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Obtaining a driving licence and driving in Sweden
Last updated: 3/6-2025
To drive a car in Sweden, you must be 18 years of age or over and hold a driving licence that is approved in Sweden. You can learn more here about what you need to do to be permitted to drive a car once you have been granted a residence permit.
Foreign driving licences are valid for one year after you have been registered in the Swedish Population Register
If you have driven on a foreign driving licence while you were an asylum seeker, you must obtain a Swedish driving licence if you want to continue driving after you have been granted a residence permit. You must pass the Swedish driving test within one year of being registered in the Swedish Population Register.
Take the driving test in Sweden
To take the driving test for a B license to drive a passenger car or light lorry, you need to:
- apply for a learner’s permit from the Swedish Transport Agency;
- be a permanent resident of Sweden or have been studying here for at least six months;
- be 18 years of age or over;
- complete a risk course; and
- pass a theory test and a driving test.
You apply to the Swedish Transport Agency for a learner’s permit. The Swedish Transport Administration is responsible for the theory test and driving test.
Your car must be insured
If you own a car, you must have traffic insurance. Contact an insurance company to get traffic insurance. If you drive without insurance, you will have to pay a fine. The fine is much higher than the cost of standard traffic insurance.
You must comply with Swedish road traffic rules
Swedish road traffic rules apply even if you have a foreign driving licence. For example, you must be 18 years of age or over to drive a car in Sweden. You are not permitted to drive if you are under the influence of drink or drugs. If you break the Swedish road traffic rules, the police or the Swedish Transport Agency may take your driving licence away, even if it is a foreign licence. For certain offences, you may also be fined or sent to prison.
Words and terminology explained
Learner’s permit
A learner’s permit is a permit issued by the Swedish Transport Agency that you must have before you can start taking driving lessons. When applying for a learner’s permit, you must complete a health declaration containing questions about whether you have certain illnesses or take certain medication. You must also take an eye test with a licensed optician.
Risk course
The risk course is a training course you must complete before you can take the theory and driving tests. The course will teach you about various risks you will encounter on the road.
