Getting Your Danish Driver's License in English: What You Really Need to Know

Introduction

When you want to get a Danish driver’s license, you have to do it through a driving school (køreskole). Many driving schools today offer a so-called “law package” (lovpakke). In many schools, this package includes the legal minimum requirements for theory and practical driving lessons.

If you prefer lessons and explanations in English, it’s important to choose a driving school that offers teaching in English. You can use SammenlignKoereskoler.dk to find and compare driving schools that specifically offer English-language courses.

Minimum Lessons Required by Law

Danish law sets clear minimum requirements for both theory and practical driving lessons. These are included in a proper “law package” at a driving school:

• 29 theory lessons
• 4 introductory lessons on a closed training area
• 16 driving lessons on normal roads with a driving instructor next to you
• 4 lessons at a technical driving facility (often called “skid pan” or risk training)

This is the minimum required by law. In reality, many students need extra driving lessons to feel safe and to pass the practical test.

What Does the Law Package Usually Include?

A typical law package at a driving school will cover the minimum theory and driving lessons mentioned above. However, packages can vary from school to school, and they do not always include all the costs related to the driver’s license.

That means your final budget can end up being quite different from the price you first see on a website or in an advertisement. It’s therefore important to ask the driving school exactly what is included.

Extra Costs You Should Expect

There are often several other expenses connected to getting your driver’s license that are not included in the law package from the driving school. Very few students manage with only the minimum number of driving lessons, and it’s not guaranteed that you will pass your tests on the first attempt.

You should therefore check whether the following costs are included in the package price, or if they are paid separately:

• Theory book or access to online theory materials
• Theory test fee (and the cost of a new test if you don’t pass)
• Mandatory first aid course (usually 8 hours)
• Medical certificate from your doctor
• Extra driving lessons beyond the minimum
• Practical test fee (and the cost of a new test if you don’t pass)
• Booking or administration fee for the practical test

When you compare offers, make sure you’re comparing the total cost, not just the basic package price.

How Much Does a Danish Driver’s License Cost?

A Danish driver’s license can easily end up costing 10,000 DKK or more, especially when you include all the extra fees and possible re-tests. That’s why it’s important to be sure your money is well spent and that you understand what you’re paying for.

As an English speaker, it can be even more important to choose the right driving school, so you don’t pay extra simply because of misunderstandings or missing information.

What You Should Be Careful About

Because a driver’s license is a big investment, you should pay close attention to how each driving school works. Here are some key points to be aware of before you sign up:

• Get the full price overview. When you compare prices, make sure you include all costs: tests, first aid, medical certificate, extra lessons, and administrative fees.
• Be careful with paying everything in advance. If the driving school goes bankrupt, you risk losing the money you have already paid.
• Ask if you can change driving school. Check whether you are allowed to switch to another school during the process, and what happens to any money you have already paid.
• Check other students’ experiences. Look at reviews and ask colleagues or friends about their experiences with the school.
• Be aware of waiting times. There can be waiting times at citizen service (borgerservice), the police, or specialists if you need a special medical approval because of illness or disability.
• Watch the deadlines. There are time limits for how long your training and tests are valid. If you need a break or are delayed, make sure you stay within the official deadlines.
• Keep track of your lesson plan. Your lesson plan must be filled out correctly. An incomplete or incorrect lesson plan can lead to fines and in the worst case prevent you from taking the practical test.
• Check for complaints. A good tip is to investigate whether the driving school has had complaints at the official complaints board for driving instruction in Denmark.

Choosing a Driving School That Teaches in English

If you’re more comfortable in English, choosing a school that offers English-language teaching can make the whole process much easier and less stressful. You’ll understand the theory better and have an easier time asking questions during lessons.

• Look for schools that clearly state “English teaching” or “lessons in English”.
• Ask if both theory lessons and practical communication in the car can be done in English.
• Make sure all important documents and information will be explained to you so you fully understand them.