Swedish driving licence: The driving (or ‘practical’) test 

In order to get a Swedish B driving licence you have to pass both a theory test (or ’knowledge test’) and a driving test (also know as the ’practical test’). First you must have succesfully underwent the risk training (both part 1 and part 2). This is a requirement to do the theory test. And only after you passed the theory test, you may do the driving test.

Both tests are conducted by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). The theory test costs 325 sek (400 after 6pm and in weekends) and the driving test costs 800 sek (1040 after 6pm and in weekends).

The theory test is valid for 4 months after passing, if you do not pass the driving test within this time then you have to do the theory test again.

In this article we explore the driving (practical) test for your Swedish driving licence.

The driving test

Once you have completed the risk training and the theory test, and your driving skills are well development, it’s time for the actual driving test (or ’practical test’).

Normally you and your driving instructor together will asses whether or not you’re ready. In that case, most common is that you book the driving test through the driving school. While also planning a driving lesson just before the driving test, as a warm-up. In that case you can probably use the car you drove in to do the driving test.

If you practice driving and/or book the driving test on your own and need a car for the test, then you can also rent a car at the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).

The driving test takes at least 25 minutes and you will be tested in both urban driving and driving on the country side. Here is an comprehensive overview of 30 aspects that are likely to be assessed during the driving test;

1. Security check

Before starting your driving test, you'll need to perform a safety check on the car. The test examiner will provide instructions on what to check, which may be for instance: The wheels and/or tires, the washer fluid or coolant, the brakes.

If you notice any issues during the check, you must be prepared to suggest corrective actions. Don't hesitate to ask the driving examiner for assistance if there are tasks you can't perform on your own. After this you get in the car and you adjust your seat, the headrest, the steering wheel, and mirrors. And off course put on your seat belt.

2. Driving in road and city traffic

Your driving test will cover both highway and city traffic. The examiner will provide instructions on where to drive. He or she will evaluate:

- You speed adjustment

- Your positioning on the lane/road

- Your attention and risk awareness

3. Effective braking

You must demonstrate effective braking by stopping the car in the shortest distance possible. The examiner will provide instructions for this, and the speed at which you brake will depend on the current road conditions.

4. Parking

You'll be required to park in various scenarios, such as on parking spaces or on a parking space on the side of the road. You shall notify the examiner when you've finished parking.

5. Reversing

Reversing is also part of the test, with clear instructions from the examiner on where and how far to reverse. Knowing how to plan a proper reverse is crucial.

6. Starting on a slope

You should be able to start on both uphill and downhill slopes from a standstill position.

7. Turning

The examiner may ask you to perform specific turns during the test. You'll need to turn at either a designated place by the examiner or make a choice yourself about the turning location.

8. Starting from the roadside

Starting driving from the side of the road may also be a requirement during the test.

9. Using the car’s controls

You must demonstrate your ability to use and change the car's controls while driving, especially in response to changing weather conditions. Like for instance proper use of the windshield blades during rain.

10. Unprotected road users

You must show that you can adapt your driving when passing unprotected road users, like cyclists or children playing near the road. It’s important to show that you understand the potential risks and know how to adapt your driving accordingly.

11. Driving in lanes

In situations with multiple lanes you may end up in a situation where you need to select a lane and show that you can interact with other road users and maintain appropriate following distances.

12. Lane change

Changing lanes will be assessed by the examiner, probably several times. Here the following elements are important;

- proper interaction with other road users

- proper planning you driving and changing of lanes

- signaling in time to other road uses what your intentions are

- maintaining proper distances to other vehicles

13. Street crossing

During the test you'll most likely encounter various types of intersections all with different traffic rules and visibility conditions. Adapt your speed and interact effectively with other road users.

14. Intersections with traffic lights

When encountering intersections with traffic lights, show your ability to adjust your driving, anticipate events, and proper respond to signal changes (for instance when the turns are about to turn green, or when approaching a traffic light that is about to change to red).

15. Roundabouts

You need to be able to navigate roundabouts properly and effectively, this often means effectively interaction with other road users and clearly signaling your intentions, while also complying to all traffic rules.

16. Passing stationary vehicles

Adjust your speed and anticipate events when passing stationary vehicles, such as buses or parked cars. Here it’s important to have a proper distance and speed according to the situation, while showing to the examiner that you’re aware of your surroundings.

