International Driving Permit for Sweden

Sweden drives on the right-hand side of the road and is known for its strict, well-enforced traffic culture and excellent road conditions. Headlights must be switched on at all times, day or night, and the country maintains one of Europe's lowest drink-driving thresholds. Scenic routes through forests, lakes and the far north reward careful, law-abiding drivers.

Do you need an IDP to drive in Sweden?

Useful

Visitors from the EU/EEA can drive on their home licence in Sweden, while travellers with licences in non-Latin scripts or from outside the EU should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence.

Driving side: Right
Minimum driving age: 16 years
Region: Europe
IDP: Useful

Local languages: Swedish

Driving in Sweden: key facts

The legal blood-alcohol limit is just 0.02%, among the strictest in Europe, and roadside checks are common.
Dipped headlights are mandatory 24 hours a day, even in bright summer daylight.
Watch for moose and reindeer, especially in central and northern Sweden where wildlife collisions are a real hazard at dawn and dusk.

How to get your IDP for Sweden

Getting your International Driving Permit for Sweden takes only a few minutes:

1
Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
2
Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
3
Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Sweden.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Sweden

Do I need an IDP to drive in Sweden?

EU/EEA licence holders do not need one. Visitors with a licence from outside the EU, or one printed in a non-Latin script, should carry an International Driving Permit together with their national licence.

Can I rent a car in Sweden with a foreign licence?

Yes. Rental firms accept valid foreign licences, and many will ask non-EU customers to present an IDP as well for easier identity verification.

What side of the road does Sweden drive on?

Sweden drives on the right-hand side of the road, having switched from the left in 1967.

What is the minimum age to drive in Sweden?

You can begin driving a car in Sweden from age 18 with a full licence, though the minimum age to start learning is 16. Rental companies typically set their own higher minimum, often 18 to 21.

Other countries in Europe

Aland Islands Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark