The cost of a category B driving licence in Sweden varies a lot. Two learners can pass the same tests and pay very different totals. The reason is simple: the official fees are fixed and fairly small, while the largest part depends on how much training you need.

Fixed official fees in 2026

These are the fees set by the authorities. They were checked against official pages in October 2026.

  • Learner's permit (körkortstillstånd) application, Transportstyrelsen: free
  • Theory test, category B, Trafikverket: SEK 420 on weekdays during the day, SEK 520 after 6 pm and at weekends
  • Driving test, category B, Trafikverket: SEK 1,000 on weekdays during the day, SEK 1,400 after 6 pm and at weekends
  • Photo when taking a test, Trafikverket: SEK 120
  • Car hire for the driving test (optional), Trafikverket: SEK 800
  • Producing the licence card, Transportstyrelsen: SEK 375

Transportstyrelsen has proposed raising the licence fee to SEK 450 from 1 January 2027. That is only a proposal so far, so always check the Trafikverket price page and Transportstyrelsen's fee page before you pay.

Most learners do not hire Trafikverket's car, because they take the test in their driving school's car. Schools charge for that themselves, often as a "test package".

Variable costs set by the market

Eye test

The eye test certificate (synintyg) needed for the learner's permit is paid to the optician or doctor who performs it. Prices vary between providers, and some opticians offer it cheaply or as part of a campaign. The certificate must not be more than two months old when you apply.

Private practice setup

Since 1 August 2026, the compulsory introductory course for private practice (introduktionsutbildning) has been abolished for category B. That removes a cost many families used to pay. Your supervisor (handledare) still needs to be approved by Transportstyrelsen before you practise together.

What private practice does cost is fuel, wear on the car and possibly extra insurance or an L-sign. These are small compared with lessons, and private practice is usually the biggest money saver in the whole process.

Riskettan and risktvåan

Risk education is compulsory for category B and must be completed before the theory test. Both parts are paid to approved providers and prices vary. Risktvåan, which includes the skid track (halkbana), usually costs more than riskettan because it needs a special facility. Book early, since popular dates fill up.

Theory study

Books, apps and online question banks are a small part of the budget. Weak theory preparation, however, can become expensive through retakes and delays.

Driving lessons

Lessons are almost always the largest cost. How many you need depends on previous experience, how much you practise privately, how fast you build traffic judgement and how well you know Swedish test expectations. A beginner who only drives with a school pays far more than an experienced driver who just needs a few lessons to adjust habits.

Hidden costs

  • Retakes. A failed test means a new fee, often more lessons and more waiting.
  • Late cancellation. If you cancel or rebook less than 24 hours before the test, Trafikverket keeps the full fee.
  • Travel. Risk courses, schools and test centres can be far away, especially outside cities.
  • Expired results. If the theory pass expires before you pass the driving test, you pay for theory again. From 19 August 2026 a passed theory test is valid for one year, which reduces this risk compared with the old four-month rule.

Budgeting for newcomers

If you already drive, budget for adaptation rather than basic driving. Swedish traffic may demand more observation, speed discipline and cyclist awareness than you are used to. If Swedish is not your strongest language, add time to learn road vocabulary, because the driving test is held in Swedish.

Typical mistakes

  • Counting only official fees. For most learners, lessons cost several times more than all fees combined.
  • Skipping private practice. Repetition between lessons is where skill becomes stable. Without it, you pay a school for repetition.
  • Buying many tools and using none. One theory tool used daily beats five opened once.
  • Booking tests too early. Every retake adds a fee and often more lessons.
  • Cancelling inside 24 hours. A late cancellation costs the same as taking the test.

FAQ

How much does a driving licence cost in Sweden?

The official fees for theory test, driving test, photo and licence card add up to roughly SEK 1,900 to 2,400 depending on test times. The total with eye test, risk courses and lessons is usually many times higher and depends mostly on how many lessons you need.

How much is the theory test in Sweden in 2026?

Trafikverket charges SEK 420 for the category B theory test on weekdays during the day and SEK 520 after 6 pm and at weekends. The photo costs SEK 120 extra the first time.

Can private practice reduce the cost?

Yes. Since August 2026 there is no compulsory introductory course, so the main requirement is an approved supervisor. Structured practice between lessons usually cuts the number of paid lessons.

Official sources to verify

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The cheapest theory test is the one you pass the first time. Körkort Hero gives you category B practice questions and mock tests in 16 languages and shows your weak areas, so you can spend your money on driving practice instead of retakes.

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