How to obtain a driving licence in Denmark

In Denmark it is not a requirement that you, as a citizen in the EU or an EEA country, exchange your driving licence into a Danish driving licence in order to be able to drive legally. Therefore, you can legally drive the same types of vehicles as you are allowed to in accordance with your valid driving licence issued in another EU Member State or an EEA country.  

However, you need to be aware that you must meet the age requirements that apply to the issuing of a Danish driving licence with the corresponding driving licence categories.

As a rule, you do not have to take a driving test in connection with the exchange of your valid driving licence issued in an EU country.

Requirements relating to residence

If you still wish to exchange your valid driving licence issued in an EU Member State, you must fulfil the requirements for normal residence in Denmark.

You have normal residence in Denmark from the time you settle in Denmark with a view to stay in Denmark for at least 185 days a year as a result of personal or business ties in the country.

In the assessment particular emphasis will be placed on whether you can be said to be established in Denmark, if your belongings and your immediate family (for instance spouse and children) are in Denmark and if you are staying in Denmark, when temporary departures such as business, study or holiday trips are disregarded.

If you only reside in Denmark for the purpose of performing a time-limited occupation or as a part of an educational course and have no personal connection to Denmark, you do not have normal residence.

The same applies if you only have a business connection to Denmark, and you have your personal connection to another country, to which you return regularly.

It is the municipality which in connection with the application for the issuing of a driving licence and the application for the exchange of a driving licence, assesses whether the applicant is normally residing in Denmark in accordance with the relevant legislation.

To obtain a driving licence, you need to have normal residence in Denmark, but it cannot be issued if your right to drive has been restricted, suspended or revoked in another EU or EEA country. You also need to fulfill the requirements for age and health.

Where do I apply for a driving licence?

At KL's website – Local Government Denmark – you will find the application forms for driving licences. The forms must be handed in to the municipality in which you reside. 
 
To apply, you will have to choose the form under KK 001.

If you are under the age of 17, your custodian or custodians have to fill out the
consent form under KK 002. 

If you want to apply for a driving licence for a small moped (category LK), you will have to fill out the form under KK 023.

• Application forms – Danish municipalities (in Danish)

What must I bring when I hand in the application?

The application form has to be handed in to the municipality in which you reside along with the following:

1. proof of identity
2. a photograph
3. a medical certificate less than 6 months old and issued by your own family doctor (GP) (this certificate is not necessary if you are applying for a driving licence for a small moped),
4. a certificate that shows that you have completed a course in traffic related first aid, and
5. a valid residence permit or other documentation of residence if you are not a citizen of Denmark or a Nordic country or are not authorised to reside in Denmark without permission. 

First driving licence/new driving licence category

If this is the first time you are applying for a driving licence, or if you want to obtain a new category on your existing driving licence, you will have to complete the required training for the category in question under the supervision of a licensed driving instructor and pass a test of skills and behaviour and a theoretical test.

If you are under the age of 18

If you are under the age of 18, your custodian or custodians will have to give their consent to the issuing of a driving licence for category B. The municipality will evaluate if the conditions for the issuing of a driving licence are met, schedule the tests and charge the fee.

When your driving licence is nearing its expiration date, you will have to contact one of the Danish municipalities which will evaluate if the conditions for the renewal of your driving licence are met. When you hand in your application, you will have to bring proof of identity, a photograph and your driving licence. In certain cases, a medical certificate is needed.

If it has been 3 years or more since the expiration of your driving licence, you will have to pass a driving test which entails a test of skills and behaviour and a theoretical test, before a new driving licence can be issued.

Complaints about the decisions of the municipal council or the police regarding driving licence cases can be sent by email to the Danish Road Traffic Authority. 

• Executive order on driving licenses (in Danish)
• Executive order on driving licenses for 17-year-olds (in Danish)

• Exchange of foreign driving licences