As is the spirit with Xpats, I have recently been digging up English language resources to prepare for the Swedish driving test and I thought to share it with everyone. Information can be put into two categories; information on the process of getting the license and papers needed, and then there is a collection of information that is related to preparing to for the test itself. Once you pass your tests and all is completed you will receive your license via mail in 5 working days.
The process:
- In order to be able to get started you need to need to receive a körkortstillstånd which will last for 5 years. This is a document which allows you to be a student of driving. This does not mean that you can just jump into a car and practice driving, but rather that the government has allowed you to enroll in the courses needed to progress. To order to apply for a körkortstillstånd for a standard vehicle follow this link (Swedish) to apply online. If you wear eyeglasses or are hard of hearing you will be required to have a doctor test you and return the information to the authorities.
- If you want to practice driving you can either do with another private person who fulfills the requirements or you can enroll in a school where they will help you prepare for the test.
- If you want a private instructor, you and your instructor my pay to attend a course together. Before you can take the course the mentor must apply to be your mentor. This can be done online here. Contact a driving school for more details once you have this paper in your possession and find out about when you can take the course.
- Private schools should be able to start immediately upon seeing your körkortstillstånd.
- Before you are eligible to sit either the theoretical or practical driving test, you will need to have completed both parts of what is called “Risk Education”. You can take these in either order and more information on them both can be found here. Below is a quick summary.
- Part one is teaches you about the risks of risky driving behavior. This includes everything from driving at excessive speeds to covering the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving. This usually costs about 400 SEK for a 2-3 hour course and is held all driving schools. If you are interested in finding a school in English you should probably contact some of the bigger schools in the city center. Small tip: If you have decent basic Swedish that will be enough to complete the course.
- Part two is by far the more fun part and focuses on how to drive on roads in special weather conditions – this is also known as the “ice-driving test” for good reason. It is also 3 hours long and costs just over 1000 SEK in most places.
- Once you have completed all the practice you need and have completed the risk training you are eligible to take the theoretical test and driving test. Note that as of 2009, you must successfully complete both tests within a 2 month period or you will need to take them both again.
- In order to be able to sign up for the test online you will first need to order a personal pin code from https://fp.vv.se/Aspirantcode/ which they will then mail to you.
- Once you have this code go to http://www.trafikverket.se/Privat/Korkortsprov/Boka-prov-for-korkort/ and use that code information to log in and book your tests. You will be able to book your test in a number of languages including English.
Practice Resources:
There are a few resources online if you want some quick answers but they are in Swedish. Google translate is your friend. If you know of more, please send them over.
- Körkort.se is a good, though Swedish, resource with sample test, lists of driving schools in your area and a forum.
- You can buy the English language version of the driving theory at Bokus here http://www.bokus.com/bok/9789185977130/engelska-korkortsboken-b-korkort/
Additional Resources:
- The government’s English language graphical version of the process found here.
- The Government’s main driving portal – http://www.korkortsportalen.se/
