Safety Check Before the Driving Test in Sweden (Säkerhetskontroll)
Before your practical driving test (uppkörning) in Sweden, the examiner may ask you to perform a
säkerhetskontroll — a short, structured safety check proving that you can judge whether the car is safe to use.
This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step routine that works for most modern cars in Sweden.
Examiner’s instruction: During the driving test (uppkörning), the examiner will usually
ask you to perform only one specific safety check — for example "Show me how you would check the brakes”
or "Do a steering check.” However, it’s smart to learn all the steps, because any one of them can be chosen.
🇸🇪 Sweden-specific tips✅ Examiner-friendly routine🧰 Real-world checks📘 Theory + practice
Good habit: Use a consistent order (outside → inside → start engine). Speak aloud what you are checking.
It shows structure and confidence.
1) Outside Walk-Around (60–90 seconds)
Start with a quick loop around the car:
Check for visible damage, loose parts, fluid leaks under the car.
Make sure registration plates are readable and lights/lenses are not broken or fogged.
Remove snow/ice from windows, roof, bonnet, and lights in winter (important in Sweden).
Confirm tyres look healthy: no bulges, cuts, or flat appearance.
Tip: If parked near a glass storefront, you can use reflections to check brake/indicator lights alone.
2) Inside Checks (Seating, Mirrors, Seat Belts)
Seating & Head Restraint
Adjust seat height and distance so you can press pedals fully without stretching.
Backrest upright enough for good control; wrists can rest on the top of the steering wheel with straight arms.
Head restraint (nackstöd) aligned roughly with the back of your head.
Mirrors
Set interior mirror to frame the rear window.
Adjust side mirrors to barely show car’s sides; aim to minimise blind spots.
Seat Belts & Airbags
Seat belts for all passengers; belt lies flat across shoulder and hips.
Confirm any airbag status (especially if a child seat could be present, per the car’s instructions).
3) Lights & Indicators
Indicator/Hazard Test
Switch on the hazard lights and walk around the car to confirm all four indicators flash. Then test left and right indicators individually.
Front and rear indicators work on both sides.
Indicator repeaters in mirrors or wings (if fitted) also flash.
Headlights
Turn on dipped beam (low beam) and check both fronts.
Test high beam (blue indicator on the cluster) and the flash function.
Check sidelights/position lamps and rear lights.
Fog Lamps (Sweden)
Rear fog lamp (amber indicator on dash) only in severely reduced visibility — verify the lamp works.
Front fog lamps (if fitted) should illuminate symmetrically; use appropriately in fog/snowdrift.
Brake & Reverse Lights
Press the brake pedal and check reflections or ask the examiner for confirmation. Engage reverse briefly to verify the reverse lamp.
4) Brakes: Service Brake & Parking Brake
Service Brake (Foot Brake)
The examiner may ask: “Show me how you would check that the brakes work before driving.”
Start with the engine off — press the brake pedal several times. The pedal should become
firmer with each press, showing that the vacuum assist is released. Also, press the brake
pedal and ask for help to examiner to verify the brake lights in rear are turning ON.
The pedal must feel firm, not spongy or sinking slowly.
The brake light in rear should turn ON when pressing the pedal.
ABS warning light comes on briefly at ignition and should go out after the engine starts.
Parking Brake
Engage the parking brake (manual lever or electronic). The car should not roll on a gentle slope.
Indicator on the dashboard should appear when applied and go off when released.
Tip: If the brake warning light remains on after releasing, mention to the examiner:
“I would stop safely and check the brake fluid level.”
5) Steering & Power Assist
The examiner may ask: “Show me how you would check that the steering works before starting your journey.”
Before starting the engine, gently move the steering wheel left and right — it should feel heavy.
After starting the engine, the steering should become smooth and light as power assist activates.
Steering should respond quickly with no knocking or excessive free play.
After starting, all warning lights on the dashboard should turn off within about 5 seconds.
If a power steering or other red warning light stays on, the car must not be driven until checked.
Operate wipers (intermittent, low, high). Blades should clear the screen without streaking.
Trigger washer fluid; jets should spray the screen. In winter use winter-grade fluid.
Test rear wiper/washer if fitted.
Check demister/defog and rear window heating; airflow should reach the windscreen.
7) Fluids & Engine Bay
Engine Oil
Locate the dipstick or electronic level menu. Oil should be between min and max; top up only with the correct grade.
Coolant (Never open hot!)
Check the translucent expansion tank level between min and max. If low, investigate leaks — especially in winter.
Brake Fluid
Level must be near “MAX”. A sudden drop can indicate pad wear or leaks — a safety-critical issue.
Power Steering Fluid (if applicable)
Some modern cars are electric-assist (no fluid). If hydraulic, check the reservoir level.
Battery & Cables
Terminals should be secure and free of heavy corrosion. Ensure battery is secured in place.
8) Tyres & Wheels (Sweden-specific)
Tyres are critical for safety — Sweden’s climate makes this extra important.
Tread Depth (Legal minimums)
Summer tyres: minimum 1.6 mm across the principal grooves.
Winter tyres: minimum 3.0 mm (required during winter road conditions and typically Dec 1 – Mar 31 if conditions warrant).
Condition & Pressure
No visible cords, cuts, bulges or sidewall damage.
Set pressures to the sticker in the door/fuel flap; cold weather lowers pressure.
All four tyres should be of suitable type (don’t mix summer/winter on axles).
Wheel Nuts & Spare/Repair Kit
Wheel nuts appear secure; locking key present if the car uses one.
Check spare wheel or tyre repair kit & compressor if fitted.
9) Warning Triangle & Emergency Equipment
Warning triangle is mandatory in Sweden — know where it is and how to deploy it.
Reflective vest is highly recommended (keep it in the cabin, not the boot).
First-aid kit and flashlight are sensible additions, especially in winter.
Placement: On faster roads, place the triangle roughly 100–200 m behind the vehicle; on slower roads, closer is acceptable. Always adapt to conditions and visibility.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Silent check: Not speaking aloud. Narrate briefly: “Checking indicators — all good.”
Skipping rear fog: Forgetting to show you know when to use it (only in very poor visibility).
Ignoring tyre pressures: Especially after a cold night; mention that you would check and adjust.
Opening hot coolant cap: Dangerous. Say you’d only check level visually when cool.
Overlooking brake fluid: If the brake warning remains on, state you would stop driving and investigate fluid level.
No triangle location: Not knowing where it is. Learn your test car’s placement.
How Examiners Assess the Safety Check
Examiners are not looking for a mechanic. They want to see that you can identify obvious faults,
use the car’s controls correctly, and make safe decisions. Keep it structured,
efficient (typically a few minutes), and relevant to the car you’re driving.
Method: Clear order, confidence, and correct terminology (indicator, dipped beam, fog lamp, parking brake, etc.).
Awareness: Knowing Swedish legal minimums for tread depth; winter vs. summer requirements.
Judgement: Knowing when a red warning means you would not continue to drive.
Communication: Short explanations show understanding without wasting time.
Practice idea: Print a one-page checklist and rehearse your routine with a friend. Time yourself to keep it efficient.
If during the test the car shows a red critical warning (oil pressure, coolant temperature, brake system):
say you would stop safely and investigate or call for assistance. Safety first.
Volvo V60 Dashboard & Controls Explained
Watch a real Volvo V60 dashboard demonstration — see what the warning lights mean when the engine starts,
and learn how to use the wiper, lighting, and defroster controls as taught in Swedish driving lessons.
