Health and vision requirements
Drivers must meet health and vision standards to hold a licence. Below is a practical checklist for staying compliant over time.
How to document fitness
| Step | What to do | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Submit self-declaration | Complete the digital form and disclose illnesses, medication and previous incidents |
| 2 | Take a vision test | Optician or doctor files the result electronically |
| 3 | Provide medical certificate when required | Your GP confirms whether the requirements are fulfilled |
Vision requirements (category B)
| Requirement | Minimum | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Visual acuity | 0.5 with corrections | Glasses or lenses must be worn when driving |
| Visual field | Adequate horizontal field | Must detect movement in peripheral vision |
| Double vision | Not persistent | Requires assessment and corrective measures |
When is a medical certificate needed?
| Situation | Certificate? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Positive answer in self-declaration | Yes | Doctor assesses the health requirement |
| Vision requirement unmet without correction | Yes | Correction and follow-up needed |
| Serious illness with sudden incapacitation risk | Yes | Licence may be time-limited |
Renewals and follow-up
| Situation | Timeline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Licence close to expiry | 6–12 months ahead | Book checks and apply digitally via Statens vegvesen services |
| Time-limited licence | Each expiry date | Follow the agreed medical control plan |
| Permanent health change | Immediately | Consult your doctor and pause driving until clarified |
| Documentation | Key points |
|---|---|
| Self-declaration | Stored in your application; keep information updated |
| Vision certificate | Valid for 3 months from issue |
| Medical certificate | Must state diagnosis, treatment and driving assessment |
Monitor expiry dates in the digital driving licence or the physical licence and set reminders.
Duty to report and responsibility
- Stop driving and contact your doctor if health changes suddenly.
- Doctors must notify authorities when requirements are not met.
- Employers must assess safety for professional drivers; see Driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance .
- Use the checklist in Risk assessment in practice after illness or accidents.
Self-check tips
- Keep a medication list and review it with your doctor regularly.
- Record examination dates so follow-up appointments are booked in time.
- Schedule health checks well ahead of busy holiday periods.
- Discuss driving fitness with family so concerns can be raised early.