SWEDISH DRIVING LICENSE

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE SWEDISH DRIVING LICENSE

There are many reasons to make the effort to obtain a Swedish driver's license. Whatever your reasons, a Swedish driver's license is a good investment if you plan to stay in Sweden for an extended period of time.

STEPS TO A SWEDISH DRIVING LICENSE
Apply for a learner's permit
Start driving practice
Learn driving theory
Risk training – risk education
Book an appointment for a driving test.
1. LEARNING DRIVER’S LICENSE – KÖRKORTSTILLSTÅND
The process of obtaining a Swedish driver's license begins with applying for a learner's permit—körkortstillstånd. Here's how:

Complete the application form for a learner's permit and the declaration of health and eyesight (Ansökan körkortstillstånd + hälso & syncing) and submit it to the Swedish Transport Administration (Transportstyrelsen). (The information is in Swedish.)
Obtain a vision test certificate (synchronization) and submit it with your application. You can have the eye test performed and receive the certificate at your optician or at most driving schools.
Sign the health declaration on the application form. This confirms that you have no medical conditions that could impair your ability to drive.
The application is free of charge. However, there is a fee for the eye test. This depends on the optician chosen and is usually around SEK 150. The eye test should be performed at approximately the same time as applying for your eye test permit, as the eye test certificate must be no more than two months old at the time of application.
Your Körkortstillstånd is valid for five years.

Note: Processing time may take two months or, in some cases, longer.

2. DRIVING PRACTICE – ÖVNINGSKÖRA
Once you have your driving license, you can start practicing! You can pay for driving lessons at a driving school or practice for free with a friend, parent, or partner—called a "handledare." Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. A handledare is cheaper, but carries the risk of picking up your handledare's bad habits. Therefore, it's recommended to combine the two to get plenty of practice AND learn the latest rules properly.

Despite what it might sound like, a handledare is not a private instructor. Most holders of a Swedish driver's license can become a handledare, and many novice drivers practice as handledare with their parents, partners, or friends. The requirements for a handledare are:

At least 24 years old
At least five years of driving license
To become a driving instructor, you must apply for a driving instructor permit, known as a driving instructor permit. This costs SEK 170. The application form, "Ansökan handledarskap privat övningskörning," can be found here.

You and your driver will also need to take an introductory course. Most driving schools offer this course. It typically costs around SEK 300–400 per person. You don't need a special vehicle (with double occupancy) to practice with your driver.

Note: When driving with a handlebar, the handlebar is considered the driver of the vehicle and is therefore responsible in the event of an accident.

3. THE DRIVING THEORY
Please note: The rules changed on March 1, 2020. Passing the written test is required before taking the driving test. The written test is then valid for four months instead of two.

It is recommended that you study the theory alongside your practical driving. The most common theoretical reading material is the Swedish driving license book combined with online theory questions. You can use just one of these if you wish, but combining both is recommended.

The book gives you a good overview of the entire driving theory, and the online questions test your knowledge in real time.

The online practice tests are structured exactly like the real exam (same grading, same time limit, etc.), so you get a good idea of what to expect in the real theory test.

However, you should try to learn the facts behind the questions and not just memorize the answers. Why? Because the questions in the real exam are not worded identically to the exam questions.

The current textbook “Körkortsboken på engelska 2020: Driving Licence Book” and the online theory questions can be found at Körkortskolan.se.

For each question, you'll find the corresponding page number in the book. This makes it easy to find further information about the online question in your book.

Note: If you purchase an English-language textbook, such as one from a driving school, the page numbers will not match the online questions. Traffic school textbooks are also not updated as frequently. Therefore, make sure you purchase the latest edition.

There are also many other learning websites, some of which are translated into English. Just search Google for "driving theory online Sweden." When using online tools, make sure you're using the most up-to-date version, as regulations change frequently.

THE DRIVING LICENSE BOOK – KÖRKORTSBOKEN PÅ ENGELSKA 2020

Usually you will find copies

UK residents – there is a different service in Northern Ireland.
£14 with MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card (no charge if you are over 70 or have a medically approved temporary driving licence).
Address of your residence for the last 3 years.
Your current driving license (if you do not have a driving license, please state the reason in your application).
Your social security number (if known).
To avoid being banned from driving.
DURATION
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), it may take more than 3 weeks for you to receive your driver's license.

You will need to send your old photo driving licence to the DVLA when you receive your new licence. The address to use will be provided to you after the application is complete.

Your new driving license is valid from the date your application is approved, not from the expiry date of your current driving license.

PERSONAL DATA
The DVLA will send you a confirmation email after your application is complete. You may receive an email asking you to complete the survey, but you can opt out.