Your Complete Guide to Getting a Danish Driving Licence
If you’re planning to live, work, or study in Denmark, having a valid driving licence is practically a necessity. Whether you already hold a licence from another country or you’re starting from scratch, the Danish system is straightforward once you know the steps, requirements, and costs. This post walks you through everything you need to know—presented in an easy‑to‑read format with tables, lists, and a handy FAQ at the end.
1. Who Can Apply?
| Category | Minimum Age | Residence Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (Motorcycle) | 18 (A1), 20 (A2), 24 (A) | Must be resident in Denmark for ≥ 6 months | A1 = up to 125 cc, A2 = up to 35 kW, A = unrestricted |
| B (Car) | 18 | Resident ≥ 6 months | Allows cars ≤ 3 500 kg, up to 8 passengers |
| C (Truck) | 21 (C1), 18 (C) | Resident ≥ 6 months | C1 = 3 500‑7 500 kg, C = > 7 500 kg |
| D (Bus) | 24 (D1), 21 (D) | Resident ≥ 6 months | D1 = ≤ 16 seats, D = unlimited |
| M (Moped) | 15 | Resident ≥ 6 months | Up to 50 cc, max 45 km/h |
Quick tip: If you already hold a licence from an EU/EEA country, you can usually swap it for a Danish one without taking a test. Non‑EU licences require a full conversion process.
2. The Road to Your Licence – Step‑by‑Step
Below is the typical pathway for a first‑time applicant (category B). Adjust the list if you’re aiming for motorcycles, trucks, or buses.
- Confirm Residency – Register with the Danish Civil Registration System (CPR) and obtain a CPR number.
- Pass a Vision Test – Conducted at any approved optician or at the driving school.
- Enroll in a Driving School – You’ll need at least 14–20 hours of theoretical lessons and 30–40 hours of practical driving, depending on your background.
- Study the Theory – The “Kørekort Forordning” handbook covers traffic rules, signs, and safety. Online practice tests are available at borger.dk.
- Book the Theory Exam – Conducted at the local Motorstyrelsen test centre. It’s a computer‑based multiple‑choice test (45 questions, 30‑minute limit).
- Pass the Theory Exam – You need at least 85 % correct answers.
- Complete Practical Lessons – Your instructor will schedule the mandatory first aid, maneuver, and highway lessons.
- Book the Practical Test – Takes place at the nearest Kørekortcenter. Expect a 45‑minute road test covering city, rural, and highway driving.
- Pass the Practical Test – The examiner will give you a pass/fail verdict on the spot.
- Collect Your Licence – After passing both exams, you’ll receive a temporary paper licence (valid for 2 months). The official plastic card arrives by mail within 2–3 weeks.
3. Costs at a Glance
| Item | Approximate Cost (DKK) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Vision test | 100–200 | Some schools include it in the package |
| Theory exam | 310 | Fixed fee, payable online |
| Practical exam | 930 | Includes use of a test vehicle |
| Driving school (theory + practical) | 7 000–12 000 | Varies by school, number of lessons |
| First‑aid course | 250–400 | Mandatory for all categories |
| Licence card (plastic) | 150 | Issued by Motorstyrelsen |
| Total (average) | ≈ 9 500 DKK | ≈ 1 300 USD (2025 rates) |
Tip: Some employers subsidise the cost for employees, especially if you need a commercial licence (C or D).
4. What If You Already Have a Foreign Licence?
| Country of Origin | Conversion Process | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | Simple swap at Motorstyrelsen; no tests | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Switzerland | Same as EU/EEA (bilateral agreement) | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Non‑EU/EEA (e.g., US, Canada, Australia) | Must pass both theory and practical tests unless you have a International Driving Permit (IDP) and meet the 6‑month residency rule; some countries have a 1‑year grace period | 2 – 4 months (incl. study) |
| Countries with Bilateral Agreements (e.g., Japan, South Korea) | Usually only a theory test required | 1 – 2 months |
Pro tip: If you hold a non‑EU licence, start studying Danish road signs early. The theory exam is identical for all applicants, regardless of origin.
5. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Skipping the First‑Aid Course: It’s mandatory; you’ll be turned away from the practical test without it.
- Assuming “EU = Automatic Pass”: Even EU licences need a clean health record (e.g., no untreated vision problems).
- Under‑estimating Theory Prep: The exam may look easy, but the question pool is large. Aim for at least 250 practice questions before booking.
- Scheduling the Practical Test Too Early: In busy cities (Copenhagen, Aarhus) waiting times can be 6–8 weeks. Book with a buffer.
6. Quick Checklist Before You Go
- CPR number registered
- Vision test completed
- Enrolled at a certified driving school
- First‑aid certificate obtained
- Theory exam passed (85 %+)
- Practical lessons logged (minimum hours)
- Practical test booked and passed
- Temporary licence received, then wait for the plastic card
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I drive with my foreign licence while waiting for a Danish one?
A: Yes, if you’re an EU/EEA citizen you can drive for up to 12 months after moving to Denmark. Non‑EU licences are valid for 6 months (or 1 year with an IDP). After that, you must have a Danish licence.
Q: Do I need to know Danish to pass the theory test?
A: The test is offered in Danish, English, and German. Choose the language you’re most comfortable with, but keep in mind that road signs and some instructions are only in Danish.
Q: What if I fail the practical test?
A: You can retake it after a minimum of 7 days. The fee is the same as the first attempt. Use the waiting period to practice the manoeuvres you struggled with.
Q: Is there an age limit for getting a licence?
A: No upper age limit, but drivers over 70 must undergo a medical examination every 2 years and may be required to take a refresher test.
Q: How long is a Danish driving licence valid?
A: For most categories it’s 15 years. After that, you’ll need to renew it (the process is mostly administrative, unless health concerns arise).
Wrapping Up
Getting a Danish driving licence may feel like a marathon, but with the right preparation it’s a smooth ride. By following the steps, budgeting for the costs, and keeping an eye on the deadlines, you’ll be behind the wheel of a car, motorcycle, or truck in no time. Remember to use the tables and checklists above as your roadmap, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Motorstyrelsen office if any question pops up. Safe driving! 🚗