What does probationary period mean? How long is the probationary period?

What applies during the probation period for your driver's license?

The probation period applies to all new driver's license holders in Sweden. During this period, your license can be revoked under the same conditions as for any driver. However, if your license is revoked, you must complete the entire driver's education process again, including the theory test, driving test, and, in some cases, risk training courses.

How long is the probation period, and which licenses are affected?

For category B (car), A1, A2, and A (motorcycle) licenses, the probation period is two years.

For an AM license (moped class I), the probation period is one year. This rule was introduced on June 1, 2024.

The probation period only applies the first time you obtain a driver's license category. If you have already held a B-license for two years and later obtain a new category, such as an A (motorcycle) license, you will not get a new probation period.

Learn more about obtaining different license categories here.

What happens if your license is revoked during the probation period?

If your license is revoked during the probation period, you must:

• Apply for a new learner’s permit from the Swedish Transport Agency.
• Complete the entire driver's education process again, including the theory and driving tests.
• For categories requiring risk training (A1, A2, A, and B), you must retake these courses before taking the tests again.

If your license is revoked after the probation period has expired, the normal rules apply, meaning you may, in some cases, get your license back without having to redo the entire education process.

Learn more about learner’s permits here.

Common misconceptions about the probation period

There are many myths and misunderstandings about the probation period. Here are some of the most common ones:

• The probation period is longer than two years for some licenses – No, the probation period is always two years for most licenses and one year for AM licenses.
• You get a new probation period when you obtain a new category – No, if you have already held a driver's license for two years, you do not get a new probation period when obtaining a new category. However, if you obtain a new category during your probation period, the remaining probation period also applies to the new license.
• It is easier to lose your license during the probation period – No, the rules for license revocation are the same for all drivers. The difference is that if your license is revoked during the probation period, you must redo the entire driver's education process.

Examples of how the probation period works

If you have had an AM license for over a year and then obtain a B-license, you get a new two-year probation period for the B-license.

If you have had a B-license for two years and then obtain an A-license, you do not get a new probation period, as the probation period for B has already expired.

If you have had a B-license for one year and then obtain an A-license, the remaining one-year probation period applies to the A-license.

Summary

• The probation period lasts two years for most licenses and one year for AM licenses.
• If your license is revoked during the probation period, you must redo the entire driver’s education process.
• If you already held a license for two years and obtain a new category, you do not get a new probation period.
• The probation period does not mean stricter rules – all drivers follow the same traffic laws.

Learn more about what happens if your license is revoked.