PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE
Everything about driving licences and theory on how to become a driving instructor
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE
Everything about driving licences and theory on how to become a driving instructor
Useful links
The links below provide a good insight into what to look out for when getting a driving licence.
About obtaining a driving licence:
Safe traffic
About 17 year olds:
Driving licence at 17 years old
ANT course:
Alcohol and drug driving course
P23 - Application form:
Application form for a driving licence
Consent form
If you are 17 years old and want to get a driving licence, you will need to fill out a consent form and bring it with you to the driving school of your choice.
You can download the statement here:
Consent form for 17 year olds
Drive4you theory: Safe theory lessons in collaboration with the Danish Driving Instructor Union
When it comes to learning to drive a car or tractor, it's important to have a solid grounding in theory. That's why it's a good idea to invest in good and thoroughly tested material, and with Drive4you you're sure to get it. Drive4you co-operates with Danish Driving Instructor Unionso you can be sure you're accessing a quality material.
Practical knowledge
As of 1 January 2017, the course must begin 3 months before your 17th birthday.
How long does it take to get a driving licence?
It's individual, but for most 17-19 year olds it will take around 2-4 months.
Which driving school should I choose?
You should choose a driving instructor/school that is a member of a local association affiliated with Danish Driving Instructor Union.
A driving school that follows the given teaching guidelines for that category. Find out more here:
How does a theory test work?
Today, the theory test is a written test where you and 10-14 other students are shown 25 different images on a large screen or PC. Each image is accompanied by some information about the image situation and 2-4 possible answers, where the student must tick the yes box if the answer is in accordance with what they would do themselves, otherwise they must tick the no box.
How many mistakes am I allowed on the theory test?
You can have a maximum of 5 mistakes in 5 images to pass the theory test for general motoring. In principle, the test should of course be error-free, but it is possible to pass with the five errors because you may misunderstand a question or you may be disturbed by something else during the test, as you are not alone in the room.
Is there a waiting time for a theory test?
There may be a wait to take the theory test, but it should not exceed 14 days.
When can I take a theory test?
The earliest you can take the theory test is 1 month before your 17th birthday
How much does a theory test cost?
The test fee for the police is currently DKK 600.00 for an ordinary car and DKK 890.00 for a control test.
The fee covers both the theoretical and practical driving test.
Fee for the practical test for extension to category A2 and A as well as B/E costs DKK 280,-.
If you do not pass a test, theoretical or practical, you will have to pay a new fee.
Do I need a minimum number of driving hours?
The curriculum prescribes a detailed teaching programme divided into lessons of min. 45 min.
Cat. A (motorbike):
The training for category A (MC) includes a total of at least 29 lessons in a theory classroom (theoretical subjects), and at least 22 lessons in practical driving instruction (practice driving), divided into 4 lessons in a closed practice area, 13 lessons in manoeuvres on the road and 5 lessons in manoeuvres on a technical driving facility.
Cat. B (regular car):
The training for category B (general car) includes a total of at least 29 lessons in a theory classroom (theoretical subjects), and at least 4 lessons in a closed practice area (manoeuvring area), 16 lessons in manoeuvres on the road and 4 lessons in manoeuvres in a driving technique facility. A total of at least 53 lessons.
Cat. C or D:
The training for category C or D includes a total of at least 16 lessons in a theory classroom (theoretical subjects) and at least 18 lessons of practical driving instruction (practice driving), divided into 2 lessons of initial on-road exercises, 12 lessons of extended on-road exercises and 4 lessons of manoeuvres on a driving test facility.
Cat. C/E:
The training for category C/E includes a total of at least 13 lessons in a theory classroom (theoretical subjects) and at least 18 lessons of practical driving instruction (practice driving), divided into 2 lessons of initial on-road exercises, 12 lessons of extended on-road exercises and 4 lessons of manoeuvres on a driving simulator.
Cat. D/E:
The training for category D/E includes a total of at least 10 lessons in a theory classroom (theoretical subjects) and at least 6 lessons of practical driving instruction (practice driving), divided into 1 lesson of initial on-road exercises and 5 lessons of extended on-road exercises.
The course of instruction for the driver training programme for categories A, B, must last at least 14 teaching days, C, D at least 12 days, C/E at least 10 days, for cat. D/E at least 7 days and B/E at least 3 days
Which car should I drive for the driving test?
The practical driving test is usually taken in the school car, i.e. the car you have practised in and know.
