About the theory test

The theory test determines whether you have the knowledge required to be a safe and environmentally conscious driver. You have to pass the theory test before you are allowed to take the practical driving test.

In order to take the theory test you must be a permanent resident of Sweden or have studied in Sweden for at least six months. You must also have completed both parts of the risk course and it must still be valid.

The fee for a theory test is 325 kr. On weekends and after 18:00 on weekdays, the fee is 400 kr.

Preparations

You perform much better after a good night's sleep. In other words, do not stay up the night before to study – if you have studied properly and feel confident in your knowledge of the driver's licence theory, getting a good night's sleep is much more important than studying road signs and traffic rules for a few more hours.

How the test works

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam begins so that you have time to be photographed.
• You must bring a valid identity document with a photo.
• Before the test, you must pledge to not use any unauthorized aids or otherwise cheat on the test.
• Before the test, you will be shown a video that describes how the test is carried out.
• The test is taken on a computer.
• You may borrow a calculator (but you may not bring your own).
• The exam is available translated into 14 different languages.
• You can choose to listen to the questions read in Swedish.
• You can apply to take the test verbally, to get additional test time or to take it with an interpreter or a sign language interpreter
• The test time is 50 minutes. This means that you have just under 43 seconds per question.
• The test consists of 65 questions (plus five trial questions, which are not included in the final result).
• You need to answer 52 of the 65 questions correctly to pass the test. In other words, you need to score 80% to pass the test.
• Your result is shown on the screen immediately after the test.
• Your result is also sent to your email address.

Adapted theory tests

If you have dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or any other disability that requires special support when reading, you can apply to have the test adapted. You can apply to take the following adapted theory tests:

• Theory test with extended test time - You get 75 minutes to complete the test instead of 50 minutes.
• Oral test read out - You take the test in a separate room with a specially trained examiner who reads out the questions and the answers to choose from. You select the answer that you believe is correct on a screen. The test time is 90 minutes.
• Oral assessment test - You take the test in a separate room with a specially trained examiner who asks you the questions, and you answer them in your own words. The test time is 90 minutes.
• Theory test with an interpreter - You take the test in a separate room with a examiner who reads out the questions and the answers to choose from. An interpreter then translates the questions and the answers to choose from into your language. You select the answer that you believe is correct on a screen. The test time is 100 minutes.
• Oral theory test with an interpreter - An oral theory test with an interpreter proceeds in the same manner as the oral tests listed above. The interpreter translates what is being said. The test time is 100 minutes.

Cheating

Trafikverket has a zero-tolerance policy towards cheating. Before the test, you must pledge to not use any unauthorized aids or otherwise cheat on the test.

This is what will happen if you cheat:

• You will be reported to the police for making a false statement (the penalty is fines or imprisonment).
• You will be banned from taking your test for one or two years.
• Your test will be discontinued and declared null and void.
• If you have another test booked, that test will be cancelled.
• You will not be able to book more tests yourself.

Remember that mobile phones must be completely switched off in the test hall.

During the test

When taking the test, it is important to read each question and all the options carefully. The options can be very similar, so it is therefore important that you truly understand the question before answering.

Do not stress, but try to not get stuck on any question for too long either. After all, you only have 43 seconds per question, on average, and you have to answer all questions before the time runs out. If you get stuck on a question, it is better to mark it and return to it later, once you have answered the other questions.

If there is time left when you have answered all the questions, you should review the questions again to ensure that you have not misunderstood something or have chosen the wrong option by mistake.

Knowledge requirements

The theory test determines whether you have the knowledge required to be a safe and environmentally conscious driver. The test assesses your knowledge within five areas:

• Vehicle knowledge and manoeuvring (7 questions)
• Environment (5 questions)
• Traffic safety (16 questions)
• Traffic rules (32 questions)
• Individual conditions (5 questions)

Most incorrectly answered questions on the test are about traffic rules. For example, questions about what road signs and road markings mean, what rules apply at different types of junctions and what rules apply when driving on different types of roads.

Below you can read which topics the different areas cover.

Vehicle knowledge and manoeuvring

The questions can be about the following topics:

• The car's functions and how road conditions affect how it handles.
• What kinds of risks that might arise if the car does not function properly.
• The relationship between driving techniques and the behaviour of the car.

Environment

The questions can be about the following topics:

• How one's choice of transportation type can affect the environment.
• How to drive the car safely and with consideration for the environment.

Traffic safety

The questions can be about the following topics:

• What it means to show good judgement when interacting with other road users.
• How to adjust your speed, placement and general driving in different situations.
• How different road conditions and road environments influence a driver's behaviour and traffic safety.

Traffic rules

The questions can be about the following topics:

• Road signs, road markings, speed, meeting and overtaking other vehicles, loads, passengers and obligations towards other road users.

Individual conditions

The questions can be about the following topics:

• How medication, alcohol, other drugs, stress and fatigue affect a driver's behaviour.
• How driving at different times of the day may affect a driver's behaviour and traffic safety.
• How group pressure might influence a driver's behaviour and traffic safety.

A passed theory test is valid for four months. You must pass the practical driving tests within the four-month validity period. Otherwise, you have to retake both tests.

Your result is shown on the screen immediately after the test. You need to answer 52 of the 65 questions correctly to pass the test

Pass/Fail

Your result is shown on the screen immediately after the test. Your result is also sent to your email address. What happens next depends on whether or not you have passed the test.

Pass

A passed theory test is valid for four months. This means that you must pass the driving test within four months to receive your licence. Otherwise, you will have to retake both tests.

Fail

If you fail the theory test you have to book a new test and try again. It is important that you study more before taking the next test.

If you have already booked a practical driving test you have to cancel or reschedule the test at least 24 hours before the test. If you cancel or reschedule too late, you will still have to pay the test fee.