagevay Factors that aflet your driving sll 38 Giving way Insurance and financial liability, ‘2 Reversing and turning round Penalties 44 ‘Standing and parking Obligations atthe scene ofa oad accident 5 tewel ocean Motorways BEHIND THE WHEEL Driving nroadtunncis Nigh ving What sdrsng? 30 Driving witha ier Speed and distance 61 Driving on sippy roads “ner oad seis Se ‘THE HAZARDS OF DRIVING Accidents and causes. 69 n 7 88 200DRIVING ON OPEN ROADS AND OVERTAKING Driving on priority roads Overtaking, ‘OUR SOCIETY AND ITS DEVELOPMENT, THE NEED FOR ‘TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 1 MAIN FEATURES AND LINES OF DEVELOPMENT IN NORWEGIAN COMMUNICATIONS, ‘Communications and society ‘Transport as a communications junction Mobility Transport by sea, tail and ait Sea transport Railway transport Air transport I ROAD TRANSPORT, ITS DEVELOPMENT AND SIGNIFICANCE Before mass mocoring Mass motoring Cars and culture Driving forces behind road trafic Passenger transport Town and country Road accidents as a health issue The envitonment INTHE FUTURE The car. servant or master? Explosive growth in the glabal vehicle population The car: the machine that changed the world ‘APPENDICES: 1 Extracts from the Road Traffic Act, 2 The Tralic Regulations 3 Traffic signs and regulations relating to trafic signs Index 206 210 221 222 223. 225 26 227 28 29 231 232 234 234 237 240 244 45 246 Dar 250 255 263 300 ‘The motor car — practical and convenient Motor cars are an everyday convenience for most people. Inproved design and materials ensure reliability yb has a car these days, and this has psitve and negative fea. Ieis important to sefeguard the benefits that motor vehiclesbring, to society and to the individual. ‘The aim of driving instruction and driving tests is to ensure that drivers develop good driving habitsLearning to be a good driver ‘caras part of a modem life style characterised by freedem and independence. Peet = Many young people are fascinated by the pleasures of diving Siting behind the wheel on a busy road is a demanding task which requires you to have the qualities that make you a good. driver. To be a good driver you have to: Know about vehicles and traffic ‘This means that you know how a car is designed and how it functions and that you are familiar with traffic as a system. Have good driving skills This means that you master the car in a controlled manner. ‘Modern cars are complicated machines and a great deal of practice is required before you can stare driving in trafic Master the demands of traffic This means that you are able to ‘read’ the trafic situation and inceract with other road users. See driving in a social context We know that many accidents could have been avoided ifthe driver had acted responsibly and complied with the traffic regulations. Road accidents and the environmental damage caused by vehicles constitute a national health problem, Most young people see cruising around with friends in theit own Know yourself ‘Aca car driver, you can achieve this by testing your knowledge, skill, attitudes and motivation. With the help of your instructor, "you can assess your strong points and weak poirts asa drive, Mos ofthe people who take tet driving estar around 18-20 years of age tand use cars and motoreyeles as a way ofexprscing der Iiesyle Vision Zero Between 200 and 300 people die and almost 1,000 are seriously injured on Norwegian roads every year. Each fatal accident costs the country more than NOK 23 million, while a serious injury is estimated to cost NOK 6 mallion. ‘This price is too high. The Norwegian authorities have taken ethics, knowledge and responsibility as the basis for their vision of zero deaths and permanent injuries on the road. The ethical element will ensure that human life is given highest priority on the road, because each individual is inviolable and lunique. We cannot lose anyone. All the knowledge we possess must be employed to produce better roads, more reliable vehicles and good! instruction for road It isthe responsibility of the authorities to adapt road trafic to mee: human prerequisites. This must be done to ensure that road. traffic i safe and ta prevent death and damage to healthObjective Car drivers must accept their share ofthe responsiblity by driving considerately, being alert and showing due care. FATALITIES PERMANENT INJURIES Vision Zero wl safeguard lives and health andl make road afc more human Zero emissions Road traffic is responsible forthe emission of one fifth of the toxic ges COs tha is harmful othe environment and ‘contributes to climate change. Asa ‘green’ car driver, you