Why Terms Matter
The Swedish theory exam uses precise legal language. Knowing the exact meaning of each term prevents misreading a question and choosing the wrong answer. This glossary covers the most commonly tested words and phrases.
Road and Priority Terms
- Väjningsplikt — The obligation to give way. You must yield without stopping unless necessary; simply slowing is enough if the other road user can pass safely.
- Stopplikt — The obligation to come to a complete stop, usually marked by a stop line and stop sign. You must stop even if no other vehicle is approaching.
- Huvudled — Priority road. Vehicles on a priority road always have right of way over vehicles entering from side roads.
- Genomfartsled — Through road. Similar to a priority road but applies across a longer stretch, often through a town.
- Korsning — Intersection or junction where two or more roads meet.
- Cirkulationsplats — Roundabout. Traffic already inside always has priority unless signs state otherwise.
Speed and Distance Terms
- Reaktionssträcka — Reaction distance. The distance your vehicle travels from the moment you perceive a hazard until your foot reaches the brake.
- Bromssträcka — Braking distance. The distance travelled after the brake is applied until the vehicle stops.
- Stoppsträcka — Total stopping distance. Reaction distance plus braking distance combined.
- Säkerhetsavstånd — Safe following distance. The gap you must keep behind the vehicle ahead to stop safely if it brakes suddenly.
Sign Categories
- Varningsmärken — Warning signs. Red-bordered triangles alerting you to a hazard ahead.
- Väjningspliktsmärken — Yield signs. Triangular, point down, or circular with red border.
- Förbudsmärken — Prohibitory signs. Red-bordered circles telling you what you must not do.
- Påbudsmärken — Mandatory signs. Blue circles telling you what you must do.
- Anvisningsmärken — Information and direction signs. Blue or green rectangles guiding road users.
- Lokaliseringsmärken — Route and destination signs. Green for motorways, blue for other roads.
- Tilläggstavlor — Supplementary plates. Small panels below a sign that limit or extend its meaning, e.g. showing times or vehicle types.
Vehicle and Licence Terms
- Besiktning — Mandatory periodic vehicle inspection carried out by an authorised testing centre.
- Körkortstillstånd — Driving licence permit. The authorisation stage before a licence is issued.
- Övningskörning — Supervised practice driving. Allowed from age 16 with a licensed supervisor.
- Riskutbildning — Risk education. Two mandatory sessions covering skid control and alcohol/drug awareness.
- B-körkort — Category B licence. The standard car licence allowing vehicles up to 3,500 kg.
- Miljözon — Environmental zone. An area in a city where older, higher-emission vehicles are restricted or banned.
Driving Behaviour Terms
- Omkörning — Overtaking. Passing another vehicle by moving into an adjacent lane or the oncoming lane.
- Filbyte — Lane change. Moving from one lane to another on a multi-lane road.
- Parkering — Parking. Leaving a vehicle stationary for longer than the time it takes to load or unload passengers.
- Stannande — Stopping briefly, e.g. to drop off a passenger. Shorter than parking.
- Körsträcka — Distance driven, often used when reporting mileage for insurance or service purposes.