In the near future, the EU is expected to formally adopt new driver's license directives, and once that is done, Sweden will take a stance on how the directives should be implemented in Swedish regulations.
It is clear that the EU is proposing a new driver's license category, B1, which gives individuals from 15 years of age the right to drive what is called a "speed-reduced vehicle" – a B1 vehicle.
In Sweden today, 15-year-olds can drive A-tractors with AM licenses, which, among other things, give the right to drive mopeds class I and II.
"Reasonable assumption"
But is it then the case that the B1 vehicle, which will be allowed to be driven at a maximum of 45 kilometers per hour, replaces A-tractors which have a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour?
It is a reasonable assumption that it is the case, says Transport Agency's press chief Mikael Andersson to TT.
He continues:
But it is a bit speculative. The Swedish system that gives the right to drive tractors with AM licenses is subject to questioning. Sweden has leaned towards an exception that gives the right to drive agricultural and forestry tractors, which was the case with A-tractors previously. But it is not directly the case anymore, and that speaks for a change.
The A-tractors we have in Sweden today will remain. But to be able to drive at 45 kilometers per hour, you need to have this B1 license.
Does not exist today
How a future B1 vehicle will look is uncertain. The maximum weight will be set to 2,500 kilos. If higher demands are made regarding safety and the like compared to today's A-tractors, it is too early to answer, according to Mikael Andersson.
It remains to be seen. The B1 vehicle does not exist today, there are no rules or specifications, it is something we need to sit down and work with.
The new rules, with some exceptions, are intended to be introduced during 2028 and will come into effect in 2029.
Until then, today's rules apply, as long as no one changes them, says Mikael Andersson.
AM (from 15 years): Moped class I, moped class II, A-tractor, Motorized equipment class II.
A1 (16 years): Light motorcycle, three-wheeled motorcycle (max 15 kW), snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle (if you obtained your driver's license before January 1, 2000), as well as AM licenses.
A2 (18 years): Medium-sized motorcycle, as well as AM and A1 licenses.
A (24 years): Heavy motorcycle, heavy three-wheeled motorcycle, as well as AM, A1, and A2 licenses.
B (18 years): Passenger car or light truck with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons and a trailer with a total weight of up to 750 kilos, all-terrain vehicle, four-wheeled motorcycle, moped class I and II, motorized equipment class II, and A- and B-tractors. Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles can be driven if you obtained your driver's license before January 1, 2000.
BE (18 years): Passenger car or light truck with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons and one or more trailers connected to the car, if the trailers' total weight is not over 3.5 tons.
C (21 years): Heavy truck and passenger car with a total weight over 3.5 tons. You can also tow a trailer with a total weight of up to 750 kilos.
C1 (18 years): Heavy truck with a total weight of up to 7.5 tons and passenger car with a total weight over 3.5 tons but not over 7.5 tons. You can also tow a trailer with a total weight of up to 750 kilos.
CE (21 years): Vehicle covered by license C. You can also tow one or more trailers without weight limits.
D (24 years): Bus regardless of the number of seats and length. You can also tow a trailer with a total weight of up to 750 kilos.
D1 (21 years): Bus designed for up to 16 passengers in addition to the driver and with a length that is not over eight meters. You can also tow a trailer with a total weight of up to 750 kilos.
D1E (21 years): Bus covered by license D1. You can also tow one or more trailers without weight limits.
DE (24 years): Bus covered by license D. You can also tow one or more trailers without weight limits.
Facts: Transport Agency.