will ‘ive priority to eco-driving and transport, choose a vehicle with an engine that uses less fuel and use clearer fuels, This -will mean less hazarcious gases and reduce the climatic threat ‘towards zero emissions, whichis the main targa. Zero emissions af COs spare the cnvironment and benefit the climate Driving instruction ‘The driving instruction provided by driving schools complies with plans laid down by the authorities Health Sofety [Environment ‘Theory ané practice Regulations Driver's licence Fit to become a ‘river Driving instruction must lay stress on health, safety and environment in order to safeguard valuessuch as well-being and quality of life for everyone on and beside the road. ‘You will achieve the best results by combining theory and practical instruction. The only way to learn is to practise driving car in traffic You wl acquire practical sls more quickly your instructor can buld on theoretical nosedge you already have “Your driving school will give you an information leaflet containing detailed information about deving instruction. @D FORERKORT NoRGE GRR a. To obtain a Category B driver’ licence you must + be of saber habits and good character + have sulfckently good eyesight and mental and physcal health * be at least °8 years old A doctor's certificate is not normally requited for & Category B licence, The Traffic Services Office (Trfitkstasjonen) decides on the basis of personal declaration [rom the applicant whether @ entice -oquited,‘Suspension period Driving abitty ‘person who is found guilty ofan offence may be barred from obtaining a driver’ licence until the expiry ofa certain periad of ‘offence Duraton of ‘Suspension period Driving without a driver’ licence sl2 vear Driving without a driver’ licence and ‘causing serious damage year ‘A sentence or conviction that would ‘Timesimited or ‘entall suspension ofthe drivers licence for life ‘Mandatory instruction Instruction consiss of + steps (to be followed in consecutive corded). Before starting on a new step you must first achieve te objectives of the previous step. Step-by-step completion of {instruction makesthe lessons both meaningful and effective ‘Step-by-step instruction T) The driving te Practical instruction “Your driving abilty wll improve wth each step you complete. You can «aike your driving test when you have completed te fur steps. ‘Theory skill Economy and, ‘environment Driving Independently Diiving ability Step 1 Course in basic road trallic knowledge: Mandatory theory, practice and demonstrations. 17 lessons ‘The main purpose is to acquite a basic understanding of car driving, with the emphasis on risk and the traffic system. First. aid is included. You must complete this course before you can start practice driving ‘Step 2 Basic driving and driving techniques ‘The first priority isto learn about the ca, take responsibility for checking and inspecting it, master driving techniques and drive economically and in an environmentally acceptable way. Step 2 ends with an evaluation lesson with your driving instructor ‘Step 3 Driving ability in traffie: Mandatory safety and skid pan course, #lessone ‘The alim here is to master driving indifferent traffic situations and to be able to drive independently. You must be familiar ‘with the provisions in the Road Traffic Act that apply to car driving, Step 3 ends with an evaluation lesson with your driving instructor. Step # Concluding lessons: Mandatory safety course on the road. 13 lessons tis now essential that you have good risk understanding, a thorough knowledge of rules and regulations and an insight into traffic asa system, takes a great deal of varied practice to become a confident driver, [SKOLE | Acombation of profesional intron at driving ua wl privte “driving omtce produces the best diving test resultsSuitable lay Instructor Suitable vehicle Practice driving from 36 years of age The pupit's obligations ‘Application ‘The driving test Lay instructors or accompanying persons must be at least 25 years of age and have had a drivers licence for the previous 5 years without interruption, Choose practice areas which are appropriate to the pupil's level of skill, This will ensute effective practice driving and cause minimum inconvenience to others. Acar tha fs used for private practice must have a rear view mirror for the lay instructor. red'L'for learner driver must be displayed in a clearly visible place om the rear of the car. age of16. Seek professional The professional or lay instructor is regarded as the driver during practice driving, but the pupil also has certain obligations, During practice