Where does the practical driving test take place?
The practical driving test usually takes place in the city or area where you have had driving lessons. The exact route is not known in advance.
How does the practical driving test work?
The practical driving test usually lasts 30-45 minutes, during which a driving examiner (police officer or civilian driving examiner) takes the place of the instructor and observes the student's ability to drive the car safely through traffic.
The purpose of the driving test is for the examiner to assess whether the trainee has acquired the knowledge, skills and behaviour that are set as objectives for the driving training and that are a condition for being issued a driving licence.
The test begins with a check of the candidate's identity (remember passport or baptismal certificate), and usually an examination of the vehicle's equipment.
When can I take the practical driving test?
The practical driving test can be taken on the student's 17th birthday at the earliest
What is a road test?
A road test is an ordinary theoretical and practical driving test similar to those taken by people who have not previously held a driving licence.
Driving licence categories
Category A.
- A1
- A2
- A
Category B. - Ordinary car
Category Bep - Taxi
Category C1 - Small lorry
Category C. - Truck
Category D1 - Small bus
Category D. - Bus with more than 8 seats in addition to the driver's
Category Dep - Coach/tourist transport
Category E.
- Category B/E. Category B with large trailer
- category C1/E category C1 with large trailer
- Category C/E. Category C with large trailer
- category D1/E category D1 with large trailer
- Category D/E. Category D with large trailer
Can I drive with a trailer?
A driving licence for category B, general car, entitles you to drive:
Passenger car with no more than 8 seats in addition to the driver's seat and a maximum authorised gross weight of no more than 3,500 kg.
Van with a maximum authorised gross vehicle weight of no more than 3,500 kg.
Combined transport consisting of a passenger car or van and a trailer with a maximum authorised gross weight of no more than 750 kg.
A combination of vehicles consisting of a passenger car or van and a trailer with a permissible total weight of more than 750 kg. The total permissible gross vehicle weight of the combination must not exceed 3,500 kg.
Three-wheeled motorbike.
Tractor/motorised equipment.
A moped that must be registered.
For trailers that are not subject to registration, the determination of the authorised gross vehicle weight of the trailer in accordance with points 3 and 4 above is based on the actual gross vehicle weight of the trailer implement.
Do I need to renew my licence?
Driving licences for categories A, B and B/E and for tractors/motorised equipment are issued with validity until the holder reaches the age of 75. From 19 January 2013, however, only with a validity of 15 years
Driving licences for categories C, C/E, D and D/E are issued with a validity of 5 years.
Commercial passenger transport driving licences are issued with a validity period of five years.
Can I drive a moped 45?
You need a category A or B licence to drive a large moped (45 moped).
To find a driving school or driving instructor in your area, use Google.dk and search for "driving school + your postcode" or the postcode of the city you want to get your licence in.
How do I reinstate my driving licence?
If your driving licence has been unconditionally or conditionally suspended, it must be reinstated before a new one can be issued.
You must take and pass a new driving test, i.e. take and pass both a theory and practical test. The same applies to driving bans. In the event of a driving ban, training is mandatory.
You go to a driving school and usually receive both theoretical and practical training before taking a new driving test. However, in the case of an unconditional disqualification, driving lessons may not begin until 3 months before the expiry of the disqualification period. There is no obligation to take lessons in connection with reinstatement.
Should I take a driving course?
Yes, if you are acquiring a driving licence for the first time, a course at a driving school is mandatory.
After the initial exercises in the closed practice area (playpen), the practical exercises continue on ordinary streets and roads, and must be completed with a course in driving techniques at an approved driving centre. Time consumption approx. 4 ½ hours.
How do I get a business card (taxi card)?
A driving licence for commercial passenger transport can be issued to a person who has reached the age of 21.
Commercial passenger transport driving licences can only be issued to drivers who have a category B licence and have passed a commercial passenger transport driving test. Commercial passenger transport driving licences can only be issued for the category in which the driving test was taken.
A driving licence for commercial passenger transport may be refused under the condition mentioned in section 78(2) of the Danish Criminal Code.
What is a control sample?
A road test is an ordinary theoretical and practical driving test similar to those taken by people who have not previously held a driving licence.
Can my foreign driving licence be exchanged in Denmark?
Foreign driving licences can be exchanged in Denmark if they have been acquired in a country where the educational requirements are roughly equivalent to the Danish requirements. If there is any doubt about this, the authorities may require the person concerned to take and pass a control test first. Find out more here:
Do I need a manoeuvring track (playpen)?
