Navigating the process of getting a Swedish driving license can feel complex, especially with unfamiliar terms like ”Riskutbildning.” If you’re an English speaker in Stockholm working towards your license, you’ve likely been told you must complete two mandatory courses: Riskettan (Risk 1) and Risktvåan (Risk 2).
What are they? Why are they mandatory? And most importantly, can you complete them in English?
The answer is yes! This guide will demystify Sweden’s essential risk education, explain what each part entails, and show you how we at Stockholm Halkbana provide these crucial courses for the international community.
Sweden’s commitment to road safety is world-renowned, built upon ”Vision Zero”—the principle that no one should be killed or seriously injured in traffic. The mandatory risk education is a cornerstone of this philosophy. It’s not about testing your ability to park or change lanes; it’s about building a deeper understanding of the risks involved in driving and developing the mindset of a safe, defensive driver.
The education is divided into two distinct, compulsory parts for both car (B-license) and motorcycle (A-license) students.
Risk 1 is a classroom-based theoretical course that focuses on the human factors and internal risks that affect your driving. Think of it as the ”psychology” of safe driving. This is not a boring lecture filled with traffic signs; it’s an interactive group discussion led by a certified instructor.
What does the Risk 1 course cover?
What to Expect: The session lasts a minimum of three hours (plus breaks). It is discussion-based, and you are expected to participate actively. There is no final test or exam to pass. Your certification is based on your active participation and presence throughout the course.
At the end of the session, your instructor will register your completion digitally with the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).
This is the part everyone talks about—the ”halkbana” or skid pan training. If Risk 1 is about internal risks, Risk 2 is about understanding external risks and the physical limitations of your vehicle. It’s a hands-on, practical course conducted on a purpose-built track under the supervision of expert instructors.
At Stockholm Halkbana, this is our specialty. We provide a safe, controlled environment where you can experience dangerous situations without any actual danger.
What will you do during Risk 2?
What to Expect: The course lasts around four hours. You do not need to bring your own car; we provide modern, fully insured vehicles for the training. Our instructors will guide you via radio, providing clear instructions in English. The goal is not to ”pass a test” but to learn from the experience. It’s about building muscle memory and respect for physics that will stay with you for life.
Completing the risk education is a crucial milestone on your journey to a Swedish driving license. It’s designed to make you a safer, more confident, and more aware driver on Swedish roads, especially during our challenging winter months.
At Stockholm Halkbana, we are proud to offer both Risk 1 and Risk 2 courses in English. Our experienced instructors are here to guide you through the process in a clear, calm, and professional manner.
Don’t let the language barrier slow you down. Contact us today to book your mandatory risk education courses and take a confident step towards your driving license.