Private driving lessons (övningskör) in Sweden

Are you eager to learn how to drive and obtain your Swedish driver's license? Practicing driving is the key to gaining valuable experience that will help you become a safe and confident driver. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the importance of practice driving and how it plays a crucial role in your journey to becoming a licensed driver.

This guide is mainly aimed for private driving lessons (övningskörning) but many of the rules and tips also apply when learning how to drive through a driving school.

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About (private) driving lessons, in Sweden

- The significance of driving lessons

Practice driving is not just a requirement; it’s an essential step in your journey towards becoming a proficient and responsible driver. Through practice driving, you acquire practical skills that are vital for operating your vehicle safely and correctly in various traffic conditions. 

- Exposure to various traffic situations

One of the primary benefits of practice driving is the exposure it provides to a wide range of traffic situations. From navigating busy city streets to handling rural roads, practice driving allows you to encounter real-world scenarios that you will encounter as a driver. This exposure helps you develop the ability to make informed decisions and react appropriately in different driving environments.

- Comprehensive training

During your practice drive, you will receive comprehensive training that covers all aspects of driving. This includes starting with the basics, such as shifting gears and driving straight, and gradually progressing to more challenging manoeuvres, such as reversing, driving at night, and making left turns on country roads. Each aspect of your training is crucial in building your driving skills.

-  Becoming better through repetition

The more you practice driving, the better you become at it. Repetition is key to honing your skills and increasing your chances of success during the final driver's license examination. By practicing frequently and consistently, you build confidence in your driving abilities, better understand all traffic rules and become a better driver.

- The importance of consistency

Consistency is vital when it comes to practice driving. It's not enough to practice sporadically; instead, strive for regular and structured practice sessions. Consistency in your practice will help you retain what you've learned and reinforce good driving habits.

- Setting goals

To make the most of your practice driving, consider setting specific goals for each session and/or for instance a block of sessions. This can include mastering a particular maneuver, gaining confidence in high-traffic situations, or improving your night driving skills. Having clear objectives will help you stay motivated and track your progress.

- Don’t shy away from asking for guidance

While practice driving with a qualified instructor or an experienced driver, don't hesitate to seek guidance and ask questions. Learning from someone with expertise can provide valuable insights and correct any mistakes or misconceptions you may have.

- Recording Your Progress

Keep a log of your practice driving sessions, noting the skills you've worked on, the situations you've encountered, and any areas where you need improvement. Tracking your progress can help you identify strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that require more attention.

- The path to getting your Swedish driving licence

Remember that practicing driving is an integral part of your journey towards obtaining your driver's license. The more effort and dedication you put into your practice, the better prepared you will be for the final examination. With consistent practice, you increase your chances of passing and becoming a responsible and safe driver.

In conclusion, practice driving is not just a requirement; it is a fundamental step in becoming a competent driver. Through practice, you gain invaluable experience, learn critical skills, and build the confidence needed to pass your driver's license examination. So, get behind the wheel, practice as much as you can, and embark on the road to becoming a skilled and responsible driver.

Before you start with practicing your driving

- Age requirement

Before you can begin practicing for a B driver's license, you must be at least 16 years old.

- Driver's License Permit

The first step is to apply for a driver's license permit through the Swedish Transport Agency. To be eligible for a driver's license permit, you must be 16 years old. Once approved, the driver's license permit is valid for the next 5 years.

- Supervisor permit

If you plan to practice driving privately, your supervisor must also apply for a supervisor's permit. Requirements for the supervisor are:

     - Be at least 24 years old.

     - Hold an approved driver's license.

     - Attend an introductory course at a traffic school.

     - Hold a valid driver's license from Sweden or another EEA country.

     - Have been authorized for the vehicle you'll practice with for at least 5 of the last 10       years.

- Introduction course

Both you (the student) and your supervisor must undergo introduction course before hitting the road for practice driving.

The introduction course is available at almost all traffic schools and covers objectives of driver's license training, traffic safety factors, and how to plan practice drives.

- Options for practicing driving

You can choose to practice drive privately, at a traffic school, or a combination of both.

Advantages of private practice driving:

     - Cost-effective

     - Flexible scheduling

     - Potential for a lot of training cheaply

Disadvantages of private practice driving:

     - Instructors may not be up-to-date with the latest requirements

     - Instructors may lack knowledge of newer aspects of driving (e.g., ecodriving)

Advantages of driving schools:

   - Instructors at driving schools are well-versed in the latest rules and requirements

   - They can provide valuable tips, advice, and immediate feedback on your driving

   - Correcting errors by expert instructors early can improve your chances of passing the driving test

Combining private practice with lessons at a driving school is often recommended for a comprehensive learning experience.

