The driving test, körprov, is the last step to a Swedish licence. Knowing what will happen makes it a lot less stressful. Here is how the test usually goes for a car licence (B).
Before the drive
Arrive in good time. Be at the test centre a little before your time, with a valid ID document. Without approved ID you cannot take the test, and you lose the fee.
The car. You either use Trafikverket's car (manual or automatic, as you chose when booking) or your own. Your own car must meet Trafikverket's requirements; check them well before the test.
The examiner. You meet your examiner (förarprövare), who explains how the test works. You can ask questions at any time.
The safety check
The test often starts with a short safety check (säkerhetskontroll). The examiner asks you to check or explain something about the car: tyres, lights, brakes, fluids or similar. It is short and practical, and easy if you have practised it.
The drive
The drive is a mix of normal traffic and specific tasks. You can expect:
- City and residential streets, with crossings, roundabouts, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Faster roads, where you merge, keep a sensible speed and plan ahead.
- Independent driving. You drive to a destination by following road signs, or a route the examiner describes, without step-by-step directions.
- A manoeuvre, such as parking or reversing.
- Eco-driving: smooth driving that saves fuel and is easy on the car.
Getting a little lost during independent driving is not a fail. What counts is that you drive safely while you sort it out.
What the examiner looks at
The examiner does not count small mistakes. They look at whether you drive safely and in control overall:
- Speed: right for the road and the situation, not only below the limit.
- Placement: where you are on the road, and in lanes and junctions.
- Observation: looking early and far ahead, and checking blind spots.
- Traffic behaviour: giving way correctly and communicating with others.
- Handling: controlling the car smoothly.
The examiner may step in, with words or the dual brake, if a situation becomes dangerous. That usually means you fail, so keep a safety margin.
The result
When you get back, the examiner tells you the result straight away and explains the assessment. If you pass, the licence is ordered for you. If you fail, you get feedback on what to practise, and you book a new test.
Tips for the day
- Drive with your instructor or supervisor in the test area beforehand.
- Sleep well and eat before the test.
- Say what you see and plan if it helps you stay calm. Examiners are used to it.
- Do not try to drive perfectly. Drive safely: that is what passes.
Waiting months for a test date? Drive in Sweden watches Trafikverket for cancelled times at the test centres you choose, and tells you the moment one opens up.