17. Driving in urban areas

The test includes driving in urban areas with different speed limits and traffic conditions.

18. Independent driving towards a destination

You may be asked by the examinor to drive to a specific destination. This can be a destination that you know how to reach, or a destination that is shown on a road sign. Your task is then to drive towards that destination by choosing your own path or following the given signs. If you happen to drive the wrong way then either you can correct the course yourself, or the examiner can instruct on how to drive. In both cases it should be fine to turn around if necessary, off course where turning is allowed.

19. Driving in road work wreas

Understanding and adapting to roadwork conditions is very important, since roadwork is very common. Roadworks are marked with temporary road signs/markings, and it’s important that you properly assess the situation and potential risks.

20. Railroad crossing

You may encounter a railway or tramway crossings during the test.

21. Narrow and winding roads

Driving on narrow, winding roads with varying speed limits, including dirt and paved surfaces.

22. Motorway driving

The test may include driving on high-speed motorways with speed limits up to 120 km/h.

23. Entrance to country roads

Entering country roads with different speed limits, this requires careful planning, and you should be able to for instance;

- adapt your speed

- knowing where to position your car

- be aware of the surroundings and traffic situation

24. Exiting a country road

Exiting country roads requires planning, like for instance;

- speed adjustment

- positioning your car

- signaling before exiting

- using the hard shoulder when necessary and allowed

25. Driving on country roads

This entails various types of country roads with different speed limits, this will likely be part of the test.

26. Overtaking

When you overtake other vehicles the examiner will assess you based on your choices, maneuvers, and signaling.

27. Oncoming vehicles

It can happen during the test that you meet oncoming traffic, where you should act a certain way and/or mutual adaption is required. It’s important to show that you can evaluate the risk of oncoming traffic and take appropriate action when necessary.

28. Impaired visibility and darkness

This entails adapting to challenging visibility conditions such as darkness, fog, heavy rain, and low sun making it hard to see.

29. Dangerous road conditions

Here it’s important that you know how to adjust your driving to slippery conditions caused by snow, ice, wet roads, mud, or asphalt made slippery by warmth.

30. Situational questions

Be aware that you should be prepared to answer situational questions related to scenarios that may arise during the driving test.

Do note that not all these elements will be tested during the driving test but you should be well prepared for all of them. Also, although all these element are numbered from 1 to 30 here, during the test they are most likely not to be assessed in a specific order. However, the security check will always be done before driving.

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for obtaining a Swedish B driving license?

To obtain a Swedish B driving license, you must pass both a theory test (knowledge test) and a driving test (practical test). Before taking the theory test, you must successfully complete the risk training, which consists of both part 1 and part 2.

Who conducts the theory and driving tests for the Swedish B driving license?

Both the theory test and the driving test for the Swedish B driving license are conducted by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket).

How much does the theory test cost for the Swedish B driving license?

The theory test for the Swedish B driving license costs 325 SEK. However, if you take the test after 6 pm or on weekends, the fee increases to 400 SEK.

What is the cost of the driving test for the Swedish B driving license?

The driving test for the Swedish B driving license costs 800 SEK. If you schedule the test after 6 pm or on weekends, the fee is higher, totaling 1040 SEK.

How long is the theory test valid after passing it?

The theory test for the Swedish B driving license is valid for 4 months after passing. If you do not pass the driving test within this 4-month period, you will be required to retake the theory test.

What is the process for being allowed to do a driving test in Sweden?

The process for taking a driving test in Sweden involves completing the risk training consisiting of two parts and a theory test before proceeding to the practical driving test.

How do I know if I'm ready for the driving test in Sweden?

Typically, you and your driving instructor will assess your readiness for the driving test. If you both agree that you're prepared, the common procedure is to book the test through your driving school.

What is the most common way to book a driving test in Sweden?

The most common way to book a driving test in Sweden is through your driving school. Your driving school will often help you plan a driving lesson just before the test as a warm-up.

Can I use the same car I practiced with for the driving test in Sweden?

Yes, if you've been practicing with a car and have booked the test through your driving school, you can typically use the same car for the driving test.

What if I want to practice and book the driving test on my own in Sweden?

If you choose to practice and book the driving test by yourself (so not through a driving school), and you need a car for the test, you can rent one from the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).

How long does the driving test in Sweden typically last?

The driving test in Sweden takes at least 25 minutes. During this time, you will be tested in both urban driving and driving on the countryside.