How do you get a driving licence in Sweden as a foreigner?
Who can take a Swedish licence and which steps to follow.
Short answer
Foreigners can take a Swedish B licence if they live in Sweden permanently or have studied here for at least six months, and are 18. The steps are a körkortstillstånd, risk training, a theory test and a driving test, and a holder of a licence from another EEA country cannot be issued a Swedish one.
Why
- According to Transportstyrelsen, the test requirements are a valid körkortstillstånd, permanent residence in Sweden or six months of study here, and no licence from another EEA country.
- According to the Driving Licence Act, permanent residence means living in a place for at least 185 days each calendar year.
- According to Transportstyrelsen, you can take a Swedish licence without a Swedish personnummer if you have an active samordningsnummer.
Details
Trafikverket offers the B theory test in 15 languages, chosen when you book, and risk training has to be done before the tests. Licences from other EEA countries, Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom and the Faroe Islands can be exchanged instead, which is covered in foreign driving licences in Sweden. Schools are listed under driving schools in Stockholm.
Tip
Check the exchange route first if your licence comes from an EEA country, Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom or the Faroe Islands, because it may make a new licence unnecessary.
What may differ
A holder of a foreign EEA licence cannot be issued a Swedish licence under the Driving Licence Act, and without a personnummer you need an active samordningsnummer to apply for the permit.
Common misconception
You need a Swedish personnummer to take a Swedish driving licence.
What actually happens
Transportstyrelsen says it is possible to take a Swedish licence without a personnummer, provided you have an active samordningsnummer.
People also ask
- How can a foreigner get a driving licence in Sweden?
- How do I get a Swedish driving licence?
Sources
- Transportstyrelsen: B, personbil och lätt lastbilChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Frågor och svar, utländska körkortChecked at:
- Riksdagen: Driving Licence Act (1998:488)Checked at:
- Trafikverket: The theory test in another languageChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Riskutbildning för bilChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Transportstyrelsen before you apply.
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