driving pupils must: + be alert and cautious + not be under the influence of alcohol + not be unfit due to illness, fatigue etc + comply with road traffic regulations and signs ‘To apply for a driver's licence you must filln a specal form which is available from your driving school or the Traffic Services Office. Applications are dealt with by Traffic Services Office. A fee ‘must also be paid to obtain the driver's licence. The testis the same for everybody and is conducted by the local Traffic Services Office. It consists ofa theory part ard a practical duiving part. Further information may be obtained from the ‘Traffic Services Office. Category B driver's licences are normally valid for lie. However, licences are issued on a provisional basis forthe firs two yeats. If you lose your licence during the provisional period, you will be required to resit the driving test before you can get « new licence, ‘which will again be on a provisional basis. Peres Theory tes. Driving et Driver's licences Driver’ licences are Issued for the following categories of cars and motor vehicles: HEAVY MOTOR CYCLE LIGHT MOTOR CYCLE PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT DELIVERY VEHICLE a= : 8 Lorry < 8 UGHT LORRY E E: i ' 2 NINBUS ata TRAILER FOR CAILGU- RIES B, C, Ca, D, OR DiTWO-, THREE- and FOUR- WHEELED MOPED — A good driver knows enough about cars and traffic, has good driving skills, masters the demands of ‘traffic, sees driving and society in relation to each other and knows himself or herself as a driver. A punishable offence, such as driving without a licence, may prohibit a learner from practice driving. While driving a learner must be attentive, careful and cautious, not be under the influence of alcohol or unfit due to iliness or tiredness and must comply with road ‘traffic regulations and signs. Brief summary key words ana (7) ~ Health, safety and environment. Fit to be a driver. expressions G!) Suspension periods. Provisional drivers licence. ion Zero and zero emissions. FYROM) pmpncubrlasttimecle end ant aerate a driving privately because you know this is allowed ee and lessons at a driving school are expensive. You've heard that itis advisable to combine private practice driving wich mandatory lessons and that this will increase your chances of passing your test. Your boy friend has had a licence for three years and took his test on his eighteenth birthday. He offers. to accompany you. You are not sure whether this is allowed, but he says that he has gone out with several otrer learners already and that it is okay as long as ycu practise where traffic Is light.” What do you think about this? FULL TRACK MOTOR CYCLE | 2 million motor ars ‘The car - a means of transport and a passion {mn 1960, the restrictions on motor esr purchases were abolished in Norway, giving everyone equal rights to purchase a car. Today, ‘we have about two million passenger cars in thiscountry. Many makes of car flood the market. Rapid technological advances ‘have altered the appearance and design of the car and the way it ‘works. “The photographs above and below are good examples ofthese ‘changes. Modern cars have completely different linesand an almost perfect shape that offers the least possible air vesistance. “The nterior is designed to make it easier to operate tre car, and ‘comfort and instrumentation have undergone significant changes.Young people’s cars. Features of a car car {Cars atract ws in diferent ways. Young drivers purchase second ‘Nand cars for financial reasons and many of them love their ears and the speed and excitement ‘Cars and young people blong together The table below shows how about 5000 young people aged 16-18 assess the importance of certain features ina car on a scale from 1 to 6, where I isthe lowest and 6 the highest score. How would ‘you have assessed these characteristics? Crash testing ‘Women and men rank te quale of aca diferendy, ‘The body of the Good test ratings Construction “The shape of the body determines the appearance of the car. Low air resistnce is important from both an environmental sand an economical point of view. The body of a car is protected against rust to enable it to withstand all weather conditions and itis reinforced to protect the driver and to stabilise the car. The materials that are used are eco-friendly and can often be melted down and used again, Steel and aluminium ate most commonly used. Shock absorbing zones help to reduce injuries i the event ofa colision, ‘Cars ae tested in front and side collisions and in collisions ‘with pedestrians. Sensors in crash-test dummies register the ‘mpac:on the