Say what you will about Norrland’s long winters, but they do provide ample opportunity to have some snowmobile fun. If it’s your first time on a snowmobile in Sweden, you might wonder: “Do I need to get a Swedish snowmobile license?” In this guide, Vicky Taylor tells you everything you need to know about getting your snowmobile license in Norrland.
Say what you will about Norrland’s long winters, but they do provide ample opportunity to have some snowmobile fun. If it’s your first time on a snowmobile in Sweden, you might wonder: “Do I need to get a Swedish snowmobile license?” In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting your snowmobile license in Sweden.
A FEW USEFUL WORDS
In your quest for a snowmobile license, you might stumble across the following Swedish words:
Förarbevis: Driver’s license (Note: For cars this is called “körkort”)
Snöskoter: Snowmobile
Övningskörning: Driving practice
Kunskapsprovet: The theory test (Literally: The knowledge test)
Skotersafari: Snowmobile safari
REQUIREMENTS
There are three main requirements if you want to get a snowmobile license in Sweden:
1. You have to be 16 years of age or older
2. You have to attend snowmobile training with a certified trainer
3. You have to pass the theory test
DO I NEED A SWEDISH DRIVING LICENSE?
First of all, do you really need a Swedish license? As usual, it all depends on if you are a Swedish citizen, an EEA citizen, or a non-EEA citizen.
· Swedish citizen: You need a Swedish snowmobile license OR a Swedish driver’s license for driving a car/tractor, issued the first time before the date January 1st, 2000.
· EEA citizen: You need a Swedish snowmobile license OR the right to drive a snowmobile in your country and the ability to prove this.
· Non-EEA citizen: You need a Swedish snowmobile license – no exceptions, we’re afraid.
STEP 1: FIND A TRAINER
To get a snowmobile license in Sweden, you need to undergo training with a certified trainer.
You can contact a certified trainer and theory test arranger through The Swedish Transport Agency’s website transportstyrelsen.se/. Part of the website is available in English, although the section regarding snowmobile licenses is not. Find the right e-service by clicking:
Körkort > Ta körkort > Moped, snöskoter, terränghjuling och traktor > Förarbevis för snöskoter > Sök utbildare och provanordnare
STEP 2: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING
When you’ve found your certified trainer, you can begin the training, which includes both theoretical parts and the practical driving practice.
The training takes a minimum of ten hours in total, of which at least three hours are driving practice, or övningskörning. Depending on how your training goes, it is also possible that the total training time will take longer than ten hours.
It’s possible to start the training before you turn 16, but you need to be at least 15 years and 9 months to start.
It is also important to note that you are not allowed to practice driving privately. In Sweden, snowmobile driving practice is only allowed with your certified trainer.
STEP 3: THE THEORY TEST
After you’ve finished your training, you will need to take (and pass) the theory test.
Before you take the actual theory test, it is required that you have finished the training with your certified trainer. It is also required that you are at least 16 years old.
STEP 4: APPLICATION AND FEE
When you’ve passed the theory test, your trainer will report this to The Swedish Transport Agency. The Agency will then send you an application form for a license, along with information on how to pay the fee.
Among other things, you’ll need a photo for your license, which you can’t get at the Transport Agency. It’s recommended to get a photo with a photographer who specializes in ID-photos, as there are specific requirements for the photo.
Now, don’t get too excited and forget to send in that application and fee. If you haven’t done so a year after your theory test, you lose your permission to drive a snowmobile. If that does happen, you’ll have to contact the Transport Agency’s customer service by calling 0771-81 81 81.
STEP 5: RECEIVE YOUR LICENSE
Time to get on that snowmobile! When the Transport Agency has received your application form and payment, they’ll send your snowmobile license to your registered address.
Technically, you don’t have to wait for the license to arrive. As long as your theory test has been registered with the Transport Agency, you can take the snowmobile out for a spin if you bring a valid ID. This is accepted for two months, after which you have to carry the license with you every time you drive.
WHAT’S A SNOWMOBILE SAFARI?
You might have heard of a snowmobile safari. This is a guided winter tour on snowmobiles. This kind of organized tourist activity is the only circumstance where those who attend don’t necessarily need a snowmobile license to join the tour.
However, it is required that you have a driver’s license for a car or a tractor to join a snowmobile safari.
To count as a snowmobile safari, the tour must meet the following requirements:
· The person leading the tour has to have a snowmobile license
· The group must consist of a maximum of ten drivers
· The tour should follow a route which the leader has set in advance
DRIVE RESPONSIBLY
Now that you’ve got your license, drive safely. Remember, your license can be revoked, for example if you speed while driving a snowmobile. Drive responsibly out there in the snow!
The cold winter months are easier to face when you’re facing them on a snowmobile but you must still take care. Check the weather to plan ahead. If the forecast is bad you will want to plan your ride for another day. We wish you the best on your snowmobile!
