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Driving licence permit step by step
This article goes through the process for a driving licence permit in Sweden step by step — from the application with the Swedish Transport Agency, health declaration and vision test to the requirements before the theory test and practical driving test. Understanding these steps is important to avoid delays and to ensure that you meet the medical and administrative requirements before you book any tests.
Rules & Regulations
- The application for a driving licence permit is made with the Swedish Transport Agency and is a prerequisite for taking the theory test and the practical driving test.
- In the application you must provide an honest health declaration about illnesses, medication or other conditions that may affect your ability to drive.
- A vision test is required as part of the assessment for the driving licence permit; the Swedish Transport Agency may request supplementary medical certificates if the health declaration or the vision test indicates a need.
- The Swedish Transport Agency makes decisions on driving licence permits and may impose conditions, require follow-ups or reject applications on medical grounds.
- Theory tests and practical driving tests are administered by the Swedish Transport Administration; you must have an approved driving licence permit registered before these tests can be carried out.
- The order is: driving licence permit from the Swedish Transport Agency → risk education (first and second mandatory risk courses) → theory test → practical driving test. The risk education must be completed before you are allowed to take the theory test.
- A basic vision certificate is required for the driving licence permit. If you need glasses or contact lenses to achieve a visual acuity of 0.5, this will be noted as a condition on the driving licence permit, and you will be required to wear them when driving. The certificate is issued by an optician or a doctor.
- The driving licence requirement also applies on private land, with a narrow exception (Chapter 2, Section 10 of the Driving Licence Act) for enclosed railway, factory or racing areas and similar — just a fence around a yard is not sufficient to count as the exception.
Tips for Drivers
- Have a vision test done by an optician or other healthcare provider before applying so you can quickly supplement the application if anything is missing.
- Gather information about your medication and past illnesses before filling in the health declaration — be thorough and honest to avoid delays.
- If the Swedish Transport Agency requests a medical certificate, contact your healthcare provider early to obtain the necessary documentation in time.
- Check that the Swedish Transport Agency has registered and approved your driving licence permit before you book theory or practical driving tests with the Swedish Transport Administration.
- The Swedish Transport Administration recommends booking the theory test and the practical driving test at the same time but spaced a few weeks apart — that way you have time to reschedule if one of the tests is not passed.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming the driving licence permit is granted immediately after applying — cases may require supplementary information or medical assessments.
- Providing incomplete or incorrect information in the health declaration, which can lead to requests for medical certificates or rejection.
- Booking the theory test or practical driving test before the driving licence permit is approved and registered with the responsible testing authority.
Exam Tip
The theory test may include questions about the difference between the Swedish Transport Agency's and the Swedish Transport Administration's responsibilities in the driving licence process; learn which authority issues permits and which one administers tests.
Did You Know?
The application for a driving licence permit is handled by the Swedish Transport Agency while the theory and practical tests are conducted by the Swedish Transport Administration — two different authorities with clearly divided roles in the driving licence process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a driving licence permit?
The application is made with the Swedish Transport Agency and includes, among other things, a health declaration and identity information. Check the Swedish Transport Agency's online services for current instructions and forms.
Do I need to take a vision test and who can perform it?
A vision test is part of the assessment for the driving licence permit. Eye examinations are normally performed by a licensed healthcare professional or an optician, but check the Swedish Transport Agency's information for which certificates are accepted.
What happens if I have an illness or take medication?
You must state this in the health declaration. The Swedish Transport Agency may then require additional information or a medical assessment to determine whether conditions or restrictions are needed.
Can I book the practical driving test before I have received a decision on my driving licence permit?
You should not book the theory or practical driving test before your driving licence permit is approved and registered, because the testing authority requires a valid permit to conduct the test.
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