human body. A four or preferably five-star rating guarantees that the car is sale on the road. This proof of quality also counts when selling a car SESE ER Treas“The chassis consicts of many componente which form the main structure ofthe car, The following illustration shows a typical car The chassis ard running gear nob, gine Steering Suspension ns Shock absorbers ‘Main parts. The driver's environment and the controts ‘The engine and The engine generates the power that makes it possible to drive the ‘transmission ca. This power is generated by the combustion othe following types of fuel: + Patol + Diesel, + Gas or methanol + Hydrogen Exhaust gases The combustion of petrol creates exhaust gases which are emitted Via the exhaust system. Modern cars have catalytic converters ‘which reduce environmentally harmful compounds in these gases before emission. Motive power Fuels piped froma tank tothe engine where its injected in and ignited. In petrol engines, the petrol is ignited withthe help of the sparking plug and in diesel engines by compression and heat. The power generated by the engine is measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HK), The power is transmitted via the gearbox to the wheels which move the car forward. Some ers have front wheel drive, others back wheel drive, and some have a four-wheel drive system. ‘The power generated by the engine is transmitted to the wheels by using the correct gear and the clutch pedal. The drawing below shows, in three steps, how the clutch pedal works, YO Oe dt In modern cars everything is within easy view o the driver and the position ofthe most important controls helps the driver to use ‘them correctly. Lhe following illustration shows where the driver _gets his or her most important information,Instruments Lamps and alarms ‘Manual and automatic transmission computefdata Petrol gauge “The instruments have the following functions +The speedometer shows the ears speed in kilometres perhour {The RFM counter shows the ntmber of revolutions per minute and helps the driver to choose the correct gear and drive econo- mically + The engine temperature provides information about the engines cooling sytem and working environment + Pewol consumption provides economic an pellusion information +The computer data display shows pettol consumption, cutdoor temperature, average speed, distances et. “The brake system ‘There are also warning lamps and alarms on the dashboard to ell you if + your indicators are on or off jour headlights ate dipped or on high beam the safery belts are in use the driver support system is on or off the handbrake ts on or off any doors are open the oil level is low Antilock brakes Here ae examples of manual and automatic gear levers. All carsmust have a foot brake and a parking brake (hand brake). The braking power [rom the foot brake is conveyed to all fone wheels via heake Mid in brake hoses. A hooster (gers) ensures that you do not have to depress the brake pedal so hard ‘to Sow down the car. The booster only works when the engine is ‘running, The parking brake often only acts on two wheels and is not intended for use at speed. ‘Cars havea comprehensive brake system which works onal fur wel ‘When you brale, wo rear braleing lights come on. Most cars have a third braking light that is placed higher up, making it possible ‘or cars behind to see the braking light sooner and through the ‘windows ofthe car in front when driving in a queue. ‘Modern cars have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) which makes for optimal braking regardless of road conditions. Sensors ‘onall four wheels inform a computer how quickly the waeels are urning and whetker they are in the process of locking,‘Avoid locked wheels Emergency braking Foot brake requirements When braking hard, che antilock system wil event he wheels |The steering from locking. This system makes it possible to ombine braking system and tering, It is contolled by a computer when you step hard on the brake pedal Frat | ment RAD od - baie Requirements “The following procedure mustbe followed for emergency braking the diction you want to travel, 5. Hold the brake pedal down wnil braking is completed itis normal or the brake pedal 0 knock orwbmate an forthe anullock braking stem tn male unfamiliar noses when it | Understecring and ‘a working, Drivers who ae not weed to ant-oc brakes may oversteering become anxious and release the brake pedal Cars built before 1995 do not usually have anti-lock brakes. The wheels can lock and lose their grip on the tered steering road ifthe driver rams his foot hard down on the