Automatic vs Manual Driving Test in Sweden: Condition 78 Explained
You can take the Swedish category B driving test in an automatic car, but the choice affects what you are allowed to drive afterwards. This guide explains condition 78 and how to upgrade to manual.
Quick answer
If you pass the category B driving test in an automatic-transmission car, your licence normally receives condition 78. That means you may drive automatic cars only. To gain manual entitlement later, you need to pass a new driving test in a manual car and have a new photo taken.
Automatic can reduce the amount of vehicle-control work a new learner has to manage, while manual gives broader driving entitlement after the test. There is no single best choice for everyone. The right choice depends on the cars you expect to drive, your training progress and how comfortable you are controlling a manual car safely in traffic.
Watch: What Does Condition 78 Mean?
This short explains the automatic-only restriction and introduces how a Swedish Category B licence can later be upgraded for manual cars.
Continue below for the full explanation, examples and official-source references.
What is condition 78 on a Swedish driving licence?
Transportstyrelsen uses numerical condition codes to show restrictions on a driving licence. Code 78 means the licence is restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission.
Trafikverket states that if you take the category B driving test in an automatic-transmission car, condition 78 will be placed on the licence. You may then drive automatic cars, but not manual cars.
Reasons some learners choose an automatic test
An automatic car removes clutch control and manual gear selection from the workload. For some learners this makes it easier to focus on observation, speed, positioning, planning and interaction with other road users.
This can be especially useful if manual control is consuming so much attention that traffic observation suffers. But remember that the practical test standard for safety and planning does not become lower because the vehicle is automatic.
Reasons to choose a manual driving test
A manual category B licence gives you more flexibility because it is not restricted by code 78. That can matter if you expect to use a family car, work vehicle, rental vehicle or older car with a manual gearbox.
However, do not choose manual only because it sounds “better.” If gear selection, hill starts and clutch control are still inconsistent, the extra workload can affect the exact skills the examiner is judging.
How to remove condition 78 later
If you already have category B with condition 78 and want manual entitlement, Trafikverket says you need to book and pass a new driving test using a manual car. You also need to have a new photo taken before the test.
Transportstyrelsen states that if the automatic condition is not based on medical reasons, you do not need a new learner’s permit simply to practise privately for removing the automatic restriction. You do, however, still need an approved private supervisor for private practice.
Since 1 August 2026, the old introductory-course requirement for private category B practice has been removed. Read our private driving practice guide for the current supervisor rules.
What to practise before a manual test
- Moving off smoothly without excessive hesitation.
- Hill starts in both uphill and downhill situations.
- Choosing a suitable gear before bends and junctions.
- Changing gear without losing steering control or observation.
- Using engine response without unnecessary high revs.
- Recovering calmly if you select the wrong gear or stall.
Trafikverket notes that an isolated stall can still be compatible with a pass if it does not create danger, but repeated stalling can show insufficient manoeuvring skill.
Automatic or manual: how should you decide?
Ask three practical questions:
- What cars will I realistically need to drive after I pass?
- Does manual control still reduce my attention to traffic?
- Would taking automatic now and upgrading later be more efficient for my situation?
There is no SEO-friendly slogan that can answer this for every learner. A teacher would rather see you pass in a vehicle you can control safely than force a manual test before your traffic skills are ready.
The rest of the driving test is still the same safety assessment
Whether the car is automatic or manual, the category B test still assesses safety check, manoeuvring and driving in traffic. You need to show correct speed adaptation, positioning, observation, risk awareness and independent planning.
Read our complete Swedish driving test guide for the 45-minute test structure and possible tasks.
Related guides and practice
Use these pages to connect the rule to the rest of your Swedish driving-licence preparation.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I take the Swedish driving test in an automatic car?
Your category B licence normally receives condition 78, which restricts you to automatic-transmission cars.
What does code 78 mean on a Swedish driving licence?
Code 78 means that the licence category is restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission.
How do I change from automatic to manual category B?
You need to pass a new practical driving test in a manual car. Trafikverket also requires a new driving-licence photo before the test.
Do I need a new learner’s permit to practise manual if I already have automatic B?
Transportstyrelsen states that no new learner’s permit is needed when practising to remove the automatic condition, as long as the condition is not based on medical reasons. Private practice still requires an approved supervisor.
Is the practical test easier in an automatic car?
The car-control workload can be lower, but the examiner still assesses the same core safety, planning, observation and traffic skills.
Official sources
Rules and test procedures can change. The explanations on this page were reviewed against the official sources below on 30 August 2026.
Choose the test car that lets you drive safely
Automatic or manual, the goal is the same: enough vehicle control that your attention stays on the traffic situation.