Swedish Driving Licence 2026 The Complete Guide

The total cost for a Category B (car) licence is typically SEK 15,000–25,000 (~€1,300–2,200). This includes: körkortstillstånd (learner's permit) SEK 220, trafikskola (driving school) package SEK 8,000–15,000, riskutbildning del 1 SEK 1,000–2,000, riskutbildning del 2 (skid training) SEK 1,500–2,500, theory test SEK 420, practical test SEK 1,000, and licence issuance SEK 375. Private practice with a handledare can reduce the driving school portion significantly.

The Swedish kunskapsprov (theory test) for Category B consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, of which 65 are scored and 5 are unscored trial questions. You have 50 minutes. You must answer at least 52 of the 65 scored questions correctly (80%). You do not know which questions are trial questions. Topics include road signs, speed limits, right of way, vehicle technology, risk assessment, and winter driving.

Urban areas (tätort): 50 km/h (30 km/h zones near schools). Rural roads (landsväg): 70 km/h (some 80–90 km/h). Main roads (riksväg): 90 km/h. Motorways (motorväg): 110 km/h (some sections 120 km/h). Trucks over 3.5t are limited to 80 km/h on motorways. Sweden's unique 2+1 roads are typically posted at 90 km/h.

0.02% (0.2‰) — one of Europe's strictest blood alcohol limits. Drink driving (rattfylleri) at BAC 0.02–0.10%: income-based fines (dagsböter) and possible licence revocation. Aggravated drink driving (grovt rattfylleri) at BAC 0.10%+: criminal offence with up to 2 years imprisonment and mandatory licence revocation. An alkolås (alcohol interlock) programme is available as an alternative.

Vision Zero (Nollvisionen) is Sweden's road safety policy adopted by Parliament in 1997 — the world's first zero-fatality road safety policy. It holds that no loss of life on roads is acceptable. Road design, vehicle safety, and driver behaviour all share responsibility. Since adoption, road deaths have halved despite increased traffic. The 2030 target is a 50% reduction from 2017–2019 levels. The policy has been adopted by dozens of cities and countries worldwide.

Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 through March 31 when road conditions are wintry. Minimum tread depth: 3mm. Studded tires (dubbdäck) are permitted from October 1 through April 15. All-season tires with the 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) symbol are accepted as winter tires. Fine for non-compliance: SEK 1,200.

Yes, at ALL times, year-round. Dipped headlights (halvljus) or daytime running lights (DRL) must be on whenever the vehicle is in motion — even on the brightest summer day. This applies to all vehicles on all roads. Fine: SEK 1,500. This is one of the most commonly missed rules by foreign drivers.

No. Unlike most European countries, Sweden does not use a penalty points system. Instead, Transportstyrelsen can issue a varning (warning) or a full återkallelse (licence revocation) for 1 month to 3 years. After revocation, you must retake both the theory and practical driving tests. Serious single offences (drink driving, reckless driving) can result in immediate revocation.

Riskutbildning is a mandatory two-part risk education programme. Part 1 covers alcohol, drugs, and fatigue — their effects on driving ability (classroom or online, SEK 1,000–2,000). Part 2 is practical skid training on a slippery track (halkbana), teaching how to handle loss of control, aquaplaning, and emergency braking (SEK 1,500–2,500). Both parts must be completed before obtaining a licence.

Very. Approximately 5,000 moose collisions occur every year, causing 5–20 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. An adult moose weighs up to 550kg — their legs elevate the body to windshield height, making impacts particularly dangerous. Moose are most active at dawn and dusk. Watch for varning för älg (moose warning) signs and reduce speed in forested areas.

Sweden has no legal requirement to carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, or reflective vest in private vehicles (unlike many EU countries). However, it is strongly recommended to carry a warning triangle, reflective vest, first aid kit, and a torch, especially during winter. Winter tires are mandatory Dec 1 – Mar 31, and studded tires are recommended in northern Sweden.

Congestion tax (trängselskatt) applies in Stockholm and Gothenburg. Camera-based automatic detection reads licence plates at entry/exit points — there are no toll booths. Charges vary by time of day (SEK 11–45 in Stockholm during peak hours). The tax applies on weekdays only, not on weekends, holidays, or evenings. Foreign-registered vehicles are also liable. Payment is via a monthly invoice.

AM (moped, A-traktor): 15 years. A1 (light motorcycle ≤125cc, snowmobile): 16 years. A2 (medium motorcycle ≤35 kW): 18 years. B (cars): 18 years. A (unrestricted motorcycles): 20 with 2 years A2, or 24 direct access. C (trucks): 21 years. D (buses): 24 years. Practice driving (övningskörning) for Category B can begin at age 16 with an approved handledare (supervisor).

A standard Category B licence is valid for 10 years. C and D categories (trucks and buses): 5 years with medical examination at renewal. Drivers over 75: 5 years. Drivers over 80: 3 years with medical examination. The licence can be renewed up to 3 months before expiry at Transportstyrelsen.

112 — General emergency (SOS Alarm), available 24/7, operators speak multiple languages. 114 14 — Police non-emergency. 1177 — Healthcare advice (Vårdguiden), available 24/7. +46 771-912 912 — Assistancekåren roadside assistance. You can dial 112 from any phone, even without a SIM card. SOS Alarm coordinates police, fire, and ambulance services.