brake pedal (see page 108). Cars without anti-lock brakes require a different broking technique, which is described ‘on page 194. The foot brake must function as follows: * short pedal travel before it acts * withstand pedal pressure of 100 kg * the pedal must meet firm resistance, not yield when pressed hard ‘ the brakes must act more strongly on the front wheels, than on the rear wheels * the brakes must act evenly to ensure that the car does ‘not swerve during braking ‘the brakes must act more and more strongly as you ress harder on the pedal ‘The car's steering system includes the whole front suspension system and is carefully coordinated to ensure that it functions correctly. You steer the car withthe steering wheel and when you let go ofthe steering wheel, the car should continue straight ahead. Steering system requirements: * ‘litle play on the steering wheel, that is to say the wheels ‘must tum immediately the steering wheel is turned * the steering wheel must be easy fo tum and most cars have servo steering which makes it easier * the steeting wheel must automatically retum to the centre position after a turn ‘Weight distribution varies from one type of car to another. ‘Cars with the engine in front are front-heavy. The car is thus ‘understeered, In other words the car will turn less than steering ‘wheel movement would indicate. The opposite (oversteered) is true ifthe car is rear-heavy. — Is SS A heavy load can easly affect steering The steering and road-holding characteristics of a car can change when ‘© load is placed in the front or rear, or it is towing a trailer or caravan ‘the air pressure in the tyres is changed * tyres or tyre dimensions are changedWels tyres, Thewhedls withers, shockabsrbersand springs ensne | am z Sct absorers —conctoth be eed Sayan tee aries) re Poem a ae srngs Shock ster an pigs dace js and ensue rou rip. re oe pales faa eet sae PS sa oa ean Theyatetbecas net janisand highs Teeyresmule | Seimcangeea cactinnacsaetiness leneeaamstan eaten direc contact wih the oadeuraceand met ave thecorer at | Sue agmmbeadaph cM jamudcenhr | SMa teed eee pressure, not too litle) and not too much (+), | ‘Tyre pressure pile Normal Tacmuch When itis fully loaded and when it is empty, the car's shock absorbers must absorb jars and bumps on good ‘and bad roads. Defective shock absorbers will: CATE Uo Tear ta aeeTOP away corel thant formal | Aluminium rims are very popular today and ate replacing stel ied oR O Oca alan sc oc Malena etal tes rims more and more. ‘Low profile tyres ate also very common. * lead to loss of stability when the car is heavily loaded ‘The photos below show examples of ‘low profile’ tyres. * increase the possibility of losing control of the car ‘eis essential that tyres are able to drain off water, in order to | avoid equaplanng | Aqvaplaning Practice driving Water woe he wel and th road cases sof road rip athe drive loses contro ofthe ca Sex pe 19. 1s easier to dren aconaled manne when he cris in gpd technical condtion “There are many components ina car which require electric ‘he eletrcal power: Tyres: The car's tyres must be suitable for the road conditions, so that ‘system * Headlights, interior lights, heater, airconditioning system, vwecan move along the road and stop inthe best possible way. We sendscoen wipers distinguish between summer tyres and winter tes, The wheels + Electrical windows, seat warmers, rear window demise, et rust be balanced to stop the ear juddering and shaking. The cars + Engine —lgniion stm, petrol pump, electronic injection registration card gives the correct tyre size and other information about tyres for the earBattery and dynamo Power supply ‘system Cooling. heating and ventilation systems. Heat and ventilation “The sketch below shows important components requiring electric power that are connected ro the cars sensors ancl computer systems, Without a stable supply of electric power, the electronic functions will fail and this will have serious consequences for salty The lighting system “The engine heats up during driving and taus has tohave a ‘cooling system. Engine coolant circulates through channels in the cylinder block arid absorbs the heat. I is woled itt Le sister and recirculated through the cylinder block. The coolant must be able to withstand high (summer) and low (winter) temperatures. Running lights Heat from the engine is used to warm up the air inside the car. This can be adjusted by the driver via the heating and ventilation, systems. Many cars have air-conditioning systems which ‘maintain a pre-set temperature inthe car. Modern cars have te following