Swedish B-Licence Study Guide
Complete English edition · Chapters 1–30
Road signs are one of the quickest ways to understand what the road expects from you. Do not try to memorise every sign as an isolated picture. First identify the sign family by shape and colour, then read the symbol.
Sign family Typical appearance Meaning Warning signs Yellow triangle with red border A hazard may be ahead Priority signs Mixed shapes Who goes first, who gives way Prohibitory signs Round sign with red border Something is forbidden or limited Mandatory signs Blue round sign You must follow the instruction Information signs Rectangular or special shape Road, direction or service information
Remember: Yellow triangle = warning. Red circle = prohibition. Blue circle = mandatory instruction.
Warning signs
Bend
Sharp bend ahead
Slippery road
Grip may be poor
Children
School or child movement area
Pedestrian crossing
Crossing ahead
Railway crossing
No barriers
Wild animals
Moose/deer may cross
Priority and prohibition signs
Give way
Väjningsplikt
Stop
Stopplikt
Priority road
Huvudled
Speed limit
Do not exceed this speed
No parking
You may stop briefly for loading/passengers
No stopping
Do not stop except emergency
Often tested: The difference between no parking and no stopping is very common. No stopping is stricter.
Mandatory and information signs
Turn right
You must go right
Go straight
You must continue straight
Roundabout
Roundabout ahead
Parking
Parking is allowed
Motorway
Motorväg begins
Quick recap: Read signs in three steps: shape, colour, then symbol.
When several rules seem to apply at the same time, you need to know which one comes first. This is a key part of safe Swedish driving.
Priority Follow first Comment 1 Police or traffic controller Highest priority 2 Traffic lights Red, amber, green 3 Road signs For example Stopplikt or Väjningsplikt 4 Road markings Stop line, arrows, lane markings 5 General rules For example the right-hand rule
The right-hand rule (Högerregeln)
At an unmarked junction, give way to traffic coming from your right.
At an unmarked junction, traffic from the right has priority.
Often tested: The hierarchy is tested often: police → traffic lights → road signs → road markings → general rules.
Speed limits
Road type Typical speed limit Built-up area (tätort) Usually 50 km/h, often 30 or 40 near schools/residential areas Country road Usually 70–80 km/h Clearway Often 90 km/h Motorway Usually 110–120 km/h
Remember: The road type gives a clue, but the posted sign always decides.
Good positioning means more than staying inside your lane. It means using the correct lane, leaving space, and planning lane changes early.
Lane use depends on position, speed and surrounding traffic.
Main rule
Keep to the right. On roads with several lanes, use the right lane unless overtaking or preparing for a turn.
Changing lanes
Check mirrors Check the blind spot Signal clearly Move smoothly when safe Often tested: Never rely only on mirrors. A vehicle can be in your blind spot.
Special lanes
Bus lane begins
Do not use unless permitted
Bus lane ends
Special bus lane ends
Cycle/moped path
Not for ordinary cars
Pedestrian path
For pedestrians
Narrow roads
Road narrows
Less space ahead
Passing place
Space for meeting on narrow roads
Priority decides who goes first and who must give way. Even when you have priority, drive defensively.
Unmarked junctions
At an unmarked junction, give way to traffic from your right.
Marked junctions
Give way
Let other traffic pass first
Stop
Stop completely
Priority road
You are on the priority road
Often tested: Give way does not always mean full stop. Stop sign always means full stop.
Roundabouts
When entering a roundabout, give way to traffic already inside.
Traffic lights and pedestrians
Traffic lights take priority over general rules. If you turn while pedestrians have green, you must give way to them.
Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable. Your speed and observation must reflect that.
Slow down near pedestrian crossings and check both sides.
Pedestrian crossing
Crossing ahead
Guarded crossing
If pedestrians have green, give way, even if you also have green for turning.
Unguarded crossing
If a pedestrian is on or about to enter the crossing, slow down and give way.
Cycle passages
Cyclists can arrive quickly. Slow down before crossing a cycle path or cycle passage.
Often tested: Turning drivers often forget the crossing after the turn. This is a common visual test situation.
At Swedish roundabouts, traffic already in the roundabout normally has priority because entering traffic has a give-way sign.
Slow down before entering and check traffic already in the roundabout.
Entering
Slow down Check traffic already inside Give way Enter when safe Inside the roundabout
Follow lane markings. Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
Exiting
Signal right before leaving. Check pedestrians and cyclists at the exit.
Often tested: Traffic inside the roundabout has priority over entering traffic.
Stopping is brief. Parking means leaving the vehicle for longer. The difference matters in Swedish road signs.
