Introductory course in Umeå - new rules for private learner driving 2026
Are you going to be a supervisor or start private practice driving in Umeå? Since 1 August 2026, neither the supervisor nor the learner needs to attend the previously compulsory supervisor training, also known as an introductory training course or supervisor course.
However, to practise driving privately, it is still required that the supervisor is approved by the Swedish Transport Agency and that the learner meets the requirements for private practice driving.
On this page, we at Björkstadens Trafikskola go through the rules that apply to supervisors and students following the regulatory change, how to apply for supervisor status, and how you can organise your private practice driving in a safe and efficient manner.
Do you need to take a supervisor course in 2026?
No. Since 1 August 2026, there is no requirement to attend a supervisor training course or introductory training to practise driving privately for a category B driving licence.
Previously, both the learner and the supervisor were required to complete an approved introductory training course. That requirement has now been removed.
This means that you who are searching for, for example, a supervisor course in Umeå, supervisor training in Umeå or an introductory training course for a driving licence no longer need to book such mandatory training before private practice driving can begin.
However, there are still other requirements that both supervisor and pupil need to meet.
What is required to become a supervisor?
To be allowed to act as a supervisor for private practice driving, you still need to apply for a supervisor certificate and be approved by the Swedish Transport Agency.
For a category B driving licence, the rules include:
- the supervisor must be at least 24 years old
- eleven ska ha ett giltigt körkortstillstånd
- the supervisor must hold a valid driving licence from Sweden or another EEA country
- the supervisor must have held the correct qualification for a total of at least five of the last ten years
- The supervisor must be approved for the specific student who is going to practice driving.
What is required for the student to practise driving privately?
To start private practice driving with a car, the student needs, among other things:
- have an approved supervisor
- have a valid provisional driving licence
- have reached the correct age for learner driving
- prove one's identity.
For a standard licence (category B), the learner can start practising driving from 16 years of age.
However, the previous supervisor training no longer needs to be completed.
The tutor training was removed on 1 August 2026
the mandatory introductory training for private practice driving was removed on 1 August 2026 following a decision on changed rules.
The change means that the previous training, which was often called:
- handledarkurs
- supervisor training course.
- introductory course
- introductory training for a driving licence
is no longer a legal requirement for private learner driving for a category B licence.
The Swedish Transport Agency's previous regulations regarding the introductory training ceased to apply at the same time.
How to get started with private learner driving in Umeå
1. Apply for a provisional driving licence
The learner needs a valid provisional driving licence before practice driving begins.
2. Apply for supervisorship
The supervisor applies to the Swedish Transport Agency and needs to be approved for the student in question.
3. Plan the practice driving
Start calmly and gradually build up the difficulty. A clear plan makes it easier to develop the right driving habits from the beginning.
4. Combine private driving with driving lessons
Private learner driving is a great way to get plenty of practice. By combining it with professional driving lessons in Umeå Can the student get help with technique, structure and things that need improving before the driving test?.
Get off to a good start with your learner driving
Even though the supervisor training is no longer mandatory, it is still important that private practice driving is carried out in a safe and structured manner.
As a supervisor, you have an important role in the student's driving training. Try to create calm driving sessions where the student can develop step-by-step and receive clear feedback.
Some good things to keep in mind are:
- start in quiet traffic environments
- practise one step at a time
- gradually increase the difficulty
- allow the pupil to get plenty of repetition
- avoid different people teaching completely different driving styles
- feel free to combine private practice driving with driving school lessons.
At Björkstadens Trafikskola in Umeå, students can receive professional help during their driving training while continuing to practise privately between driving lessons.
Combine private driving practice with a driving school
Private practice driving and driving lessons at a driving school do not have to be two separate parts of driver training. On the contrary, they often work best together.
During a driving lesson, our driving instructors can see what the pupil needs to develop and advise on what you would benefit from practising more privately.
That way, private practice driving can be used for revision and plenty of practice, while driving lessons help the pupil progress with new elements and the correct technique.
Björkstadens Trafikskola is located at Axtorpsvägen 5A in Berghem, Umeå, near the university campus. We help students all the way towards a driving licence with, among other things driving lessons, risk training oh intensive course.
Are you going to start private driving practice in Umeå?
The introductory course is no longer a requirement, but we are more than happy to help the student on their way towards a driving licence. Combine private practice driving with professional driving lessons at Björkstadens Trafikskola and get a clear plan for your training.
Unsure about what applies to you? Contact us and we will help you get on the right track.
Frequently asked questions about supervisors and supervisor courses
No. Since 1 August 2026, neither the supervisor nor the learner needs to attend a supervisor course or introductory training for private practice driving with a car or light lorry. The supervisor still has to apply for and be approved as a supervisor by the Swedish Transport Agency.
No. The requirement for introductory training for private learner driving with a category B licence was removed on 1 August 2026.
No. After 1 August 2026, the pupil will not need to complete an introductory training course for private practice driving with a car either.
Among other things, the supervisor must be at least 24 years old, hold a valid driving licence from Sweden or another EEA country, and have held the appropriate entitlement for at least five of the past ten years. The learner must also normally hold a valid learner driving permit. Furthermore, the supervisor must be approved by the Swedish Transport Agency for the specific learner.
Yes. The rule change applies to the introductory training itself. The requirement for the supervisor to apply for and be approved as a supervisor still remains.
A supervisor certificate is normally valid for five years as long as the supervisor's driving licence is not revoked. After that, the supervisor needs to apply again if the supervision is to continue.
A supervisor can have a maximum of five valid supervisorships at the same time.
Transportstyrelsen states that it can normally take up to four weeks once all requirements are met and the necessary information has been received. Some cases may take longer if they require investigation.
Yes, normally the pupil needs a valid provisional driving licence to practice driving and for the supervisor to be approved. There are certain exceptions, such as in specific situations when a person already holds a category B licence.