varieties of ventilation: + climate contral and ait-conditioning systems + powerful fans which direct sir to legs, windows and out into the ear + recirculation of inside air while driving in tunnels + iter which removes dust and ther allegens fom the air All cars must have a standard lighting system consisting of: + ‘headlights, dipped and fll bears + rear, baking, parking and reversing lights + direction indicators and hazard warning lights (orange) + lightsand reflectors on number plates and red reflectors in their rear lights, ‘There ate special rules governing the strength, position and use ‘of auailiary lights. For safety teasons daytime running lights are mandatery in Norway.Moder hs Dipped headlights Full beam headlights Rear and braking wite or yellow) white or yellow) lights (od) (Must illuminate at Must Hluminate at Must be dearly visible least 4a mettes ofthe least 100 metres of, road ahead the road anead ‘Xenon lights have become common on new cars, They are ‘stronger than halogen lights. “Adaptive headlights are another new type of lights. They change the shape ofthe light cone and. ‘swivel asthe driver steers into a bend, The driver's responsibilities Adaptive headlights swive to shine nt aside oa Pe; Car maintenance ‘Cars require less maintenance today than they did 10-15 years ‘ago, Their reliability has increased because the mos: important ‘componenis are monitored with the help of advanced electronics. and computer control There are many things a driver has to check and do himself. He is given information about some of them by warning indicator lamps and gauges, while there are others that he has to find and cheek himself Tis particularly importane to have clean windows that give an unobstructed view. Intelligent transportation systems are the way of the future Modern technology is employed more and more 1 improve safety, efficiency and envitorment onthe roads, Electronic driver support systems can preventand deter accidents by warning ‘of danger, taking over contl ifthe driver does not react and ‘communicating with other vehicles to avoid conflict, Traffic fow canals be controled eectroniclly in orde orleve congestion Example 1 Example 1 shoes crs 2a sci « warng that ar 1m fone trang sudden: Example 2 shows the driver n he dark car ecing information abou he dance, ection and speed ofthe car fo re Sensors that manitr the sete of road betwen the as Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) will make It ‘possible for the driver to choose the correct way of ‘driving. Active and passive safety systems in cars have ‘saved many lives on the road over the past §-10 years.Short summary] Key words and expressions > Driving tips For you to reflect on [2% — As a machine, the car has changed a great deal in the past hundred years. This applies not only to rel and eco-frendliness, but also to shape and degree of comfort, To an increasing extent, car maintenance has to be tarried out by specially trained garage mechanics. Nevertheless, it is your responsibility as the driver to make sure that the car is in safe and statutory condition. Anti-lock brakes, brake booster, pedal travel, pedal pressure, play on the steering wheel, automatic return to centre position, aquaplaning, oversteering and ndersteeving, and driver support systems. Look after your car well and follow the recommendations in the car’s instruction book. Your car will then be safer and cheaper to run; it will cause less pollution, and it will be more pleasant to drive. “While practice driving with your father in his car, you notice that the brakes act unevenly and you ‘can feel the steering wheel pulling to one side when you set a straight course. You suspect that there is ‘something wrong with the car and that it should be repaired. When you mention this to your father, he replies that it doesn't mean much and that you soon, get used to it, but he is planning to get someone he knows to fix the car when he has time. Next weekend you've arranged to practice drive on the way up to the ‘mountains with the rest of the family." What do you think about this? i | } Before etn out he dvver mus check the corto se that fncions ast Boe tose that fot BCMA am Cy eis Cec} Elite Wed) Ueto ut om ce Reece Te driver and owner responsibilty for the condition of the car registration and ownership etic erent alcohol, drugs, fatigue and illness insurance and financial liability Pout obligations and action at an accident scene towing cars ‘You have already learned in the Basic Rosd Tralfic Knowledge ‘course thatas a car driver or car owner you have considerable responsibilty of both @ moral and a legal nature, Driver and owner responsibilities ‘The driver, as well as the owner, must of course help to ensure that the caris not used when ic isnot in tosdworthy condition. The Norwegian Road Traffic Act stipulates that the driver ‘must make sure before setting out that the car is in safe ‘and statutory condition and it has been loaded in a sofe ‘and statutory manner. This simply mears that everything abou the car must bein orderSafe condition ‘Statutory condition Inspection ‘Stickers: luis the responsibilty of the driver to ensure thatthe ear is safe to drive and safely loaded throughout the journey. ‘This means thatthe driver must be aware tall times of the safety- related condition ofthe car and the load. If problems aris, the driver must decide whether iti sae to continue driving, ‘eis of course also the driver's responsibility to comply with ‘alli regulations ane other provisions and to drive attentively, ‘consterately and carefully to ensure that no danger, damage oF {injures occur and that other traffic is not unnecessarily delayed or inconvenienced, ‘The owner of the vehicle has a duty to ensure that the cars not ‘used ifit is not ina safe condition, The owner must also make sure ‘that any person he lends his car to i fit to drive and that he or she hholds a licence to drive the ca. “The owner must ensure that the car undergoes the inspections required by the authorities He or she must also pay insurance premiums and government taxes when they fall due Cars registered in Norway are required to carry road tax stickers (Gonvotinerer)afixed to their number plates. They are issued once «year and confirm thatthe ear may legally be driven and that the “Stator taxes have een paid, The colour ofthe stickers changes from year to year, and they bear the year of expiry and the car's registration number. The owner must se to it hat the stickers are affixed tothe car's sumer plates, p'94818. Ech year meaty ec ad o ater han Agu te omer mus afi the sichers Bete the le combination and he digs on he ay’ registration plates. Registration and ownership ‘Neatly all motor vehicles and trailers have to be vegisered. his smeans that they are registered by the authorities and identifiable bby the general public, ‘The vehicle’ registration card and registration plates are visible proof oftheir registration ‘The cv registration plates and elation card are poof of ts egistation, Before it can be registered, a vehicle has to be type approved in Norway. It must be insured; customs duty and taxes rust be paid, and the owner must be able identify himself. ‘When reregistering a car, the new owner must show Fart 2 of the registration card to the authorities. (Change of ownership must be reported to the Regional Road Office (regionveghontor) within three days. This is done on a special form and the previous owner is responsible for handing in the form, Required documents You must always have the restrain aud wo your driving ence with you in the car when you are driving. The registration card has wo pans + Part 1, with technica information, must always be kept in the car * Part 2, with ownership information. must not be kept in the cat. art 1 must be kept in the car and Part 2 must be kept elsewhere‘Alcohol and drugs Drivers over the age of 70 must also carry a medical certificate confirming that their heath satisfies the conditions required for a diver licence. ‘When practice driving, you must carry documentation showing that you are driving legally, for example a certificate of completion | for the Basic Road Trafic Knowledge Course. ‘You must also have valid identification with you. 0.2% alcohol limit there is any reason to suspect that insurance premiums, ‘customs duty or taxes have not been paid, you must be able to produce receipts. Financial ruin Factors that affect your driving skill Intoxicants and medication Intoxicants are one of the most important causes of road accidents, Alcohol, drugs and medication affect the central nervous system and impair driving skills. i myths na dangerous Alcohol Sip tolerance ‘Alcohol is the mast common intoxicant in our (Norwegian) ‘culture and even with a blood alcohol content as low us 0.2%0 ‘our ability to solve problems is impaired. The effect of alcohol ‘increases as its concentration in the blood rises. The following are typical effects of alcohol: + mood change loss of concentration and short-term memory loss of learning ability blunted critical sense increased impulsiveness and aggression and dive end warts to tive a ce ful stomach bere up quickly iy anda sna "ve beter tera few dis ‘cool has no eect