How to get Driving License in Sweden: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to stay in Sweden for a while, getting a Swedish driving license is essential. This guide will walk you through how to get a driving license in Sweden step by step. With the right preparation, you’ll find that the process is more straightforward than you might have initially thought.

Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the driving license process in Sweden, making it easier to navigate and achieve your goal.

Many expats and foreigners often think that obtaining a driving license in Sweden is a complicated, difficult, and expensive process. However, Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world to drive in, with some of the lowest traffic-related mortality rates globally. This is why there are strict driving license requirements in Sweden and a well-structured driving license process that ensures high road safety standards. Traffic safety is taken seriously in Sweden, and everyone plays a part in maintaining it.

If you’re planning to stay in Sweden for a while, getting a Swedish driving license is essential. This guide will walk you through how to get a driving license in Sweden step by step. With the right preparation, you’ll find that the process is more straightforward than you might have initially thought.

Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the driving license process in Sweden, making it easier to navigate and achieve your goal.

Steps for obtaining Swedish driving license

Here is the driving license process in Sweden explained.

Before you can begin practicing driving in Sweden, you must apply for a learner’s permit, known in Swedish as “körkortstillstånd.” Even if you have prior driving experience, you cannot start practicing without this permit. How to get a driving license in Sweden starts with obtaining this learner’s permit, which involves a few straightforward steps. While there is no fee for the learner’s permit itself, you will need to pay for an eyesight test, which typically costs between 100-200 SEK.

To begin the driving license process:

• Submit an online application to the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).
• Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy if preferred.
• Get an eye examination from a certified optician such as Specsavers or an authorized driving school and obtain an eye certificate. This certificate will be sent directly to the Transport Agency if you’re applying online.
• Sign a health declaration as part of the application, confirming that you are medically fit to drive.

Once you complete these steps, your learner’s permit for obtaining a driving license in Sweden will typically be issued within a couple of weeks and is valid for five years.

2. Start driving lessons (driving practice at home/ with professionals/ with driving schools)

Congratulations! You’ve successfully obtained your learner’s permit (Körkortstillstånd), and now you’re ready to start practicing driving, known as “övningsköra” in Swedish. The next step in the driving license process in Sweden is to begin driving practice, which can be done at home or through professional driving schools.

Practice privately

You can practice driving with a friend or family member, known as a Handledare. However, the Handledare must meet certain requirements:

• Must be at least 24 years old.
• Must have held a valid driving license for at least five years.
• Must have valid permission (Handledarbevis) from the Swedish Transport Agency to act as a tutor.

To become a Handledare, your tutor needs to complete an application process through the Swedish Transport Agency. Additionally, both you and your Handledare must complete a mandatory introduction course (Introduktionsutbildning), which is offered by most driving schools. The course takes about 3-5 hours and can usually be completed in one day.

Practice at a Driving School

Alternatively, you can take professional driving lessons at a driving school or with a certified Handledare. Lessons typically cost between 500-1000 SEK per session, and many schools offer packages for multiple lessons. Although practicing with a Handledare saves money, professional lessons are highly recommended as they provide structured learning and ensure you’re up-to-date with current driving rules. You can take a few professional lessons to get started and then practice independently with your Handledare to reinforce what you’ve learned.

By choosing the right mix of professional lessons and independent practice, you’ll be well-prepared for the next steps in obtaining a driving license in Sweden.

3. Prepare theory test for getting driving license in Sweden.

The theoretical exam for the Swedish driving license covers important topics like traffic rules and regulations in Sweden, traffic signs, safety, and environmental aspects of driving. Preparing for this exam is crucial to ensure that you fully understand the driving laws in Sweden. It’s a good idea to study these topics while practicing driving, as it helps you apply the knowledge in real-life situations. This combined approach will make you more confident during the driving license process.

How to Prepare for the Theory Test for Driving License:

• Study Material: The main resource for preparing is a book called Körkortsboken, which you can buy from bookstores like Akademibokhandeln or order online. The book is also available in English (Körkortsboken på Engelska), so be sure to get the latest edition for up-to-date information. This book can also be found in library (Bibliotek).
• Online Resources and Apps: In addition to the book, there are mobile apps and websites that offer practice tests and learning materials. For example, iKörkort, trafiko provides study material and over 1,500 exam questions to help you prepare thoroughly.
• Driving Schools: If you are training with a driving school or a certified Handledare, they can guide you through the theoretical preparation. They often provide structured lessons that focus on the key areas you need to know for the test.

Study Tips for the Theory Test for Driving License:

• It’s highly recommended to study for the theory exam and practice driving at the same time. This approach helps you understand how to apply the traffic rules you’ve learned in real-world driving situations.
• Focus on understanding the material instead of just memorizing it. Knowing the traffic rules in-depth will not only help you pass the exam but also make you a safer driver.