Places where stopping/parking is normally forbidden
Place Rule Near crossings, junctions and cycle crossings Do not block visibility In front of driveways or entrances Do not block access Near bus stops, signals or blind bends Avoid obstruction and risk
No parking vs no stopping
No parking
Brief stop for passengers/loading may be allowed
No stopping
Do not stop except emergency
On slopes, prevent the car from rolling away.
Often tested: No parking vs no stopping and parking on slopes are commonly tested.
Country roads are often narrow, darker and more exposed to wildlife. A posted speed of 70–80 km/h does not mean it is always safe to drive that fast.
Wild animals
Moose/deer may cross
Road narrows
Less space ahead
Slippery road
Grip may be reduced
On dark country roads, oncoming headlights can create glare.
Main hazards
Wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk Blind bends and limited visibility Loose gravel Black ice on bridges and shaded areas Often tested: If a moose/deer appears, controlled braking is usually safer than sudden swerving.
Motorways have high speeds, so discipline and planning matter. Do not stop except in emergencies.
Motorway
Usually 110–120 km/h
End of motorway
Rules and speed may change
Clearway
Fast priority road
Main rules
Keep right Use the left lane for overtaking Return right after overtaking Do not stop except emergencies Often tested: The left lane is not a permanent fast lane. Return to the right when safe.
Overtaking is always a higher-risk manoeuvre. “Possible” does not automatically mean “safe”.
Before overtaking, check ahead, behind and oncoming traffic.
Do not overtake when
No overtaking
Overtaking is forbidden
Roadworks
Extra caution
Approaching a bend or crest Near a railway crossing Visibility is poor A solid line or sign forbids it Often tested: Before overtaking, check mirrors, blind spot, oncoming traffic and enough clear distance ahead.
Trains cannot stop quickly. Never gamble at a railway crossing.
Crossing with barriers
Watch lights and barriers
Crossing without barriers
You must check carefully
With lights/barriers
Flashing red lights or lowered barriers mean stop. Cross only when the lights stop and the barriers are fully up.
Without barriers
Slow down, look both ways, listen and stop if uncertain.
Often tested: Never enter a railway crossing unless you are sure there is space on the other side.
Some streets require very low speed and extra care because pedestrians or children have a stronger presence.
Pedestrian area
Pedestrians first
Built-up area
More local hazards
Children
School/play area
Built-up areas can contain many hazards at once.
Often tested: Walking pace, pedestrian area and children zones are common judgement questions.
Swedish winter driving requires more distance, smoother inputs and better preparation.
On snow or ice, increase following distance and reduce speed.
Black ice can be hard to see and severely reduces grip.
Winter tyres
Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 31 March when winter conditions apply. Tread depth and tyre condition matter.
Often tested: Winter tyre dates, black ice and increased braking distance are very common topics.
New drivers often overestimate ability and underestimate risk. Safe driving skill develops over time and experience.
Why new drivers are at higher risk
Less experience Weaker speed/distance judgement More mistakes under pressure Peer pressure from passengers How to reduce risk
Avoid overconfidence Leave with extra time Drive defensively Assume others may make mistakes Often tested: Risk awareness questions often focus on attitude, experience and peer pressure.
Even small amounts of alcohol reduce judgement, reaction time and vision. The safest rule is simple: if you drink, do not drive.
Sweden has a low alcohol limit. The safe decision is not to drive after drinking.
Effects
Slower reaction time Worse distance judgement False confidence Reduced coordination and vision Drugs and medication
Cannabis, cocaine, some painkillers, antihistamines and sedatives can make driving illegal or unsafe.
Often tested: The safest answer is usually: do not drive after alcohol or drugs.
Driving tired can be as dangerous as driving after alcohol. Microsleep can remove control for several seconds.
Tiredness builds gradually, so many drivers notice it too late.
Warning signs
Yawning Heavy eyes Drifting in the lane Poor concentration Not remembering the last few kilometres What to do
Take breaks every two hours Use a 15–20 minute nap if very tired Be extra careful from 02:00–06:00 Caffeine is temporary, not a substitute for sleep Often tested: Opening a window or turning music up is not a real cure for tiredness. Rest is.
Driving depends heavily on vision: signs, pedestrians, distance, light and movement.
At night, oncoming headlights can cause glare.
Common problems
Difficulty seeing far or near Astigmatism Glare at night Reduced peripheral vision Good habits
Use glasses/contacts if required Keep windows clean Reduce speed at night Check your vision if in doubt Often tested: Night vision, glare and peripheral vision are common visual test topics.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists have little protection. Your margin must be larger around them.
Leave enough lateral distance when passing cyclists.
Be extra careful at crossings, bus stops, schools and residential areas Cyclists can swerve suddenly Motorcyclists can be hard to see and approach quickly Often tested: Passing a cyclist too closely is unsafe and will be judged as a serious risk.
