Buses

The theory test

The test consists of 60 questions in total, but you can score a maximum of 55 points. This is because 5 of the questions are sample questions and do not count towards the test score. To pass the test, you must answer 44 questions correctly. The test takes 40 minutes.
You can choose to listen to the questions in the test if you wish.

If you have difficulty reading

• If you have difficulty reading, you can apply to take the theory test with an extended test time, orally or with an interpreter

The theory test gauges how much you know in the following areas:

• vehicle knowledge and manoeuvring
• environment
• road safety
• road traffic rules
• personal circumstances

You will find out whether you have passed or failed immediately after the test. You will also receive an email showing your results. A theory test pass for buses is valid for one year. You will need to take the driving test within that time.

Before the driving test

You need have a valid theory test in order to take the driving test. If you have a driving licence with a condition code that requires you to wear glasses or contact lenses while you drive, this condition must be met during the test. If you have had eye surgery and no longer need to wear glasses, you must get in touch with the Swedish Transport Agency and get an unconditional driving licence issued before taking the test, otherwise you will not be allowed to take the test.

The driving test assesses in particular your ability to manoeuvre the vehicle. For instance, you must be able to use the correct gearshifting and braking techniques, plan your driving and pay attention to other traffic, taking into account the space required by your vehicle. Your ability to drive the bus without abnormal jerking and pitching during lateral movements and turns will also be assessed. You must demonstrate that you are capable of handling the vehicle in traffic, and that you can apply sound good judgement and drive safely.

Bringing your vehicle to the driving test

You are responsible for bringing a suitable bus and trailer (where applicable) to the driving test. It must be registered in Sweden, and you must show the last registration certificate issued. The tax and insurance must be paid. It must not be banned from the roads, or be an emergency vehicle or a hearse. It must not be loaded with dangerous goods or animals.

The bus must:

• be reliable from a safety standpoint
• have approved seatbelts for the seats used
• be capable of travelling at speeds of at least 90 kilometres per hour.

You may fail the safety check even if you pass the manoeuvring test and the driving in traffic element. The parts you pass will then remain valid for one year, and you must take and pass a retest for the safety check within one year. Bear in mind that the theory test must be valid when you take the retest.

Driving test D1

The driving test consists of

• a safety check
• special manoeuvres
• driving in traffic.

Safety check

The driving test will start with you being asked to carry out a safety check. This check must be systematic. If necessary for assessing the safety check, the examiner will ask questions during the check about what you are checking and why. You must also be able to describe the risks and consequences of vehicle defects and deficiencies and be able to suggest what to do about them. 

Driving in traffic

You will drive for at least 45 minutes. You will be asked to drive on both urban and rural roads. The examiner will give you directions or ask you to drive to a specified destination. You may be given different tasks to perform such as making a U-turn, hill starting, parking in a loading bay or reversing while turning the vehicle and stopping to allow passengers to get on or off the bus.

Requirements for vehicle category D1

The bus must:

• have a total weight of at least 4000 kg
• be equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• be equipped with a tachograph
• be no less than 5 and no more than 8 metres long
• be designed and manufactured to carry a maximum of 16 passengers in addition to the driver

Driving test D1E

The driving test consists of:

• a safety check
• special manoeuvres
• driving in traffic.

Safety check

The safety check includes coupling vehicle and trailer together. When the test begins, the tractor unit must be behind or to the side of the trailer.

The safety check includes the following elements:

• lights, indicators, reflectors and signals
• rear-view mirrors
• brake and electrical connections to the trailer
• brakes
• tyres, rims and wheel bolts
• automatic door system/emergency opening
• tachograph
• breakaway brake cable
• coupling device
• load (securing, location, quantity and registration certificate)
• windows
• steering system
• mudguards
• safety equipment
• warning system
• windscreen wipers and washers, and fluids (e.g. washer fluid, radiator fluid and engine oil).

The check must be systematic. If necessary for assessing the safety check, the examiner will ask questions during the check about what you are checking and why. You must also be able to describe the risks and consequences of vehicle defects and deficiencies and be able to suggest what to do about them.