When acquiring a driving licence for the first time, the theoretical and practical training must be integrated, which means that immediately after a theory lesson, the same topics must be covered in a practical driving lesson.
The practical training must start at an approved closed training centre, where the learner is alone in the car and performs a series of specified exercises. The time spent at the closed training centre will normally be from 3 to 5 hours.
Applications for the issuance of a driving licence must be submitted to one of the municipality's citizen service centres, which are responsible for the practical processing of the case.
A special application form must be used.
Along with the application, you must submit a good-looking photograph and a medical certificate issued by your own doctor, as well as a first aid certificate. If you do not have a credit card-type driving licence or a valid passport, you must instead bring a health card, your original baptismal, name or birth certificate and photo ID. You can contact us for more info or read up on driving licence rules.
Further information on applying for a driving licence and driving licence rules can be obtained at the municipality's citizen service centre.
Most often, the driving instructor does the practical work of applying for a driving licence, for a small fee.
General driving licence rules and conditions for obtaining a driving licence
It is a prerequisite in the driving licence regulations for being issued a driving licence that you have so-called habitual residence in Denmark (at least 185 days). Habitual residence is defined as the place where you stay as a result of your personal or professional circumstances.
It is also a condition that you have a residence permit (residence certificate) in this country, unless you can stay in Denmark without a permit.
Finally, you must be in satisfactory health. Health requirements include vision, hearing, physical and mental disabilities, heart and kidney disease, diabetes and epilepsy. The police decide cases regarding, among other things, health issues (except for visual acuity) and special behavioural requirements.
Driving licence rules for Driving licence categories
You are only allowed to drive the type of vehicle for which you have a driving licence. Motor vehicles are divided into categories and vehicle types, each with its own letter. This is the letter that will appear on your driving licence and shows which vehicles you are allowed to drive. You can get a driving licence for the following categories:
Motorbike - category A
Motorcycles are divided into categories A1, A2 and A
Category A1
must not exceed 125 cc and have an engine power of 11 kW. At the same time, the figure obtained by dividing the engine power of the motorcycle by the kerb weight must not exceed 0.10 (kW/kg).
If you obtained your motorcycle licence on or after 1 July 1996, it entitles you to drive a motorcycle with or without a sidecar. The age requirement is 18 years. After 2 years of experience and passing a practical test, you can obtain a category A2 licence
Category A2
must have a maximum engine power of 35 kW and a maximum engine power to kerb weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg. The age requirement is 20 years.
Category A
Two-wheeled motorbike with or without sidecar
A three-wheeled motorbike with an engine power of more than 15 kW or a three-wheeled car with an engine power of more than 15 kW.
The aforementioned vehicles coupled to one trailer or one semi-trailer.
Ordinary car - category B
The age requirement is 17 years to be issued a driving licence for a car. However, until the age of 18, special conditions apply. Find out more here: https://www.sikkertrafik.dk/raad-og-viden/i-bil/koerekort-til-17-aarige
- Passenger car with no more than 8 seats in addition to the driver's seat and a maximum authorised gross weight of no more than 3,500 kg.
- Van with a maximum authorised gross vehicle weight of no more than 3,500 kg.
- Passenger car or van with attached trailer with a maximum authorised gross weight of no more than 750 kg.
- Passenger car or van with attached trailer with a permissible total weight of more than 750 kg, if the total permissible total weight of the combination of vehicles does not exceed 3,500 kg.
- Three-wheeled motorbike (cabin scooter).
- Tractor/motorised equipment.
- Category AM(moped)
Lorries - category C
Cars with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,500 kg. To get a truck licence, you must first have a regular car licence.
The age requirement is 21 years to be issued with a truck driving licence, or 18 years under certain conditions.
Bus - category D
Cars with more than eight seats in addition to the driver's. To get a bus licence, you first need a regular car licence.
The age requirement for a bus licence is 24 years, or 21 years under certain conditions.
Trailer - category B/E, C/E and D/E
Trailer for a regular car, lorry or bus weighing more than 750 kg. You cannot get a driving licence for a car, truck or bus with a trailer until you have a driving licence for a car, truck or bus without a trailer. This means that if you want to drive a lorry with a trailer, you must first obtain a lorry licence.
Driving licence for commercial passenger transport (taxi, coach etc.)
To obtain a commercial passenger transport driving licence, you must be 21 years of age or older, have a driving licence for a car and have passed a special driving test for commercial passenger transport.
Driving lessons are not required prior to the driving test. An interpreter cannot be used for a driving test for commercial passenger transport.
Commercial passenger transport licences can be issued for cars or buses and only for the category in which the driving test was taken.
Validity of driving licences
Driving licences for motorcycles and cars are issued with a validity of 15 years
Driving licences for trucks and buses are issued with validity until the age of 50. After that, the licence can be renewed for 5 years at a time until the age of 75.
The validity period is determined after the age of 75 based on your age. Driving licences can be issued for 4 years, 3 years, 2 years or finally for 1 year.
In special cases - especially due to health conditions - driving licences may be issued with a shorter validity than mentioned above.
Driving licence rules for renewing your licence
Renewal of a driving licence is done by contacting one of the municipality's citizen service centres. You must bring a suitable photograph and a medical certificate issued by your own doctor. If you do not have a credit card-type driving licence or a valid passport, you must bring your original baptismal, name or birth certificate and photo ID instead.
International driving licence
If you need to drive a motor vehicle during an extended stay abroad, you can be issued an international driving licence. The international driving licence does not replace your regular driving licence, but it is a confirmation that you have the right to drive, etc. In reality, an international driving licence is simply a translation of your Danish driving licence.
Application forms are available at the municipality's citizen service centres. A photograph and proof of identity must accompany the application, but a medical certificate is not required. The international driving licence is valid for one year and cannot be used in Denmark.
Driving licence test
The first years with a new licence are the most dangerous. This is when the risk of being involved in a road accident is highest. That's why your licence is now "on probation" for the first three years. If you commit a serious traffic offence within the first three years of getting your licence, you will be banned from driving.
A driving ban means that you are not allowed to drive again until you have completed a new specialised driving course (both theory and practical) or an alcohol and traffic course and passed a new driving test.
The driving training is completed with a driving test, which must be passed in order to obtain a driving licence for the desired category.
Purpose of the driving test
The purpose of the driving test is to assess whether you have acquired the knowledge, skills and behaviour that have been set as objectives for driver training. The fulfilment of the various objectives is a condition for being issued a driving licence.
Driving test content/curriculum
The provisions on driving training and the driving test can be found in the syllabuses for driving training for category A (motorcycle), category B (ordinary car), category C (lorry), category D (large passenger car) and category E (large trailer) respectively.
The syllabus provides a detailed description of the content and scope of the driver training programme, stating the purpose, main objectives and detailed sub-objectives. The sub-objectives are the actual guidelines for both the teaching and the assessment at the driving test, as they clarify in more detail what you should know and be able to do by the end of the programme.
The driving test generally consists of a theory test and a practical test.
Who organises driving tests?
Driving tests are usually organised by the police.
Persons who have been called up for military service or for service in the rescue services can take the driving test with either the defence or the state rescue services' driving examiners. However, this does not apply to tests for commercial passenger transport and the examiner's driving test.
When can the driving test be taken?
The theory test can be taken no earlier than 1 month before the age requirement is met. However, the theory test for tractors/motorised equipment can be taken 6 months before the age requirement is met.
You can only register for the practical test once you have passed the theory test, and the earliest you can take the test is when you fulfil the age requirement.
The theory test
The theory test consists of a series of images and some questions. You must then tick the correct answers on a form or on a PC
When you arrive for the test, your identity is checked and the conditions for taking the theory test are met, including that the necessary signatures on the application are present. The theory test is marked immediately after the test is finished and you will receive your result immediately.
The theory test with foreign-language applicants is conducted on the basis of the current series of pictures, with the questions translated by an interpreter who is also present in the test room. The police select the interpreter, who must not be a driving instructor. You must pay for the interpreter yourself.
If you are unable to take the usual written theory test due to exceptional circumstances - which must be documented - you can take a special test where, for example, the examiner reads out the questions or stops the tape recorder between each question. The slides and tick sheets are also used during the special test.
The practical test
The driving instructor or his/her representative may attend the practical test unless you or the examiner have significant objections to this. If you have used an interpreter for the theory test, an interpreter must also be used for the practical test.
The duration of the practical test depends on the category in which the test is taken. The driving time devoted to assessing your behaviour in traffic must not be less than 25 minutes for the practical test for category A, category B and category B/E. For other categories, the driving time for the behavioural assessment must not be less than 45 minutes. In addition to the driving time, time must be set aside for checking your identity, information about the test, checking the vehicle's equipment, evaluation of the test, etc. The test can be extended if necessary and can be cancelled if your driving skills are very poor.
