Swedish driving licence requirements quickly come into focus when you move to Sweden for more than a brief holiday. Whether you hope to swap an existing permit or start the process from square one, the system can look daunting at first, yet it follows a clear and logical structure rooted in Vision Zero, the country’s long-standing road-safety programme that strives for zero fatalities.
This guide breaks the process into plain‑English steps, complete with July 2025 regulations, costs and insider tips. By the end you will know exactly how to exchange your existing licence or earn a fresh Swedish one, and how to stay on the right side of the traffic code once you hit the road.
Who actually needs a Swedish driving licence?
If you become a registered resident (folkbokförd) you may drive on most foreign licences for up to twelve months. After that, you must hold either a Swedish permit or a licence issued by an EU or EEA country.
Tourists and short‑term business visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for their stay, though rental companies sometimes require an International Driving Permit.
Licence categories and minimum ages
Swedish licences follow the EU harmonised categories:
| Category | Vehicle type | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds class I/II | 15 |
| A1 | Light motorcycle up to 125 cc | 16 |
| A2 | Medium motorcycle up to 35 kW | 18 |
| A | Unlimited motorcycle | 24 (or 20 after two years on A2) |
| B | Cars and light vans up to 3 500 kg | 18 |
| B96 / BE | Car plus trailer – weight limits differ | 18 |
Swedish driving licence for heavy-vehicle categories (C, D and sub-types) follow similar EU rules and require a medical certificate.
Swapping a foreign licence for a Swedish driving license
EU / EEA, Switzerland and Japan
You may keep driving on your original permit indefinitely, but many expats swap for convenience and as a photo ID. The exchange process is paperwork‑only.
All other countries
Licences from other nations remain valid for 12 months after gaining Swedish residency. After that you must pass the full Swedish theory and practical tests. No automatic exchange is offered, although you may apply for an exemption if you have special reasons (for example, professional truck drivers).
Paperwork checklist
- Application form – order online (will be sent to your address registered at Skatteverket within 5 working days).
- Your foreign licence in original. It will be sent back to the issuing country and cannot be returned.
- Passport‑style photo – shoot it at Trafikverket (200 kr) or upload a compliant JPEG.
- Health declaration – simple tick‑box form unless you are over 45 or applying for heavy categories.
Swedish driving licence exchange fees in 2025 (the bit everyone asks about!)
| What | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tillverkningsavgift – production of the new Swedish plastic card | 375 kr |
| Optional on‑site photo at Trafikverket | 200 kr |
Total cost for a straightforward exchange is 575 kr (if you use the photo booth). The prövningsavgift is paid first; you will not be invoiced for card production until your application is approved.
Timeline and pro‑tips
Set up Mina Sidor on transportstyrelsen.se so you see status updates in real time. Processing takes 10‑15 working days. Always send your application by registered letter – you are mailing an identity document.
The step-by-step path to a brand-new Swedish driving licence
Learner’s permit (körkortstillstånd)
Think of this as your “green light” to start lessons. You apply online, submit a vision test at any optician (around 200 kr). The permit has been issued free of charge since 2024. Approval usually arrives within a week and is valid for five years.
Mandatory Risk Education
Sweden splits compulsory safety training into two blocks:
- Risk 1 – three hours of classroom discussion on alcohol, drugs and distraction.
- Risk 2 – four hours on a skid-pan where you practice emergency manoeuvres on simulated ice.
Typical combined price: 3 600‑4 000 kr. Certificates remain valid for five years or until you receive the licence, whichever comes first.
The theory test
Taken on a computer at Trafikverket. You face 70 multiple-choice questions (65 scored + 5 trial) and need 52 correct to pass. The test covers traffic rules, vehicle technology, eco-driving and hazard perception. Allow 420 kr per attempt on weekdays, 520 kr evenings/weekends.
The practical test
Bookable only after you have passed theory. A Trafikverket examiner sits beside you for roughly 40 minutes, covering urban streets, rural roads and a motorway section if available. Expect a short safety check under the bonnet and on tyres. The fee is 1 000 kr on weekdays, 1 400 kr evenings/weekends plus 800 SEK if you rent the test car from Trafikverket.
The two‑year probation period
Your shiny new card is provisional for 24 months. Commit a serious offence during that window and the licence is revoked. In that case you must repeat both tests from scratch.
Costs and realistic timeframes in 2025
| What? | Typical cost (SEK) |
|---|---|
| Learner’s permit | 0 |
| Vision test | 200 |
| Risk 1 + Risk 2 | 3 800 |
| Theory test | 420 |
| Practical test (own car) | 1 000 |
| Trafikverket test car | 800 |
| Licence card production | 375 |
| TOTAL (new driver) | 6 595 kr + driving‑school lessons |
Motivated learners with prior driving experience typically budget 12 000‑18 000 kr for Swedish driving licence, including 10‑15 school lessons at around 700 kr each. From first application to licence in hand takes 8‑16 weeks.
Traffic rules every newcomer should know
Extended information about traffic rules and fines you can find in this blog post.
Speed limits
Sweden uses a fine‑grained system from 30 km/h in residential zones to 120 km/h on the safest motorways.
Winter tyres and studded‑tyre dates
- Winter or studded tyres are mandatory 1 December – 31 March when roads are wintry.
- Studded tyres are allowed 1 October – 15 April and forbidden 16 April – 30 September unless winter conditions persist.
Alcohol and drugs
Legal blood‑alcohol limit is 0.02 %. 0.10 % triggers aggravated drunk‑driving charges.
Mobile phone use
Holding a phone while driving has been banned since 2018. Hands‑free is allowed, but any usage that impairs control means a 1 500 kr fine.
Low‑emission and congestion zones
Stockholm and Gothenburg run congestion taxes on weekdays. Several city centres have low‑emission zones restricting older diesels – check local signage.
Fines and licence suspensions
Speeding fines start at 1 500 kr for 1‑10 km/h over a 30 km/h limit and climb sharply. Exceeding any limit by 31 km/h on ordinary roads or 41 km/h on motorways usually triggers a 1‑6‑month suspension.
Handy resources and study tips
- Theory practice – free sample questions at Trafikverket’s website and paid apps like Körkortskolan.
- Language support – the theory test is available in 14 languages including English, Arabic and Persian.
- Mock exams – aim to score 60/65 in practice sessions before booking the real deal.
- Driving schools – look for trafikskola with dual-control cars; package deals often bundle Risk training and exam bookings.
Key takeaways
- Treat your first two years as a grace period – serious mistakes will send you back to square one.
- You can exchange an EU / EEA, Swiss or Japanese licence by mail but it may take up to few months.
- Everyone else must pass both the Swedish theory and driving tests after living in Sweden for 12 months.
- Allow at least 8 weeks and 10 000 SEK from first application to licence in hand.
- Remember the tough 0.02 % alcohol limit, mandatory winter tyres and the ban on handheld phones.