Riding in and outside urban areas

You will drive in traffic for at least 45 minutes, and you will be asked to drive on both urban and rural roads. The time for the safety check and special manoeuvres is not included in this time. The examiner will tell you where to drive. You may be given tasks to perform, such as making a U-turn, starting on a hill, parking, reversing while turning the vehicle, and stopping to allow passengers to get on or off the bus.

Requirements for vehicle category D1E

The bus must:

• have a total weight of at least 4000 kg
• be no less than 5 and no more than 8 metres long
• be designed and manufactured to carry a maximum of 16 passengers in addition to the driver
• be equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• be equipped with a tachograph

The trailer must:

• have a total weight of at least 1250 kg
• be loaded to at least half its maximum load, but the gross weight must be no less than 800 kg
• the cargo compartment must be in the form of an enclosed box structure, at least 2 metres wide and 2 metres high
• carry a cargo of a general cargo nature that can be anchored.

Driving test D

The driving test consists of

• a safety check
• special manoeuvres
• driving in traffic.

Safety check

The driving test will start with you being asked to carry out a safety check. The check must be systematic. If necessary for assessing the safety check, the examiner will ask questions during the check about what you are checking and why. You must also be able to describe the risks and consequences of vehicle defects and deficiencies and be able to suggest what to do about them. 

The safety check includes the following elements:

• lights, indicators, reflectors and signals
• brake and electrical connections to the trailer
• brakes
• tyres, rims and wheel bolts
• automatic door system/emergency opening
• windscreen wipers and washers, and fluids (e.g. washer fluid, radiator fluid and engine oil).
• warning system
• rear-view mirrors
• windows
• load (securing, location, quantity and registration certificate)
• automatic door system/emergency opening
• safety equipment and tachograph

Driving in traffic

You will drive in traffic for at least 45 minutes, and you will be asked to drive on both urban and rural roads. The time for the safety check and special manoeuvres is not included in this time. The examiner will tell you where to drive. You may be given tasks to perform, such as making a U-turn, starting on a hill, parking, reversing while turning the vehicle, and stopping to allow passengers to get on or off the bus.

Requirements for vehicle category D

The bus must be

• at least 10 metres long
• at least 2.4 metres wide
• equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• equipped with a tachograph

Driving test DE

The driving test consists of:

• a safety check
• special manoeuvres
• driving in traffic.

Safety check

When the test begins, the tractor unit must be behind or to the side of the trailer. The driving test will start with you being asked to carry out a safety check, including the coupling of the vehicle and trailer.

The safety check includes the following elements:

• lights, indicators, reflectors and signals
• rear-view mirrors
• brake and electrical connections for trailers
• brakes
• tyres, rims and wheel bolts
• automatic door system/emergency opening,
• tachograph
• breakaway brake cable
• clutch arrangement
• load (fuse, location, quantity and registration certificate)
• windows
• steering system
• mudflaps,
• safety equipment
• warning system
• windscreen wipers and washers, and fluids (such as windscreen washer fluid, coolant and engine oil).

The check must be systematic. If necessary for assessing the safety check, the examiner will ask questions during the check about what you are checking and why. You must also be able to describe the risks and consequences of vehicle defects and deficiencies and be able to suggest what to do about them.

Riding in and outside urban areas

You will drive in traffic for at least 45 minutes, and you will be asked to drive on both urban and rural roads. The time for the safety check and special manoeuvres is not included in this time. The examiner will tell you where to drive. You may be given tasks to perform, such as making a U-turn, starting on a hill, parking, reversing while turning the vehicle, and stopping to allow passengers to get on or off the bus.

Requirements for vehicle category DE

The appropriate bus must be

• at least 10 metres long
• at least 2.4 metres wide
• equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• equipped with a tachograph

The trailer must

• have a total weight of at least 1250 kg
• be capable of travelling at speeds of at least 90 km/h
• be at least 2.4 metres wide
• be loaded to at least half its maximum load, but the gross weight must be no less than 800 kg
• have a cargo compartment in the form of an enclosed box structure, at least 2 metres wide and 2 metres high
• carry a cargo of a general cargo nature that can be anchored.

More information about the requirements for vehicles for categories D1, D1E, D and DE can be found in the Swedish Transport Agency’s regulations.

• Regulations – Categories D and D1
• Regulations - Categories D1E and DE

FAQ

Booking and paying

• You can book and pay for your tests using our booking service.