At the start of the test, your identity will be checked and you will be verified that you fulfil the conditions for taking the practical test, including the necessary signatures on the application. Before you start driving, you must, as far as possible, demonstrate your ability to check selected parts of the vehicle's statutory equipment (the control test).
While driving, the examiner must give the necessary instructions on the route, manoeuvres, etc. The examiner must intervene during driving by using the vehicle's controls if this is necessary for safety reasons or to avoid a collision.
The manoeuvres that have been practised in a closed practice area and driving school do not have to be performed separately during the test, but are included in connection with the normal operation of the vehicle while driving. However, reversing, including reversing around corners, must be included on a random basis, but can only be required to be performed with some precision.
In the practical test, the examiner must first and foremost assess whether your performance is characterised by thorough learning in accordance with the syllabus.
The result of the test must be communicated immediately after the test is completed.
The practical issuing and renewal of driving licences takes place at one of the municipality's citizen service centres. The municipalities decide whether the conditions for issuing, renewing, etc. a driving licence are met. It is also the municipality that schedules driving tests and collects payment for driving licences. The police organise driving tests and decide on matters such as health issues (except for visual acuity) and special behavioural requirements.
Choosing a driving instructor is a matter of trust. Make sure you get a good briefing on the content, organisation and price of the training before you start taking the card, because even in this context, buying cheap can be expensive. Always ask for written student information. You can find organised driving instructors hereall of which are connected to public appeals board and guarantee fund.
Before you can be set for the theory and driving test, as a learner driver you will have to take some guided tests at your driving school. This will familiarise you with the procedure for the final tests.
You must have completed an 8-hour roadside first aid course to get your card. This only applies the first time you need to acquire your card.
Before the theory test, you must have completed the entire training programme except for the driving theory course
Applicants wishing to obtain a driving licence for a category for which no driving licence has previously been issued shall undergo compulsory driver training in accordance with the syllabus for driver training for that category.
Who needs to teach?
Only approved driving instructors are allowed to teach learners seeking a driving licence. The driving instructor approval will appear on the driving licence as a special endorsement. Driver training can be completed at private driving schools. In addition, driving lessons are available at AMU centres, and for military personnel or rescue service personnel, at the Danish Defence or the state rescue service, respectively.
The purpose of the training
The driving instructor must follow the syllabus for the chosen category in their driving instruction. The syllabus defines the knowledge, skills and behaviour that the applicant must possess in order to obtain a driving licence
The purpose of the driver training programme is:
- to provide you with insight into and understanding of the dangers and difficulties you encounter as a driver of vehicles on the road, as well as knowledge of traffic rules and other legal regulations,
that are important in this regard.
- to familiarise yourself with the vehicle and its operation to such an extent that you are able to identify any defects that are of importance to safety.
- To provide you with an understanding of the basic human factors that influence driving behaviour so that you can fully utilise your abilities and, where necessary
counteract common human limitations.
- to give you the skills to critically assess traffic and drive the vehicle without endangering yourself or others.
- To help you become a considerate and responsible driver.
- to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the situation of vulnerable road users, especially in relation to motorised traffic.
It is therefore not enough in the training to familiarise yourself with the ideals and requirements of the Road Traffic Act on how you should, must and may drive. Special attention must also be paid to the risks and hazards that occur on the road every day, despite the rules of the Highway Code.
You must learn to quickly perceive and assess the various danger signs of other road users' behaviour, vehicle manoeuvrability, the road, the weather and the road surface. This will enable you to anticipate dangerous situations and react to them in time.
The training programme
The sub-objectives in the driver training curriculum are the actual guidelines for the training and clarify exactly what you need to know and be able to do after completing your driver training.
The theoretical and practical training must be integrated and must follow the sectionalisation of the curriculum. This means that you will be guided from easier to more difficult exercises and that the theoretical and practical training will be coordinated so that, as far as possible, you will receive the theoretical training in a subject shortly before the practical training in the same subject.
Driving a car or motorbike is a practical act. Therefore, the driver training programme also has its centre of gravity in the practice of practical skills. The practical training begins with manoeuvres in a closed practice area, continues with practice driving on a regular road and ends with manoeuvres in a driving school.