on me because | hve Ny fends think | am cool when | ink {Li nt my esponsibility if drunken ‘Alcohol has no effect on me it ‘Black coftee ad an ie-old showe ‘up more quchy with physi A hangover isthe result ofa major intake of alcohol the previous day. Performance is greatly reduced and driving skill impaired, although the alcohol is out of your body. The concentration of alcohol in the blood decreases by 0.1 to 0.15% per hour. The limit set in the Road Traffic Act is a blood aleobol content of (0.2% or a breath alcohol content of 0.1 mg per litre of ale. The risk of being killed is a thousand times higher with a blood alcobol content of 1.5% than with a blood alcohol content of 0.5%o. In spite ofthis high risk, there are about 250,000 car drivers every year who drive under the influence of alcohol in Norway. A driver who is convicted of drunk driving and who has caused an injury or accident can be held liable vis-2-vis the insurance ‘company for the financial loss it has incurred as a result ofthe driving. The driver can therefore find himself struggling with serious financial problems forthe rest of his i Reasons why so many people drink and drive in spite ofthe high risk of death or major financial loss: ‘A good counterbalance against drunk driving isto separate the nyt fo de fats egarding alcohol and ts eects, 8 shown in the following table: fects Driving under the intunce of alcohol Is About 36% al atl akldentS involve @ unk diver ae the alcoho has already douded your This proves that ihdgement. fina bod cool content as lw 3 0.2% fle on dvi and others asa result of dunk diving. “On the contrary. You havea mora esponsibilty to stop a person you cae about from diving after inkl aleahol “Aull stomach may Your bod even tk 08 the elfects, bat the lohl wl enterDangers of fatigue ‘Other intoxicants ‘The most common drugs are cannabis and amphetamines. The table below sliows te effet of these drugs. Cannabis Lethargi, large pupils, high pulse, giggly (hashish and ‘marihuana) Amphetamines _—Restless, inattentive, violent, overestimates ‘own ablity, Incoherent thi Ecstasy High spits, confused, takes chances, ‘overestimates own ability, high pelse Cocaine Incoherent thinking, restless, takes chances, ‘overestimates own abilty, high pulse Medication ‘The use of painkillers and sedatives can make people uncritical, less alert and slower to react. Combining alcohol and other intoxicants (Dlandingsrus) can increase thetr effects and seriously ampatr driving skills Medical practitioners and pharmacies have a duty to inlorm patients that prescribed medicines can have a negative elfect driving. sted and risk anv Fatigue “We all have a fundamental need for sleep that must be satisfied belore we can fenction normally. Fatigue is @ warning that we “rave not had enough sleep Fatigue can caus driver to + Tose concentration and misjudge the traffic situation + react more slowly and exceed his safey margins + malee mistakes and drive carelessly leading 19 uneven speed, and weaving Fatigue occurs when your muscles and nervous system are worn cout by physical or mental exertion and lack of sleep. Tied ca divers are a safety rsh, About 100,000 drivers all asleep behind (he whed every year. One oxt of every three head-on collisions or run-off-the-roae acciderisis caused by the driver falling asleep. Approximately 440-50 people die in road accidents every year because they {all aslep behind the wheel Lack of leep can be compared to alcool inthe blood because they boi affect performance: ‘+ no skep for 16-17 hours corresponds to 0.5% + no skep for 21-22 hours corresponds to 0.8% + no skep for 25-30 hours corresponds to 1.0%» ‘You may find that driving acar over along distance is boring. ‘When your eyelids feel heavy, your limbs are stiff and cold shivers run through your body, you need to take a break. You should stop the eat end get out forfour or five minutes before getting back in Dehind the whee. Ifyou have not had enough sleep the tiredness will soon retutn, Sleep isthe only remedy.Power nap Liability for compensation ‘fyou feel drowsy behind the wheel, stop and sleep for 45 minutes. A power nap will revitalise you and you cam continue driving. Distractions Chatting to a passenger and using electronic devices can distract ‘your attention from the road and lead to dangerous situations Many cars have steering wheels with function buttons. These ‘can be used by the driver to operate the radio or CD player, to xelephone, change gear and navigate. ‘Drivers are given directions and distances by voice and from arrows on a colour screen. Information about traffic, road