Driving in Sweden with a US license: IDP, exchange and the test

The rules for Americans driving in Sweden are set by the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen). It is the central agency for driving licences and shares the work with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket), which runs the test centres. The short version: a valid US licence works in Sweden for a limited time, it cannot be exchanged for a Swedish licence, and once you have been registered here for more than a year you need a Swedish licence. This guide sets out each step from Transportstyrelsen's own pages.

When a US licence is valid in Sweden

The United States is outside the EEA, so the non-EEA rules apply. A non-EEA licence is valid in Sweden when all of these are met:

• it is valid in the country that issued it;
• it has not been exchanged for a Swedish licence;
• you have not been a registered resident in Sweden for more than one year.

The exceptions to the one-year limit are licences from the UK and the Faroe Islands. US licences are not among them.

### Translation and photo rules

Some countries' licences are not designed to the international road traffic conventions (Geneva 1949 or Vienna 1968). If a licence follows neither convention and is not in English, German or French, it is only valid with a certified translation into English, German, French, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian. A US licence is in English, so this translation rule does not apply. If a licence has no photograph, it is only valid together with a photo ID.

### Visitors and the coordination number

The one-year clock counts from the date you were registered as resident in Sweden. Transportstyrelsen states that someone with only a coordination number is not yet a registered resident, so they may still use their foreign licence. Visitors who are not registered are not caught by the one-year limit.

Exchange is not possible for US licences

Transportstyrelsen states that only licences from the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland and Japan may, under certain circumstances, be exchanged for a Swedish one. A US licence cannot be swapped. Residents staying long term have to earn a Swedish licence through the normal process.

The one-year exemption

If you plan to stay for a limited period but more than a year, you can apply to Transportstyrelsen for an exemption so that your foreign licence stays valid longer.

### Who can get one

The agency looks at the purpose of your stay and how long you will be in Sweden. Examples it gives are temporary study and a time-limited job. It also has questions for people accompanying someone who studies or works temporarily in Sweden.

### What the agency will not accept

• A residence permit or work permit does not guarantee an exemption.
• Difficulty getting a driving test appointment is not a ground for one.
• An exemption is only granted when it involves no risk to road safety.

The exemption page lists what students, workers and accompanying family need to include, where to send the application, and when to apply.

Getting a Swedish licence

### Who can be issued one

Transportstyrelsen issues a driving licence only to people who:

• have a learner's permit;
• are permanent residents of Sweden or have been studying here for at least six months;
• meet the age requirement, for example 18 for category B (cars);
• have passed the theory and practical tests.

You must not hold a licence issued in another EEA country, because those are exchanged instead.

### Step 1: the learner's permit

Everyone needs a learner's permit before learning to drive, whatever the category. For category B you apply with a health declaration and an eye test certificate. The agency issues the permit if you are judged a suitable driver based on personal and medical circumstances. A learner's permit is valid for five years and cannot be extended. Transportstyrelsen provides an English translation of the "Declaration of Health" form text.

### Step 2: practice

You can learn with a driving school or practise privately. Private practice for category B needs an approved accompanying driver, and both you and that driver must have attended an introduction course. The accompanying driver must carry their approval certificate, and the green and white ÖVNINGSKÖR sign must be visible at the back of the car.

### Step 3: the risk course

Category B tests require a completed risk course in two parts:

• Part 1 covers alcohol, other drugs, fatigue and other high-risk behaviour.
• Part 2 covers speed, safety and driving in certain conditions.

The course is valid for five years, or until your licence is issued.

### Step 4: the tests

You take the theory and practical tests at a Trafikverket test centre. The examiner tells you right after the test whether you passed. The licence arrives by recorded delivery and must be collected in person with valid ID. Until it arrives, carry a passport or ID card when you drive. A Swedish licence is also a valid form of identification.

### Licence categories and conditions

The Swedish licence shows which vehicle categories you may drive, using the letters AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE. Age limits differ by category: 18 for A2, B, BE, C1 and C1E, 21 for C, CE, D1 and D1E, and 24 for D and DE. The higher categories need a medical certificate rather than a health declaration.

Transportstyrelsen can attach conditions to a licence, shown as numerical codes. Examples it gives are 01.06 for glasses or contact lenses and 78 for a licence restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission. If you have already passed a category B test, you can take a practical test for category B extended (B96) without a new learner's permit.

After you have a Swedish licence

Categories A and B must be renewed no later than ten years after issue. Transportstyrelsen mails a renewal document to your registered address in Sweden; if you have not received it about a month before expiry, apply yourself. The production fee for a new card is SEK 375. Lost or damaged licences must be reported and replaced.

Winter tyre rules

From 1 December to 31 March, cars, campers, light trucks and light buses up to 3.5 tonnes must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment when there are winter conditions on the road. Winter conditions mean snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road, and the Police decide whether they apply. The tread must be at least 3 mm in those conditions. Studded tyres are allowed from 1 October to 15 April, and at other times when winter conditions apply or are expected. These rules also apply to foreign-registered vehicles.

Common questions

Can I drive in Sweden on my US licence? Yes, while it is valid and you have not been a registered resident for more than one year.

Can I exchange my US licence for a Swedish one? No. Only licences from the UK, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland and Japan may be exchanged under certain circumstances.

Can I keep using my US licence after a year? Only with an exemption from Transportstyrelsen, which it may grant for a time-limited stay such as temporary study or a fixed-term job.

Does a coordination number start the one-year clock? No. Transportstyrelsen says a person with a coordination number is not yet a registered resident.