Programme content
The lessons are composed of many different topics. Each topic is included to strengthen your skills in a specific direction. Here is an explanation of the actual goals of the different topics.
Car interior, equipment and documents
Knowledge of the vehicle's layout and equipment and an understanding of its functions in order to learn how to handle the vehicle correctly and gently and perform the various manoeuvres safely. In addition, you must be able to recognise defects or faults in the vehicle that affect road safety. Finally, you must familiarise yourself with the most important documents related to the use of the vehicle.
Manoeuvres in a closed training area
Ability to control the car at low speeds while performing manoeuvres that occur in normal traffic, i.e. starting, stopping, driving forwards and backwards, turning, reversing, parking at the roadside and in a parking bay.
The manoeuvres must be performed in an approved enclosed practice area.
Vehicle manoeuvrability
Knowledge of the manoeuvring characteristics of different vehicles and the different orientation conditions of drivers so that you learn to anticipate the difficulties that may arise in certain situations and thus assess the risk you expose yourself or others to by getting too close to another vehicle.
Traffic behaviour
Knowledge of some basic psychological aspects of driving a car or motorcycle so that familiarity with your own perception and reactions is achieved, thereby developing road-safe attitudes. Understanding the behaviour of other road users so that it helps you learn to anticipate their possible mistakes or thoughtlessness on the road and react appropriately to them in time.
Finally, you should familiarise yourself with the applicable legal provisions regarding the driving ability and health of drivers and the obligation to show special consideration for certain road users.
Road conditions
Knowledge of road hazards, depending on factors such as weather and road conditions or the behaviour of other road users, to help you learn to anticipate hazardous situations that can often occur at certain points on a road or on certain stretches of road and react to them in a timely manner.
Basic rules for driving a car or motorbike
Familiarise yourself with some general legal provisions for driving immediately before you go through the road driving exercises. You will also need to familiarise yourself with some terms in the Highway Code that specify certain driving requirements for each manoeuvre.
Manoeuvres on the way
Ability to safely and considerately adapt driving to changing traffic conditions and applicable traffic regulations on different types of roads and at different times (during and outside rush hour, daylight and darkness) while performing all commonly occurring manoeuvres.
Special risk conditions in traffic
Knowledge of some specific driving risk factors that help you to become familiar with your own abilities and to develop a road-safe attitude and behaviour.
Manoeuvres on the driving technology facility
Knowledge of some basic physics of driving that helps you understand the importance of adapting speed, steering and braking to the conditions. In addition, some proficiency in controlling the vehicle at moderate speeds in certain critical situations, including braking in the shortest possible distance, braking and evasive manoeuvres on high and low friction road surfaces, and vehicle recovery after skidding on a road surface.
The manoeuvres must be performed in an approved driving facility.
Number of lessons
The initial driving instruction for motorcycles and cars takes place at a closed practice area and the final instruction for all categories - except categories B/E, D/E - takes place at a driving school.
Special attention is paid to the needs of the individual student. Some manoeuvres need to be learned with great safety and precision, some manoeuvres need to be mastered and other manoeuvres require some skill.
It is therefore not possible to set a number of lessons that all learner drivers must complete. The legislation requires that a standard programme for a satisfactory training course consists of 53 lessons of 45 minutes each for ordinary cars. However, most learners will need more lessons to achieve the necessary driving skills, so the 53 lessons are an absolute minimum.
End of driver training programme
The driving test assesses whether the purpose of the driver training programme has been achieved. The content of the driving test is described in the section on the content of the driving test.
Validity period
According to the regulations on driver training, theory and practical training must be integrated and must follow the sectional division of the syllabus. The initial and final driving lessons must take place at a closed practice area and a driving centre, respectively.
If - for example, after several attempts to pass the practical test - you are in a continuing education programme, the previously completed exercises on the closed practice area and on the technical driving facility remain valid, even if several years have passed.
If, on the other hand, the training programme has been interrupted and the interruption has been of longer duration, you must repeat the exercises in the closed training area and the technical driving facility. This is the only way to maintain the intention of a coherent training programme
The first years with a new licence are the most dangerous. This is when the risk of being involved in a road accident is highest. That's why your licence is now "on probation" for the first three years. If you commit a serious traffic offence within the first three years of getting your licence, you will be banned from driving.
A driving ban means that you are not allowed to drive again until you have completed a new, specialised driving course (both theory and practical) or an alcohol and traffic course and passed a new driving test. After that, your driving licence is on probation again.
