How Much Does a Danish Driver’s License Cost? A Complete Breakdown
Getting a driver’s license in Denmark is not cheap—in fact, it’s one of the most expensive places in Europe to get behind the wheel. Whether you’re a first-time driver, an expat converting a foreign license, or just renewing your existing one, it’s important to know exactly how much you’ll be paying so you can plan ahead.
I’ve worked with many expats and students in Denmark who were shocked by the total cost. A friend of mine from the UK thought it would be a few hundred euros—only to realize it costs over €1,600!
This guide will break down every cost involved, from driving lessons and exams to license renewal and conversion fees. Let’s get into it!
How Much Does a Danish Driver’s License Cost?
If you’re applying for a first-time Danish driver’s license, you’ll pay anywhere between DKK 12,000-15,000 (€1,600-2,000 / $1,700-2,200).
If you’re converting a foreign license, the cost can range from DKK 800 (€100) to DKK 12,000 (€1,600), depending on whether your country has an exchange agreement with Denmark.
Here’s a quick overview:
| License Type | Estimated Cost (DKK) | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
| First-time driver (full course) | 12,000 – 15,000 | 1,600 – 2,000 |
| Converting an EU license | 280 | 40 |
| Converting a non-EU license (with test) | 8,000 – 12,000 | 1,100 – 1,600 |
| License renewal | 280 | 40 |
| Medical certificate (required for some) | 500 – 1,000 | 70 – 135 |
Cost Breakdown for First-Time Drivers in Denmark
If you’ve never had a license before, Denmark requires extensive training before you can legally drive. The cost comes from mandatory lessons, exams, and administrative fees.
1. Driving School & Lessons
Danish law requires mandatory lessons before taking your driving test. This includes:
1) 29 hours of theory lessons (~DKK 2,000)
2) 16 hours of practical driving (~DKK 8,000-10,000)
3) 4 hours of first-aid training (~DKK 800)
4) 4 hours of driving on a closed track (~DKK 1,500)
5) Slippery road and night driving (~DKK 1,500)
💡 Personal Experience: One of my colleagues needed extra lessons because he failed his first test, and that added an extra DKK 5,000 (€670)! If you’re nervous about driving, budget for extra lessons just in case.
2. Exam & Processing Fees
Once you’ve completed your required lessons, you’ll need to take two tests:
- Theory Test: DKK 1,000
- Practical Driving Test: DKK 1,000
- License Processing Fee: DKK 280
🚦 Pro Tip: Some students rent a car from the driving school for the test (~DKK 600-1,000), so check if you need this cost.
3. Other Costs to Consider
- Medical certificate (if required): DKK 500-1,000
- Translation costs (if your documents aren’t in Danish): Varies
- Re-taking the test: DKK 1,000 per attempt
👉 Total Estimated Cost for First-Time Drivers: DKK 12,000-15,000 (€1,600-2,000)
Cost of Converting a Foreign License to a Danish License
If you already have a valid driver’s license from another country, you might be able to exchange it for a Danish one at a lower cost.
Converting an EU/EEA License
If you have a license from another EU/EEA country, you can swap it for a Danish license without taking a test.
✅ License exchange fee: DKK 280 (€40)
✅ Medical certificate (if required): DKK 500-1,000
👉 Total cost: DKK 800-1,500 (€100-200)
Converting a Non-EU License (USA, Canada, India, etc.)
If your country does NOT have an exchange agreement with Denmark, you must take a driving test (even if you’ve been driving for years!).
This means you’ll need:
– A theory test (DKK 1,000)
– A practical driving test (DKK 1,000)
– Driving lessons (if required) (DKK 600-800 per lesson)
👉 Total cost: DKK 8,000-12,000 (€1,100-1,600), depending on lessons needed.
💡 Personal Story: A friend from the US was confident he’d pass without lessons—but failed the first test and had to pay for additional training, bringing his total cost over DKK 12,000 (€1,600)!
Renewing a Danish Driver’s License – How Much Does It Cost?
Renewing a Danish license is much cheaper than getting a new one.
- Standard renewal (every 15 years, under age 70): DKK 280
- Renewal for drivers over 70 (medical check required): DKK 500-1,000
- Lost or damaged license replacement: DKK 280
🚦 Pro Tip: Renew before your license expires to avoid penalties or extra paperwork.
Hidden Costs You Should Know About
a) Extra Driving Lessons – If you fail your practical test, you’ll need extra lessons and re-test fees.
b) Fast-Track Fees – Some driving schools offer fast-track courses at a premium price (~DKK 15,000).
c) Translation Fees – If your foreign license isn’t in Danish, English, or German, you may need a certified translation.
4) Car Rental for Driving Test – Some students rent a driving school car for the test (~DKK 600-1,000).
How to Save Money on a Danish Driver’s License
– Look for student discounts – Some schools offer discounts for students under 25.
– Choose a package deal – Some driving schools bundle theory, lessons, and tests at a lower price.
– Take your test seriously – Avoid retest fees by studying well and practicing before your exam.
– Apply for license renewal early – Renewing before expiration avoids late fees or extra costs.
Final Thoughts – Is a Danish Driver’s License Worth the Cost?
Yes, it’s expensive—but if you plan to live in Denmark long-term, getting a Danish driver’s license is a valuable investment. Whether you’re a first-time driver, an expat, or renewing your license, knowing the costs upfront helps you plan and avoid surprises.
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments below! 🚗💳🇩🇰
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