How to Get a Driver's License in Sweden

Sweden allows foreigners from most countries, including the United States, to drive for up to a year with a valid driver's license from the country of citizenship. However, for any stay longer than one year, you must plan to get a Swedish driver's license. Sweden will allow residents of other E.U. countries to trade in their former licenses for a Swedish driver's license, but Americans must start from square one. The process of getting a driver's license in Sweden is more complicated and expensive than in the U.S.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money to pay the fees
• Time to study and take the required tests

1. Apply for a Swedish identity card from the bank or post office. This is the only form of identification that is permitted during the process of obtaining a Swedish driver's license.

2. Visit the Vägverket website and submit an application for a driving permit. This can be printed and mailed in or submitted through the website. You will need to include a health declaration and a vision test that is less than two months old.

3. Pay the fee for your driving permit and begin making your plans to study for the theory test. You may choose to study privately or to take courses at a driving school. Keep in mind that you will need to always drive with an instructor if you do not already hold a valid driving license from another country.

4. Register for your ice driving course, called halkbana in Swedish. You can take this course at several locations around the country; it consists of practicing driving on an icy surface and learning to handle simulated skids. Budget several hours for the course, which tends to be costly.

5. Schedule your testing via the Vägverket website. According to the most recent rules, you will need to take the theory and practical test within the span of two weeks, so be sure that you are confident in both before scheduling either. Your photo will be taken when you check in for the theory exam.

6. Pass the theory and practical tests, then pay the remaining fees for your license to be issued.

Tips & Warnings

• You will still need to take the theory and behind the wheel tests even if you have a valid U.S. driving license.
• Be prepared to pay at least 3000 Swedish crowns during the process.
• If you are not fluent in Swedish, you can obtain the theory book in English and also take your theory test in English but be sure to indicate this at the time of booking.
• Even if you have several years of driving experience, resist the temptation to be overconfident. The Swedish driving license is designed to be difficult to obtain, as Sweden considers this a means of ensuring that drivers on the roads are highly skilled.

Resources

• Vägverket website