Driving licences
D and DE: bus licence
D covers buses of any size; DE adds trailers. Minimum age 24, lower with YKB basic training.
At a glance
- Minimum age
- 24 (lower after YKB basic training)
- You need first
- B (DE: D)
- Compulsory training
- None beyond the tests
What it lets you drive
D: buses of any length and passenger capacity, with a light trailer.
DE: a D bus with one or more trailers.
A truck or bus licence lets you drive the vehicle. To carry goods or passengers professionally you also need the professional driver competence certificate, YKB. Completing YKB basic training can also lower the minimum age for the licence.
Eligibility and prerequisites
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 24 (lower after YKB basic training) |
| Licences you need first | B (DE: D) |
| Residence | Permanently resident in Sweden, or studied here at least six months |
| Medical | A medical certificate from a doctor for higher categories (group 3), at most two months old when you apply. |
| Learner’s permit | Required — group 3. Free; valid five years. |
Start with the learner’s permit. Private practice needs an approved supervisor.
Mandatory training
Theory test
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Questions | 60 multiple choice (5 trial questions do not count) |
| Pass mark | 44 correct out of 55 |
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Validity | One year — pass the driving test within that time |
| Fee | SEK 420 weekdays, SEK 520 evenings after 18 and weekends |
Driving test
Three parts: a safety check, special manoeuvres and driving in traffic for at least 45 minutes. About 75 minutes are set aside for the whole test. An automatic bus may be used.
Documents and booking
Book and pay in Trafikverket’s booking service. Your photo is taken at the test centre before your first test — arrive 30 minutes early. Theory questions can be read aloud only in Swedish; extra time, oral tests or an interpreter can be applied for (support). Driving tests are held in Swedish.
Government fees
| Fee | Weekdays | Evenings after 18 and weekends |
|---|---|---|
| Theory test | SEK 420 | SEK 520 |
| Driving test D | SEK 1,650 | SEK 2,310 |
| Driving test DE | SEK 2,100 | SEK 2,940 |
| Photo at the test | SEK 120 | SEK 120 |
| Producing the licence (Transportstyrelsen) | SEK 375 | SEK 375 |
Validity, failing and retakes
The licence card is valid five years and is renewed with proof that you meet the medical requirements. A passed theory test is valid one year. If you fail only the safety check, the parts you passed stay valid for one year — retake the safety check (SEK 1,000 weekdays, SEK 1,400 evenings and weekends) while your theory test is still valid. One test per day per category.
Your checklist
- If it applies to you
Official sources
Rules and fees change. Always confirm on the official page before you apply or pay. Last checked 14 Oct 2026.
- Trafikverket: Buses (D1, D1E, D, DE)trafikverket.se
- Transportstyrelsen: Driving licence categoriestransportstyrelsen.se
- Transportstyrelsen: Renew your driving licence (Swedish)transportstyrelsen.se
- Transportstyrelsen: Körkortstillstånd (learner’s permit, Swedish)transportstyrelsen.se
- Trafikverket: Prices for tests and photostrafikverket.se
- Trafikverket: Before the test (accepted ID)trafikverket.se
- Transportstyrelsen: Driving licence fees (Swedish)transportstyrelsen.se