Passing the driving test (körprov) is a big moment, but it is not the end of the process. For the next two years you drive on probation, and some mistakes that would only cost an experienced driver a fine or a short suspension can send a new driver all the way back to the theory test. This guide explains what happens after you pass, what the probation period means and what you can and cannot do with a fresh category B licence.

Getting your licence card

When you pass, your licence is issued and the card is produced by Transportstyrelsen (the Swedish Transport Agency). The card is sent by registered mail to a PostNord service point, and you collect it in person.

  • Bring a valid ID document. PostNord does not accept e-legitimation (BankID) for collecting registered mail.
  • The card waits at the service point for 14 days. If you miss it, it goes back to Transportstyrelsen and you have to contact their customer service to have it resent.
  • You can check whether your licence has been issued by logging in to Mina sidor at Transportstyrelsen.

You do not always have to wait for the card before driving. The Driving Licence Act (körkortslagen) says you must carry your licence when you drive, but if the licence has been issued and not yet handed over, a document proving your identity is enough for trips made within two months of the issue date.

The two-year probation period (prövotid)

A category B licence comes with a probation period (prövotid) of two years. The same applies to A1, A2, A and BE, even if you already held an AM moped licence.

Probation does not mean special speed limits or a sign on the car. You drive under exactly the same traffic rules as everyone else. The difference shows up only if your licence is revoked (återkallat):

  • If the licence is revoked because of something that happened during the probation period, you must take a new full driving test: both the knowledge test (kunskapsprov) and the driving test (körprov).
  • Before the new test you need a valid learner permit (körkortstillstånd). You can apply at the earliest six months before your blocking period (spärrtid) ends, and the permit can be granted at the earliest two months before it ends.
  • You must also redo the compulsory risk training (Risk 1 and Risk 2) for category B.

In practice this means that a serious speeding offence, drink-driving or repeated violations in your first two years can cost you the licence, a new learner permit, new risk courses and two new tests.

What a B licence lets you drive

A standard category B licence covers cars and light lorries with a total weight (totalvikt) of up to 3,500 kg. For trailers:

  • You may tow a trailer with a total weight of up to 750 kg.
  • You may tow a heavier trailer if the car and trailer together do not exceed 3,500 kg total weight.
  • For heavier combinations you need the extended B code (B96, up to 4,250 kg combined) or a BE licence.

Always check the car's registration certificate as well. It states the maximum trailer weight that particular car may pull, and that limit applies even if your licence would allow more.

Validity and renewal

A licence for lower categories such as B is valid for ten years. Transportstyrelsen automatically sends you a renewal form (grundhandling) about two to three months before it expires. A renewal always needs a new photo. To renew you must live permanently in Sweden or have studied here for at least six months. Check the current renewal fee at Transportstyrelsen before you apply.

You cannot supervise practice driving yet

Many new drivers want to help a sibling or partner practise. To become an approved supervisor (handledare) for private practice, you must be at least 24 years old and have held a licence for the vehicle category for a total of at least five of the last ten years. A new driver cannot fill that role yet, regardless of age.

Keep learning after the test

New drivers are most at risk during their first years alone. The test proves you can drive safely on one route on one day; experience covers the rest. Useful habits for your first months:

  • Drive in conditions you avoided as a learner: darkness, rain, motorways and, when winter comes, snow and ice.
  • Keep to the speed limits. A serious speeding offence is one of the ways a new driver can lose the licence.
  • Never drive after drinking, even a little. The legal limit in Sweden is 0.2 promille in the blood, and drink-driving at that level is grounds for revocation.
  • Put the phone away. Swedish law forbids holding a mobile phone in your hand while driving.

Typical theory test traps

  • "New drivers have a lower speed limit." False. Probation changes the consequences of a revocation, not the traffic rules.
  • "After revocation on probation, only the driving test must be retaken." False. Both the knowledge test and the driving test are required, plus new risk training.
  • Trailer weight. A B licence allows a trailer over 750 kg only if the car plus trailer stays at or below 3,500 kg total weight.
  • Probation length. It is two years for B, not one. One year applies to an AM licence taken as a first licence.

FAQ

Can I drive home from the test centre after passing?

Once your licence has been issued you may drive, but you must be able to identify yourself. Within two months of issue, a valid ID document can replace the card you have not yet received.

Does probation restart if I add another category?

Transportstyrelsen states that anyone who takes A1, A2, A, B or BE gets a two-year probation period. If you add one of these categories later, check with Transportstyrelsen how it affects your situation.

What happens if I get a warning instead of a revocation?

A warning (varning) is not a revocation, so the rule about retaking both tests does not apply. Treat it as a serious signal, because a further offence during probation can still lead to revocation.

The theory behind your licence does not stop mattering after the test. Questions on probation, trailer weights, alcohol limits and licence rules are all covered in Körkort Hero, available in 16 languages, so you can refresh them in the language you think in.

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