Are you new to Sweden or planning to move here, and are you considering getting yourself a car? Although car ownership may look similar in many parts of the world, there are a few things you should know before leaping:
Is our driver’s license valid in Sweden?
First of all, make sure you will be permitted to drive that car of yours. If your driver’s license is issued in an EEA country, you can and should swap it for a Swedish one, a relatively simple process. However, if your driver’s license is from elsewhere, you can only use it for your first year of residency in Sweden. After that, you will need to have a Swedish driver’s license in order to drive legally in the country. This means that you will need to start the process of obtaining a Swedish driver’s license far ahead of your one-year deadline.
If you are an experienced driver, this may seem like a formality only, but many international drivers report that the process is trickier than expected. Not only do you need to learn all of Sweden’s laws and regulations related to driving to pass the theoretical exam, but you also need to show your skills in practice at your practical exam. Unfortunately, what is considered good driving is culturally biased, and you will be examined according to criteria different from what you were in your home country, meaning that you must be able to drive well according to Swedish standards. This can be a frustrating (and expensive) process.
Continuing to drive with your non-EEA license after your first year in Sweden is a legal offence that may have severe consequences. Don’t do that!
Where will you park your vehicle?
If you live in the countryside, parking your car will not be an issue. The same applies if you live in a suburban house with your own parking lot or garage. However, if you, like many Swedes, live in a flat in an urban area, don’t take any parking spot for granted. Many housing associations offer parking facilities for their residents, but not for ALL residents, and you can expect to queue for several years before one becomes available. In the meantime, you may have to rely on street parking, which often involves looking for parking spots not only close to your home but
Where will you store your tyres?
You will need to change your tyres twice a year. Technically speaking, it’s actually your wheels that are changed, and you will have to own two sets of wheels for your cars, one set equipped with summer tyres and one set equipped with winter tyres. These are heavy and bulky!
Again, house owners are the winners here. They usually have enough space for wheels. Flat owners may have limited access to such storage facilities, and it’s common for them to rely on tyre hotels (däckhotell), where each set of wheels spends the season when they are not being used. Such tyre hotels are often tied to garages, where you can also get help with changing the wheels for a fee unless you are handy enough to take care of this yourself.
How confident are you about driving in winter conditions?
Snow, ice, blizzards and semi-eternal darkness are no exceptions in the Nordics. Being able to drive in such conditions is necessary for any car owner in Sweden. If you have only previously driven in a non-Nordic climate, you may want to invest in some winter driving lessons or learn from a generous friend.
Do you really need a car?
Many Swedish cities and towns have a good infrastructure for public transport, cycling, and walking. In fact, driving to work may pose more hassle than getting there through a different mode of transport. Don’t take for granted that you will have the same lifestyle as you had in your current or previous hometown, but explore the context with an open mind.
If you won’t use a car on an everyday basis, you may want to consider other options, such as car-sharing schemes (bilpool in Swedish) or renting a car when you need one for travelling and excursions.
Keen on learning more about driving in Sweden? Our handy guide, Driving in Sweden: The A–Z Guide gives you all the practical and cultural insights you need to stay confident on the road.
