Guides

Risk 1 or Risk 2 first?

You may do Risk 1 and Risk 2 in any order. Here is why most learners do the theory first, what the skid pan requires, and when the combo course is the right choice.

By Katarina Birknäs, instructor Published 5 September 2026 Updated 12 September 2026

Illustration: two training cars following each other on the straight at the skid pan

Short answer

The order is free, but most people do Risk 1 first and the skid pan last. Risk 1 requires nothing. Risk 2 requires driving experience, since you drive on your own. If you already drive confidently, do both on the same day in the combo course.

What the rules say

The Swedish Transport Agency requires that you have completed risk education, both parts, before the driver test (theory test and driving test). There is no rule on the order. The only thing that decides the order is what is practical for you.

Reasons to do Risk 1 first

  • It requires nothing. No prior knowledge, no learner permit, no driving experience. You can do it before you have sat behind the wheel.
  • It is easy to schedule. About 3.5 hours of theory, indoors, all year round.
  • You carry the perspective with you. Risk 1 is about how you as a driver are affected by alcohol, fatigue and peer pressure. Good to have with you during all your practice driving, not just the week before the test.

Reasons to save the skid pan for the end

  • You drive on your own. Nobody sits next to you helping with the pedals. You need to start, brake and steer without thinking.
  • You get more out of it. The exercises are about recognising situations and reacting correctly. That works best when the basics are automatic.
  • Validity. Risk education is valid for up to five years, so there is no rush. Do the skid pan when you are ready.

When does the combo course fit?

When you have driving experience but have not done either part. Then you do Risk 1 in the morning and the skid pan in the afternoon, save a trip and a few hundred kronor, and finish risk education in one day. If you are early in your training, book Risk 1 now and Risk 2 later. The combo course is here: Risk 1 and Risk 2 combo.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to do Risk 1 before Risk 2?

No. You may do the parts in any order. Both must be completed and valid before you take the theory test and the driving test.

Can I do Risk 1 and Risk 2 on the same day?

Yes. We call it the combo course: theory in the morning and the skid pan in the afternoon. It suits you if you already drive confidently.

When in my training should I do the skid pan?

At the end, when you drive on your own with confidence. On the skid pan you drive by yourself the whole time, and you get more out of the exercises when the basics are in place.

Sources

Rules can change. Always check the current requirements with the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) before booking a test.

Book your risk education

Risk 1, Risk 2 or both in one day. Car provided, no learner permit needed.