Preparing for the EU inspection (checklist)

What does preparation for the EU inspection mean?

Many cars fail on simple things that would have taken five minutes to fix at home — a burnt-out tail lamp, a torn wiper blade or a parking brake that doesn't hold. Preparation is about systematically going through the most common faults one or two days before the inspection so you save time, money and a follow-up trip. We recommend a short evening session with your car, ideally with a helper standing outside to confirm the lights work.

The checklist — point by point

Lights: low beam, high beam, parking lights, indicators front and rear, brake lights (have someone stand behind the car), reverse lights, fog lights and number plate lights. Wipe the lenses clean of snow, salt and road grime.
Indicators and hazard lights: check they flash evenly, not too fast — rapid flashing usually means a burnt-out bulb.
Tyres and tread: tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm all the way around. Winter tyres need at least 3 mm. Look for cuts and bulges. Correct tyre pressure also matters.
Wipers: both front and rear should wipe cleanly without streaking. Replace the rubber if cracked.
Washer fluid: top up and check that the jets aim correctly.
Mirrors: both side mirrors and the interior mirror must be intact and adjustable.
Parking brake: must hold the car on a slope. On electronic parking brakes confirm no service warning is lit.
Brakes: take a short test drive and verify the car doesn't pull to one side when braking.
Registration document and insurance papers: bring them along.

How far ahead should I prepare?

Ideally 1–2 days in advance, so you have time to swap a bulb or wiper if something is off. Preparing on the same day risks having to reschedule if you find bigger faults. Bulbs and wiper rubbers usually take 5–15 minutes to change yourself with parts from your local auto shop.

Common defects people overlook

A cracked windscreen crossing the driver's field of view causes a fail, as does a tail light where the reflector behind the lens has faded or partially burnt out. Worn wipers leaving streaks can also draw a remark. On older cars check that the rubber on pedals and brake hoses isn't cracked.

What about my car type?

The tips above cover all passenger cars. Electric, van and motorhome owners can find dedicated sections — see the EV and van pages. Note that imported used cars may have bulbs not approved for Norwegian traffic (red brake-light intensity must stay within set limits).

Book an EU inspection online or call 41 17 32 24.

Frequently asked questions

How much does preparation cost?

Preparation itself is free — it takes 30–60 minutes on your driveway. Replacing a bulb or wiper typically costs 50–250 NOK per part. Always cheaper than a follow-up inspection.

Can I skip preparation?

Yes, but you raise the risk of failing. Commonly missed defects include a burnt-out tail light, worn wipers or a faulty parking brake — all easy to check at home. A short evening check often saves a whole extra trip to the workshop.

Do I get the fee back if the car fails?

No, the inspection fee is not refunded if the car fails. You only pay a smaller re-inspection fee once the defects are fixed, but the original inspection is already paid for.

Is checking the lights once enough?

Yes, as long as it's shortly before the inspection. If you check a week in advance, a bulb might burn out in between — check lights and brake lights the same day you bring the car in.