Getting a Swedish driving licence can feel confusing at first, especially if you are new to the country or do not study comfortably in Swedish. It is not one test but a chain: a permit, training, risk education, a theory test and a driving test. Two rules changed in 2026, so this guide also points out what older guides may get wrong.

Who does what

Two authorities are involved. Transportstyrelsen (the Swedish Transport Agency) handles learner's permits, medical requirements, supervisor approvals and issuing the licence. Trafikverket (the Swedish Transport Administration) runs the theory test and the driving test.

To get a B licence you must be 18, be permanently resident in Sweden or have studied here for at least six months, have valid risk education and pass both tests.

1. Apply for körkortstillstånd

Körkortstillstånd is the learner's permit. You need it before you practise and before you can book any test. You apply through Transportstyrelsen with a health declaration and an eye test certificate. Applying is free, processing normally takes up to four weeks, and the permit is valid for five years.

2. Take the eye test

The eye test certificate (synintyg) is usually issued by an optician, who can often send it to Transportstyrelsen digitally. It must not be more than two months old when you apply, so take it shortly before sending the application.

3. Choose how to practise

You can start practising with a passenger car from 16. You can practise at a driving school, privately with an approved supervisor (handledare), or both.

Since 1 August 2026, the compulsory introductory course for private practice has been abolished for category B. The supervisor still needs Transportstyrelsen's approval for each learner, must be at least 24 and must have held a licence for at least five of the last ten years.

Many learners combine both: the school diagnoses weaknesses and teaches new skills, private practice gives the repetition in between.

4. Study theory while you practise

Theory and driving support each other. The theory test covers traffic rules, signs, vehicle knowledge, environment, safety and driver behaviour. The driving test checks whether you can apply that knowledge in real traffic.

Learn why a rule exists rather than memorising answers. The official test uses its own questions, so understanding beats recognition.

5. Complete riskettan and risktvåan

Risk education is compulsory for category B and has two parts:

  • Riskettan covers alcohol, drugs, fatigue and other risky behaviour.
  • Risktvåan covers speed, safety and driving in different road and weather conditions, including the skid track (halkbana).

Both parts must be completed before the theory test. They are valid until you get your licence or for at most five years. If you go to a driving school, it usually books the courses for you. If you train privately, you contact a provider yourself, and the provider reports completion.

6. Take the theory test

The category B theory test (kunskapsprov) is taken at Trafikverket. You are photographed before your first theory test, and you need a valid ID. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

  • 70 multiple-choice questions, of which 5 are trial questions that do not count, so the maximum is 65 points.
  • 50 minutes to answer.
  • 52 correct answers to pass.
  • The result is shown on screen straight away.

You can book the theory test in several languages other than Swedish, and an interpreter can be requested in advance. People with reading difficulties or other needs may apply for support such as extended time or an oral test.

Validity changed in 2026: a theory test passed on or after 19 August 2026 is valid for one year. A pass before that date is valid for four months. You must pass the driving test within that time or take the theory test again.

7. Take the driving test

The driving test (körprov) has a 45-minute slot with a safety check, special manoeuvres and driving in both city and rural traffic, including independent driving towards a destination. The examiner looks at speed adaptation, road position, attention and risk awareness.

The driving test cannot be booked in another language and is held in Swedish, but Trafikverket offers an information video about the test in other languages. Learn the instructions you will hear: höger, vänster, rakt fram, parkera, vänd and cirkulationsplats.

If you take the test in an automatic car, your licence gets condition 78, which means you may only drive automatic cars. To drive manual later, you need a new driving test in a manual car.

Time and cost

Both vary a lot. Previous experience, language, how often you practise, test availability and the number of lessons all matter. Plan your budget in parts: eye test, risk courses, lessons, theory material, Trafikverket test and photo fees, and the licence card. Check current fees on Trafikverket's price page.

Tips if Swedish is not your first language

Study theory in your strongest language first, then review the Swedish terms. The road is Swedish: signs, road markings, place names and examiner instructions are all in Swedish.

Typical mistakes

  • Relying on pre-2026 information. The introductory course is gone and theory validity is now one year for new passes.
  • Booking the theory test before risk education is done. It must be completed first.
  • Studying only mock questions. The official test checks understanding, not memory.
  • Booking tests too early. Retakes cost money and time.
  • Ignoring cyclists and pedestrians. A common reason for failed driving tests.

FAQ

What are the steps to get a driving licence in Sweden?

Apply for a learner's permit with health declaration and eye test, practise driving, complete riskettan and risktvåan, pass the theory test and then pass the driving test.

How many questions are on the Swedish theory test?

There are 70 questions, of which 65 count. You have 50 minutes and need 52 correct answers to pass.

Can I take the Swedish driving test in English?

No. The driving test is held in Swedish and cannot be booked in another language. The theory test, however, can be taken in several other languages.

Official sources to verify

Prepare for the theory test with Körkort Hero

Körkort Hero is built for calm, structured theory preparation. You can practise Swedish category B theory questions and mock tests in 16 languages, review your weak areas and follow your progress while you work through the steps above.

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