Swedish Driving License

The Swedish driving license (Körkort) is an official document issued by the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen). It authorizes the holder to operate various types of motor vehicles on public roads within Sweden and the European Union. The Swedish driving license adheres to the standardized EU format, ensuring its recognition and validity across EU member states.

Features

1. Standard EU Format:
   • The Swedish driving license follows the European Union standard for driving licenses. It is a plastic card, similar in size to a credit card, featuring advanced security measures to prevent counterfeiting and fraud.
2. Personal Information:
   • The card includes the holder’s personal details such as name, date, and place of birth. It also features a photograph and the licensee’s signature, ensuring easy identification.
3. License Categories:
   • The Swedish driving license categorizes the types of vehicles the holder is authorized to drive. Common categories include A (motorcycles), B (cars), C (trucks), D (buses), and others. Each category has specific eligibility criteria and testing requirements.
4. Validity and Renewal:
   • The validity period of the license depends on the holder’s age and the vehicle category. Generally, a Category B license is valid for 10 years for drivers under 45, 5 years for those aged 45-70, and 2 years for those over 70. Renewal requires a medical examination to ensure the driver remains fit to operate a vehicle.
5. Security Features:
   • The driving license incorporates multiple security features to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. These include holograms, microtext, ultraviolet elements, and a unique serial number.
6. Points System:
   • Sweden employs a points-based system to monitor and penalize traffic violations. Each driver starts with zero points, and points are added for infractions. Accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension or revocation of the license. Good driving behavior can result in the reduction of points over time.
7. Testing and Issuance:
   • Obtaining a Swedish driving license involves passing both a theoretical exam and a practical driving test. The theoretical exam tests knowledge of road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices, while the practical test assesses the applicant’s driving skills on the road.
8. International Recognition:
   • The Swedish driving license is recognized throughout the European Union and in many other countries. This makes it convenient for Swedish drivers to travel and drive internationally without needing additional permits.
9. Digital Integration:
   • Sweden has integrated digital solutions to streamline the application and renewal processes. Many services are available online, reducing the need for in-person visits to licensing offices.
10. Medical Certification:
    • Periodic medical certification is required for the renewal of certain categories of driving licenses, particularly for professional drivers. This ensures that drivers maintain the necessary physical and mental health standards to drive safely.
11. Provisional License:
    • For new drivers, Sweden issues a provisional license, which has certain restrictions and is valid for a limited period. After gaining sufficient driving experience and demonstrating safe driving habits, the driver can apply for a full license.
12. Language Options:
    • The information on the driving license is printed in Swedish and includes key terms in English, facilitating its use and understanding internationally.
13. Contactless Verification:
    • The card supports contactless verification, making it convenient for use in various settings, such as airports and government offices, where quick and secure identity verification is essential.
14. Driver Education:
    • Sweden places a strong emphasis on driver education, requiring extensive theoretical and practical training. This includes a risk education course covering topics such as alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and risky behaviors.