Swedish driving licence for foreigners in Sweden

Swedish Driving Licence for Foreigners in Sweden

If you live in Sweden and want to get a Swedish driving licence, this guide explains the main steps in English: learner’s permit, theory study, risk training, theory test and driving test.

For foreigners, expats and international learners

Study the Swedish driving licence process in English and prepare with explained theory questions before your test.

Can foreigners get a Swedish driving licence?

Yes. Foreigners living in Sweden can apply for a Swedish driving licence if they meet the requirements. For category B, you normally need to apply for a learner’s permit, study the theory, complete required training, pass the theory test and pass the driving test.

Important: If you already have a foreign driving licence, the rules depend on where the licence was issued and your residence status in Sweden.

Main steps to get a Swedish driving licence

1

Apply for a learner’s permit

Before learning to drive, you need a valid learner’s permit. For category B, the application includes health and eyesight requirements.

2

Study Swedish driving theory

Learn road signs, traffic rules, safety, environment, vehicle knowledge and risk awareness in English.

3

Practise driving

You can learn through a driving school or practise privately with an approved accompanying driver if the requirements are met.

4

Complete risk training

Category B learners must complete the required risk training before the final tests.

5

Pass the theory test

The theory test checks traffic rules, safety, road signs, environmental awareness and vehicle responsibility.

6

Pass the driving test

The driving test checks whether you can drive safely, independently and responsibly in Swedish traffic.

Official source: Transportstyrelsen – I’m going to take my driving licence

What if you already have a foreign driving licence?

The rules depend on where your driving licence was issued. EEA and non-EEA licences have different rules. If your foreign licence is no longer valid in Sweden, you may need to go through the Swedish licence process and pass the required tests.

Licence typeGeneral rule
EEA driving licenceUsually treated differently from non-EEA licences. Always check the current official rules for your specific situation.
Non-EEA driving licenceIn general, it stops being valid in Sweden after you have been registered as a resident for more than one year, unless an exemption applies.
Need a Swedish licence?You may need to apply for a Swedish driving licence and pass the required theory and driving tests.

Official source: Transportstyrelsen – I have a driving licence

Can foreigners take the Swedish theory test in English?

Yes. The category B theory test is available in several languages, including English. Studying in English before the test can make the process easier if Swedish is not your strongest language.

Study the rules in English: Learn Swedish traffic theory without language confusion.
Practise questions: Use English practice tests to prepare for the official format.
Review explanations: Understand why the correct answer is safe and legal.
Learn Swedish road signs: Road signs are important for both the theory test and real driving.

Prepare for your Swedish driving licence in English

Engelskakorkort.se helps foreigners in Sweden study theory, practise questions and understand road signs in English.

FAQ: Swedish driving licence for foreigners

Can foreigners get a Swedish driving licence?

Yes. Foreigners living in Sweden can apply for a Swedish driving licence if they meet the requirements.

Do I need a learner’s permit in Sweden?

Yes. Before learning to drive for a Swedish driving licence, you need a valid learner’s permit.

Can I take the Swedish theory test in English?

Yes. The category B theory test is available in English and several other languages.

Can I drive in Sweden with a foreign driving licence?

It depends on where your licence was issued and your residence status in Sweden. EEA and non-EEA licences have different rules.

Where should I start?

Start by checking whether your foreign licence is valid in Sweden. If you need a Swedish licence, study the theory, apply for a learner’s permit and practise for the theory test in English.