Children often cannot judge speed and distance correctly. Drive differently near them.
Children
School or child movement area
Pedestrian crossing
Children may step out suddenly
High-risk places
Schools Playgrounds Residential streets Behind parked cars Often tested: When you see children, the safest answer is usually: slow down and expect sudden movement.
After a crash, first secure people and the scene. Then call emergency services and help as much as you can.
After an accident
Secure your own safety Stop safely Place the warning triangle Call 112 Help injured people Basic first aid
Unconscious but breathing: recovery position Not breathing: CPR Severe bleeding: firm pressure Shock: lie down, keep warm, reassure Often tested: The priority is: danger, alarm, help. Secure safety, call emergency services, then assist.
A B-licence allows you to drive ordinary cars within defined weight and passenger limits. Know the basic categories.
Category Vehicle Typical age AM Moped 16+ A1 / A Motorcycle Depends on category B Car 18+ B+E Car + trailer Extra entitlement
Often tested: B-licence weight limits and trailer rules are common factual questions.
Total stopping distance = reaction distance + braking distance. This matters for safe following distance.
On wet roads, braking distance can be much longer than on dry roads.
Reaction distance
The distance travelled from noticing danger until you start braking.
Braking distance
The distance travelled after braking starts until the car stops.
Often tested: Reaction distance and braking distance are different. Do not mix them up.
Tyres are the only contact between the car and the road. Poor tyres reduce grip, braking and steering control.
Low tread depth reduces water evacuation and grip.
Marking Meaning 225/60 R17 Width, profile, radial, rim size 103V Load index and speed rating M+S Mud and snow marking
Often tested: Tread depth, winter tyres and tyre pressure are frequently tested.
Steering and brakes are core safety systems. If they feel wrong, the car needs attention.
Do not jerk the steering wheel With ABS, brake firmly and keep steering control A soft brake pedal can indicate a problem If the car pulls to one side, have it checked Often tested: With ABS, do not pump the brakes. Keep firm pressure and steer.
Seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones and stability systems reduce injury, but seatbelts remain the most important basic protection.
All occupants must wear seatbelts Small children are safest rear-facing Head restraints reduce whiplash injury Often tested: Rear-facing child seats are the safest option for small children.
Overloading, loose loads or an unsuitable trailer can make the car unstable.
When towing, braking, turning and overtaking all require more margin.
Place heavy items low and forward Secure all loads Reduce speed when towing If the trailer starts swaying, avoid sudden steering Often tested: Unsecured loads can become dangerous during heavy braking.
Maintenance is part of safe and legal driving, not just car ownership.
Ignoring warning lights can lead to major damage.
Check lights Check wipers and washer fluid Check tyre pressure and tread Check oil, coolant, battery and brake fluid before long trips Often tested: Warning lights must not be ignored. You may be asked to identify symbols and correct actions.
Eco-driving saves fuel and reduces wear, but it also makes driving smoother and safer.
Anticipating traffic reduces braking, fuel use and stress.
Accelerate smoothly Look far ahead Avoid unnecessary braking Keep correct tyre pressure Remove unnecessary weight Often tested: Eco-driving is mostly about anticipation, smoothness and avoiding unnecessary braking.
Cars affect the environment through CO₂, NOx, particulates and energy use.
Fuel Typical impact Petrol CO₂ emissions and conventional use Diesel Efficient per kilometre but may produce more NOx and particulates E85 Renewable component, but total impact depends on production Electric No tailpipe emissions, but electricity and battery production matter
Often tested: CO₂, NOx and particulates have different environmental effects.
Good trip planning makes driving safer, calmer and more efficient, especially on long journeys.
Before leaving
Check weather and road conditions Plan the route Check lights, tyres, fluids and battery Bring licence and required documents Charge the phone and carry warning triangle/reflective vest On the road
Take regular breaks Stop if tired Carry water, food and medication if needed Use navigation but still read road signs Often tested: Long-trip questions often focus on vehicle checks, weather, breaks and fatigue.
Final point: Good planning reduces accidents, saves time and makes the trip calmer.
These Swedish terms appear often in theory-test material and road-sign explanations.
Väjningsplikt Give way obligation
Stopplikt Stop obligation; complete stop required
Högerregeln Right-hand rule
Rondell / Cirkulationsplats Roundabout
Övergångsställe Pedestrian crossing
Mötande trafik Oncoming traffic
Mötesplats Passing place on a narrow road
Parkeringsförbud No parking
Stannandeförbud No stopping
Varningsmärke Warning sign
Påbudsmärke Mandatory sign
Förbudsmärke Prohibitory sign
Tilläggstavla Supplementary sign plate
Reaktionssträcka Reaction distance
Bromssträcka Braking distance
Exit