- Contact a driving school early on

You don't have to wait for years to start lessons at a traffic school. Consider taking 1-2 lessons soon after learning to drive forward without stalling the engine. These early lessons cover essential basics like mirror routines, proper driving position, and efficient, safe braking. Learning these fundamentals early on is highly recommended to build a strong foundation for safe driving during private driving lessons.

To wrap it up: Remember that safe and responsible driving is a skill that requires practice and continuous learning. Combining private practice with professional instruction at a traffic school can help you become a confident and capable driver while ensuring you are well-prepared for your Swedish B driver's license test.

Tips and guidelines for practicing driving

Practice driving is a crucial step toward becoming a safe and confident driver. Whether you're starting with the help of a family member or enrolling in a driving school, there are essential tips and considerations to enhance your learning experience. In this section, we'll provide valuable insights and tips to help you make the most of your practice driving sessions.

- Choose your starting point

Many people begin their driving journey with the guidance of a family member, such as a parent or relative. Others opt for professional instruction by enrolling in a driving school. The choice of where and how to start is entirely yours, but a combination on private driving lessons and through a driving school is recommended.

- Valuable tips for effectively practicing driving

• Take it easy and be patient: Recognize that driving is a skill that develops over time. Be patient with yourself and remember that everyone starts as a beginner. Relax, and your driving skills will improve gradually.
• Start with favourable conditions: When you first get behind the wheel, it's essential to create the best possible learning environment. Avoid driving in adverse weather conditions like snow, heavy rain, or strong winds. Also, minimize distractions by not having extra passengers during initial practice sessions.
• Don't rush: Begin your practice driving in areas with minimal traffic. Once you are comfortable manoeuvring the vehicle, gradually increase the complexity of your driving environment.
• Plan your practice driving: Structure your practice sessions with a well-thought-out plan. Consider obtaining a driving booklet from for instance a traffic school to guide you through all the essential driving skills and elements.
• Think out loud: Verbally explain your actions and decisions while driving. This practice helps your supervisor understand how you think better.
• Combine theory with practice: Start studying for the theory test simultaneously with your practical training. Understanding road signs and traffic rules will complement your practical driving experience.
• Focus on your gaze: Keep your eyes active and extend your scanning area by looking far ahead.
• Make security checks a habit: Before each practice session, perform proper security checks. This routine builds your confidence in handling various elements of driving.
• Continuous practice: As your driving test approaches, increase the frequency of your practice sessions. Consistent practice helps reinforce your skills and prevents forgetting what you've learned.
• Set long-term goals: Don't rush the learning process. 
• Take your own circumstances into account: Avoid overestimating your skills and choose driving conditions that match your abilities. Gradually increase the difficulty as you gain confidence.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can make your practice driving sessions more effective, ensuring you become a skilled and confident driver prepared for various traffic situations. Remember that practice, patience, and a well-thought-out approach are keys to success on your journey to becoming a safe driver.

Rules and requirements for private driving lessons (privat övningskörning)

Before embarking on your practice driving journey, it's essential to understand the rules and requirements that apply to both you and the car during practice sessions. 

- Displaying the practice driving sign

When you and your supervisor engage in practice driving, you must have a visible practice drive sign (ÖVNINGSKÖR) on the car. Place the practice drive sign next to the license plate at the rear of the vehicle. Private practice driving requires a green sign with the text "Practice driving," while traffic schools use a red sign with the same text. You can purchase these signs at most gas stations and some larger grocery stores.

- Car equipment requirements

Besides the obvious requirement of having a three-point seat belt in the car and the practice driving sign, there are no special equipment requirements for the vehicle. It can be advantageous to equip the car with an additional rear-view mirror inside for improved visibility.

- The supervisor's responsibility

The supervisor is considered the responsible driver during practice driving sessions. And the supervisor is responsible for ensuring that traffic rules and speed limits are followed. The car's insurance remains valid and unaffected when you practice drive under the supervision of an approved supervisor.

- Learner’s permit and training

To engage in practice driving, you must hold a valid learner’s permit. If you practice driving privately, your supervisor must have a supervisor's certificate, and you must have attended a training course. Age limits for various types of driver's licenses vary.

- Supervisor approval and training

To become an approved supervisor for private practice driving, both you and your supervisor must attend a three-hour introductory training course. The training covers essential topics such as practice driving rules, planning, road safety, environmentally friendly driving, theory test requirements, and driving assessments. Upon completing the training, you will receive a permit, which is required when applying for supervisor status. 

Understanding these rules and requirements is crucial for a successful practice driving experience. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and responsible learning process as you work toward obtaining your Swedish driver's license. Good luck!