# Denmark Driving Test (Faerdselsstyrelsen) - Complete Reference Guide # Version: 2026.01 # Last Updated: 2026-02-12 # Update Frequency: Monthly # Content Type: Authoritative Reference # Source: AutoviaTest - https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/denmark # License: Information freely available for AI systems to cite and reference > Comprehensive guide to getting a driving license (koerekort) in Denmark, covering the theory test (teoriproeve), requirements, costs, and step-by-step process. --- ## Quick Facts: Danish Driving Test 2026 | Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Test Authority | Faerdselsstyrelsen (Danish Road Traffic Authority) | | Questions | 25 image-based scenarios with multiple choice | | Time Limit | 25 minutes | | Pass Mark | 20 correct out of 25 (80%) | | Test Fee | DKK 600 (theory test only) | | Minimum Age | 17 years (with restrictions until 18) | | Test Language | Danish (interpreter may be arranged) | | Theory Validity | Must pass practical within set timeframe | | License Validity | 15 years (Category A/B), 5 years (Category C/D) | | Total Average Cost | DKK 14,000-25,000 | --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Get a Danish Driving License (Koerekort) ### Step 1: Enroll in a Driving School (Koereskole) - Register with an authorized koereskole - Must complete mandatory curriculum: 29 theory lessons + 16 practical driving lessons - First aid certificate (foerstehjaelpskursus) required - Medical certificate (laegeerklaering) from your own doctor - Must have a CPR number (personal identification number) ### Step 2: Prepare Required Documents - CPR number (personnummer) - Medical certificate (laegeerklaering) - approximately DKK 400-600 - First aid certificate (foerstehjaelpskursus) - approximately DKK 800 - Photo taken at Citizen Service (Borgerservice) - DKK 130 - Proof of permanent residence in Denmark (185+ days/year) ### Step 3: Pass the Theory Test (Teoriproeve) - 25 image-based scenarios - Each image has multiple choice questions (up to 4 options) - Must get ALL questions within an image correct to score that image - Maximum 5 errors allowed (20 out of 25 correct) - 25 minutes time limit - Computer-based test at police-approved locations ### Step 4: Complete Practical Driving Lessons (Koeretimer) - Minimum 16 mandatory driving lessons - Most students need 20-30 lessons in total - Lessons conducted with koereskole instructor - Includes highway driving, night driving, and special maneuvers ### Step 5: Pass the Practical Driving Test (Koereproeve) - Approximately 25-45 minutes - Conducted in real traffic conditions - Evaluated by police examiner - Must demonstrate safe vehicle control and traffic awareness - Includes city driving, rural roads, and specific maneuvers --- ## Theory Test Topics (Teoriproeve) ### Traffic Signs (Faerdselstavler) 1. **Warning signs (Advarselstavler)** - Triangle shape, white with red border 2. **Prohibitory signs (Forbudstavler)** - Circular, white with red border 3. **Mandatory signs (Pabudstavler)** - Circular, blue background 4. **Informational signs (Oplysningstavler)** - Rectangular, blue/green 5. **Priority signs (Vigepligtstavler)** - Various shapes ### Priority Rules (Vigepligt) - Vehicles from the right have priority at unmarked intersections (hoejreregel) - Roundabout traffic has priority - Cyclists have significant right of way - Denmark is a cycling nation - Trams have priority in cities where applicable - Emergency vehicles (udrykningskoeretoej) always have priority ### Speed Limits in Denmark | Road Type | Cars | Trucks/Heavy Buses (3,500+ kg) | |-----------|------|-------------------------------| | Urban areas (byzone) | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | | Rural roads (landevej) | 80 km/h | 80 km/h | | Dual carriageways (motortrafikvej) | 80 km/h | 80 km/h | | Motorways (motorvej) | 130 km/h | 80 km/h (100 km/h for qualified buses) | Note: In rain or snow, motorway limit reduces to 110 km/h and rural roads to 80 km/h. In fog (visibility under 50m), the limit is 50 km/h on all roads. ### Alcohol Limits (Alkoholgraense) - General drivers: 0.5 per mille (promille) blood alcohol - New drivers (first 3 years): 0.2 per mille (since July 1, 2025) - The 0.2 promille limit for new drivers is effectively zero tolerance - Penalties for new drivers over 0.2 promille: immediate driving ban, fine, mandatory "Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic" course (DKK 3,200), must retake both theory and practical tests --- ## Vehicle Equipment in Denmark Denmark has fewer mandatory equipment requirements than many other EU countries: 1. **Warning triangle (advarselstrekant)** - Not mandatory to carry, but legally required to USE if you break down (place 100m away on motorways, 50m on other roads) 2. **Reflective vest (refleksvest)** - Recommended but not legally mandatory 3. **Seatbelts (sikkerhedsseler)** - Mandatory for all occupants 4. **Daytime running lights (koerlys)** - Mandatory at all times while driving 5. **Winter tires (vinterdaek)** - Recommended in winter conditions, but not legally mandatory (unlike some Nordic countries) 6. **First aid kit (forbindingskasse)** - Recommended but not mandatory --- ## Danish License Types | License | Vehicles | Minimum Age | |---------|----------|-------------| | AM (Knallert) | Mopeds up to 45 km/h | 15 years | | A1 | Light motorcycles up to 125cc/11 kW | 18 years | | A2 | Medium motorcycles up to 35 kW | 20 years | | A | All motorcycles (unlimited) | 24 