Sweden drops mandatory course for learner drivers and supervisors

Sweden's Riksdag has removed the mandatory introduction course for learner drivers and private supervisors from 1 August, cutting a cost and time barrier before private practice for a B licence.

The change does not remove supervision rules. A private supervisor must still apply to Transportstyrelsen and be approved for each learner, while the learner still needs a valid learner's permit. The reform makes it easier for one learner to practise with several approved supervisors.

Riksdag approved the Government's bill on 22 April. The requirement was introduced in 2006, but Transportstyrelsen's review found little evidence that it improved the planning, structure or content of private practice. The Government says the course's cost and time can no longer be justified.

The repeal narrows one safety requirement rather than ending the debate. Transportstyrelsen's wider review proposed replacing the joint course with mandatory training for supervisors. Social Democrats supported repeal but called for safety follow-up; the Left, Centre and Green parties sought follow-up or review in the parliamentary record.

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