By preparing well for the theory driving test, you’ll take an important step toward obtaining a driving license in Sweden and driving safely on Swedish roads.

4. Risk Training for driving license

Risk training, known as “riskutbildning” in Swedish, is a crucial part of the driving license process in Sweden. It is divided into two parts: Risk 1 and Risk 2, and both are mandatory before you can take your final practical driving test.

Risk 1:

Risk 1 is a theoretical training session that focuses on the risks associated with driving. It covers important topics such as how alcohol, drugs, and fatigue can impair your driving abilities. The training lasts up to 3 hours and is conducted in a classroom setting by certified driving schools. Your attendance will be reported to the Swedish Transport Agency, as completing this step is mandatory for obtaining a driving license in Sweden.

Risk 2:

Risk 2 is the practical part of risk training. It concentrates on driving safety, speed control, and handling extreme driving conditions. Before you can take Risk 2, you must already be comfortable driving. A key component of this training is “halkbana,” which involves skidding practice, simulating situations like driving on icy roads. This hands-on experience helps you understand how to control the vehicle in hazardous conditions. Once you complete Risk 2, you’ll receive a certificate that is valid for five years, which is required to move forward in the process of obtaining a Swedish driving license.

Both Risk 1 and Risk 2 are essential for ensuring that you are well-prepared and aware of potential driving hazards as you progress toward your goal of getting a Swedish driving license.

5. Schedule theory and practical driving tests.

Once you feel confident in your driving skills and have thoroughly prepared for the theory test, it’s time to schedule your theory and practical driving tests. This is an important step in the driving license process in Sweden.

You can easily book both the tests online through the Swedish Transport Agency’s website. It’s recommended to book your tests in advance, but you cannot schedule them more than 11 months ahead.

Before scheduling the exams, make sure you have completed all the mandatory steps, such as:

• Obtaining your learner’s permit (körkortstillstånd)
• Completing both Risk 1 and Risk 2 courses
• Having a solid understanding of Swedish traffic rules and regulations

When booking your exams, you’ll have the option to manage and reschedule them if needed. It’s also a good idea to double-check all your documents and preparations before the exam day to ensure a smooth experience.

Book the theory and practical driving test here

By staying organized and booking your tests on time, you are one step closer to obtaining your driving license in Sweden.

6. Appear for your Theory Test for Driving License in Sweden

What to Expect on the Day of Your Theory Test for a Swedish Driving License

On the day of your theory exam for obtaining a driving license in Sweden, it’s essential to arrive on time according to your scheduled appointment. Don’t forget to bring a valid identity card, as your identity will be verified before the test begins. Additionally, your photograph will be taken at the test center prior to the test.

The theory test is designed to assess your knowledge of Swedish traffic rules, road safety, and eco-friendly driving practices. While the test is available in Swedish, you can also take it in English or choose from several other languages, including:

• Albanian
• Arabic
• Bosnian
• Croatian
• Finnish
• French
• Persian
• Russian
• Serbian
• Somali
• Sorani
• Spanish
• Thai
• Turkish

The test lasts 50 minutes and consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need to answer at least 52 questions correctly, which means a minimum score of 75%. After completing the exam, you will receive your results immediately, and a detailed score report will also be sent to your email.

By passing theory test, you will have completed a key step in the driving license process in Sweden, bringing you closer to achieving your goal of legally driving in the country.

7. Appear for your Practical Driving test

What Happens During the Driving Test?

The driving test is divided into two main parts:

1. Safety Inspection – You will first be asked to perform a safety check of the vehicle. This involves inspecting important elements like lights, tires, and brakes to ensure the car is safe to drive.
2. Driving – After the safety inspection, you’ll drive for at least 25-30 minutes across different road environments, such as city streets and rural areas. The examiner will give you instructions on which routes to take, testing your ability to drive in various conditions. If any dangerous situation occurs where the examiner must intervene, you are still responsible as the driver.

What is Assessed in the Driving Test?

During the test, you will need to demonstrate that you can apply the theoretical knowledge you’ve learned to real-life driving situations. The examiner will assess several key areas of competence, including your awareness of traffic rules, ability to handle different driving environments, and overall safety practices.

Once the test is complete, the examiner will provide immediate feedback on whether you have passed or failed. You will also receive your official result via email shortly after.

By understanding what happens during the driving test, you’ll be better prepared to succeed in this crucial step of the driving license process in Sweden and move closer to obtaining your driving license in Sweden.

For driving test, you can rent a car from Trafikverket where you are appearing for test, or you can borrow from driving school.

Here are some common questions about getting car driving license in Sweden

Common questions about Swedish driving license

All the very best for getting driving license in Sweden !

Disclaimer: This article is only for information purpose. Its highly recommended to check the latest information with Transport agency.