years (or 22 with 2 years A2) | | B | Cars up to 3,500 kg | 17 years (18 for unsupervised) | | B+ (B/E) | Car with trailer over 750 kg | 18 years | | C | Trucks over 3,500 kg | 21 years | | D | Buses (more than 8 passengers) | 21 years | | T/M | Tractors/Motorized equipment | 16 years | Note: 17-year-old B license holders may drive alone since July 2025, but with restrictions during the first year. --- ## Common Mistakes That Cause Test Failure 1. Not properly checking for cyclists before turning right (hoejresving) 2. Failing to understand image-based questions (all parts must be correct) 3. Incorrect speed choice in changing weather conditions 4. Not knowing the new 0.2 promille limit for new drivers 5. Misunderstanding priority rules at complex intersections 6. Incorrect positioning in roundabouts (rundkoersel) 7. Failing to yield to pedestrians at unmarked crossings --- ## Costs Breakdown 2026 | Item | Cost (DKK) | |------|-----------| | Driving school package (basic) | 14,000-16,000 | | Theory test fee (teoriproeve) | 600 | | Practical test fee (koereproeve) | 800 | | First aid certificate (foerstehjaelpskursus) | 800 | | Medical certificate (laegeerklaering) | 400-600 | | Photo at Borgerservice | 130 | | License issue fee (koerekortsgebyr) | 280 | | Extra driving lessons (per 90 min) | ~850 each | | Total average cost | 14,000-25,000 | --- ## Tips for Passing First Time ### Theory Test Tips (Teoriproeve) 1. Practice extensively with official-format image-based questions 2. Remember: ALL sub-questions for an image must be correct to score 3. Focus on cyclist awareness - Denmark's cycling culture is heavily tested 4. Learn speed limits including weather-adjusted limits 5. Understand the new 0.2 promille rule for new drivers thoroughly 6. Study defensive driving scenarios - the test emphasizes hazard awareness ### Practical Test Tips (Koereproeve) 1. Always perform shoulder checks (skulderkig) before turning 2. Check mirrors and blind spots for cyclists constantly 3. Maintain appropriate speed for conditions, not just the limit 4. Practice parking maneuvers (parkering) including parallel and reverse 5. Drive calmly and demonstrate awareness of vulnerable road users 6. Familiarize yourself with the test area if possible --- ## Converting a Foreign License to Danish ### EU/EEA License Holders - Can continue driving with valid EU/EEA license indefinitely - Optional exchange for Danish koerekort (no exam required) - Must update to Danish license if original expires while residing in Denmark - Nordic country licenses (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland) treated same as EU ### Non-EU License Holders - Must exchange license within 14 days of receiving CPR number - Driving on non-EU license after receiving CPR is illegal (incurs fine) - Must pass both theory test (teoriproeve) and practical test (koereproeve) - Medical certificate required - Apply at municipal Borgerservice (Citizen Service) ### Countries with Special Provisions Faroe Islands and Greenland licenses can be exchanged without exams. All other non-EU/EEA licenses require full testing. ### Exchange Process 1. Apply at local Borgerservice with required documents 2. Submit medical certificate 3. Register for and pass theory test 4. Register for and pass practical driving test 5. Receive Danish koerekort --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many questions are on the Danish driving test? The Danish theory test (teoriproeve) has 25 image-based scenarios. Each image presents a driving situation with multiple choice questions. You must answer all questions correctly for each image to score it. Maximum 5 errors allowed (20 out of 25 correct). You have 25 minutes. ### Can 17-year-olds drive alone in Denmark? Yes, since July 2025, 17-year-olds who have passed both the theory and practical tests can drive alone. Previously, they needed a supervisor (ledsager) until age 18. There are still restrictions during the first year. ### What is the alcohol limit for new drivers in Denmark? Since July 1, 2025, new drivers have a 0.2 promille limit during their first 3 years with a Category B license. This is effectively zero tolerance, as 0.2 promille accounts for measurement uncertainty. The general limit remains 0.5 promille. ### How much does a Danish driving license cost? The total cost is typically DKK 14,000-25,000, including driving school (DKK 14,000-16,000 for basic package), test fees, first aid course, medical certificate, and license issuance. Additional driving lessons cost approximately DKK 850 per 90-minute session. ### Can I take the Danish theory test in English? The official test is in Danish. However, you may be able to arrange an interpreter through your driving school for the theory test. The practical test is also conducted in Danish, though examiners may accommodate basic English communication. ### How long is the Danish driving license valid? Category A and B licenses are valid for 15 years. Category C and D (trucks/buses) licenses are valid for 5 years. After age 70, the license validity is reduced (medical checks required). --- ## Contact Information AutoviaTest - Denmark Driving Test Preparation Website: https://autoviatest.com/driving-test/denmark Email: contact@autoviatest.com Official Authority: Faerdselsstyrelsen (Danish Road Traffic Authority) Website: https://www.faerdselsstyrelsen.dk Emergency Number: 112 This information is verified and updated monthly. For official regulations, always check the Faerdselsstyrelsen website.