Driving licences in Sweden

Last updated: 15/1-2024

You have to have turned 18 and have a driving licence that is approved in Sweden in order to drive a car here.

A car with a Learner sign.

If you have a foreign driving licence

A foreign driving licence may be valid in Sweden depending on which country it was issued in. You can contact the Swedish Transport Agency to find out if your driving licence is valid in Sweden.

You are allowed to drive a car in Sweden during the time you are an asylum seeker if you have a valid driving licence from another country. In order to be allowed to continue driving after you have registered as resident in Sweden, you have to get a Swedish driving licence, or exchange your foreign driving licence for a Swedish one, within one year. If you have a driving licence from an EEA country, the United Kingdom or the Faroe Islands you don’t need to exchange it for a Swedish driving licence.

Swedish traffic regulations

Swedish traffic regulations apply even if you have a foreign driving licence. For example, you have to have turned 18 years of age to be allowed to drive a car in Sweden. You are not allowed to drive a car when you have drunk alcohol or taken drugs. If you violate Swedish traffic regulations, the police or the Swedish Transport Agency can take away your driving licence even if it is a foreign licence. The penalty for some traffic violations may include fines or prison.

Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Swedish licence

If you have a driving licence from an EEA country, Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom or the Faroe Islands, you can exchange your foreign licence for a Swedish one if you are a permanent resident in Sweden.

If you have a driving licence from another country outside of the EEA, you cannot exchange it for a Swedish licence.

The EEA countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Getting a driving licence in Sweden

In order to get a Swedish driving licence for passenger cars and light trucks (a category B licence), you have to:

  • have turned 18 years of age
  • have an address in Sweden
  • have a valid permit for driving practice and taking a driving test
  • pass the written and the driving test

You apply for a permit with the Swedish Transport Agency. The written test and driving test are arranged by the Swedish Transport Administration.