Driving License in Sweden for Expats
Complete guide for foreigners getting a driving license
Quick Answer: Can you drive in Sweden with a foreign license?
Yes, for 1 year from registration (personnummer). After that, you must convert to a Sweden license. The official test is only in Swedish, but you can practice in English with AutoviaTest.
Key Facts: Sweden Driving License for Expats
| Test Authority | Trafikverket (Swedish Transport Administration) |
| Official Test Language | Swedish |
| Grace Period | 1 year from registration (personnummer) |
| Theory Test Required | Yes (if no exchange agreement) |
| Practical Test Required | Yes (if no exchange agreement) |
| Medical Exam | Not required |
| Total Cost | SEK 700-1,500 (~€63-135) exchange or SEK 15,000-25,000 (~€1,350-2,250) full test |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks (exchange) or 3-6 months (full test) |
Official test only in Swedish?
Practice in English first with AutoviaTest. Learn all the rules and questions before taking the official test.
🇸🇪 Practice Sweden Test in EnglishEligibility by Nationality
🇪🇺 EU/EEA Citizens
EU licenses valid indefinitely in Sweden. No exchange required.
🇺🇸🇬🇧 US/UK Citizens
No exchange agreement. Full test required.
🌍 Other Non-EU Citizens
Must exchange within 1 year of registration. Limited exchange agreements.
🎓 Students
Can use foreign license during studies with valid IDP.
License Exchange Agreements
✅ Direct Exchange (No Test Required)
EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Faroe Islands, Iceland
❌ No Agreement (Full Test Required)
USA, UK, Canada, Australia - must take full tests
Required Documents
- ✓Personnummer
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Original foreign license
- ✓Passport photos
- ✓Application to Transportstyrelsen
Costs Breakdown
| Conversion/Exam Fee | SEK 400 (~€35) |
| Medical Exam | Not required for standard exchange |
| Translation | SEK 500-1,000 (~€45-90) if needed |
| Total Estimated | SEK 700-1,500 (~€63-135) exchange or SEK 15,000-25,000 (~€1,350-2,250) full test |
Tips for Expats in Sweden
- 💡Test is ONLY in Swedish - practice in English with AutoviaTest
- 💡Mandatory risk education (risk 1 + risk 2) required for full test
- 💡Risk 2 includes skid training on a slippery track
- 💡Personnummer required before applying - can take weeks to receive
- 💡EU license holders do not need to exchange - valid indefinitely
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Swedish driving test in English?
What are risk 1 and risk 2?
Can I exchange my US or UK license in Sweden?
How long can I drive in Sweden with my foreign license?
What is a personnummer?
Ready to Practice?
Start practicing for your Sweden driving test in English.