Below you can find answers to more questions about the rules.
1.
When did the rules come into effect?
A: The rules on driving bans/probationary driving licences came into force on 1 March 2002.
2.
Who do the rules apply to?
A: The rules apply to everyone, including those who obtained their licence before 1 March 2002. The first licence is "on probation" for three years.
For example, if you have currently held your first driving licence for 1 year and 7 months, the rules also apply to you.
3.
What does it mean that your licence is on probation?
Answer: This means that there are stricter penalties for serious traffic offences in the first three years after you have obtained your first driving licence.
Where you would previously receive a suspended licence, you will now be banned from driving.
4.
What does it mean to be banned from driving?
Answer: If you are banned from driving, you must surrender your driving licence to the police. In principle, you are then in the same position as if you don't have a driving licence.
5.
Will my driving licence be taken on the spot?
Answer: No, normally not. The police can only demand the driver's licence when the decision on the driving ban is final. But if the conditions for unconditional disqualification are met,
the police can revoke your licence on the spot.
6.
What offences can I get a driving ban for?
Answer: You will be banned from driving if, for example, within three years of obtaining your first driving licence:
- exceeds the speed limit by more than 70% in a car, van, etc.
- exceeds the speed limit by more than 40% in a lorry, bus, car with trailer, etc.
- drink-driving with more than 0.8 per mille
- driving recklessly or inconsiderately, e.g. by overtaking at high speed, "ignoring" an unconditional right of way or harassing other road users.
Previously, as mentioned, you would "settle" for a suspended driving licence for these offences.
If you commit even more serious offences or there are aggravating circumstances surrounding your offence, you may face a more severe penalty. But that's how it's always been.
7.
If I have licences for multiple categories, are they all "on probation" for three years?
Answer: No, the three-year probationary period is counted from the first category you have taken a driving licence for. The probationary period does not start over if you subsequently take/have taken a driving licence for more categories.
8.
How long is the driving ban valid for?
Answer: The driving ban is valid until you have:
- undergone special driving training of at least 8 theory lessons of 45 minutes each and 8 driving lessons of 45 minutes each with a driving instructor or
- completed a compulsory alcohol and traffic course; and
- have passed a new driving test (both theory and driving test).
There is no fixed period of disqualification - the driving ban is valid until you have completed the course and passed the driving test.
9.
If I get a driving ban, does it apply to all the categories I have a licence for?
Answer: Yes, you can. If you are banned from driving for an offence committed in, for example, a passenger car, the ban also applies to driving in all other categories for which you have a licence.
However, you don't have to take lessons and pass a driving test in all your categories again. Which category you need training + driving test for is decided by the police on a case-by-case basis.
Once you have passed and the driving ban is lifted, you can drive all your categories again.
10.
What does the new specialised driver training consist of?
Answer. The new special driving instruction consists of selected parts of the regular curriculum: "Traffic behaviour", "Basic rules for driving" and "Manoeuvres on the road".
It takes place with a driving instructor. The course must include at least 8 theory lessons and 8 driving lessons and must be spread over at least 8 teaching days.
11.
If I have a drink/driving offence and need to attend an alcohol and traffic course, how and where does it take place?
Answer: The courses in alcohol and traffic consist of 4 lessons of 2 ½ hours each and last at least 4 weeks. Attendance is compulsory for all lessons and legislation is taught, among other things,
risk and the effects of alcohol. The alcohol counsellors in the counties and the municipalities of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg are responsible for the courses, which are mainly held in the evenings.
Courses are offered according to demand. So you may have to wait to get a place in a class.
12.
How much do classes and courses cost?
A: The price for driving and theory lessons depends on the rate of the individual driving instructor.
The course in alcohol and traffic costs around DKK 2000. You must pay for everything yourself.
Please note that in addition to the driving ban, there is a fine that depends on your offence.
13.
Can I get a discount on tuition if I'm on a low income?
Answer: No.
What happens if I drive even though I have a driving ban?
Answer: Then you will be fined for driving without a licence. It costs DKK 5,000. - the first time.
Excerpts from the comments to bill no. L 225 - published as Act no. 498 of 7 June 2001 (Increasing the penalty for serious traffic offences and introduction of driving bans) can be read here.
To become a driving instructor, you must fulfil the provisions of section 66 of the Road Traffic Act regarding age, practical driving experience, training and test, and penalties. Before starting the training programme, you should also check whether you meet the health requirements.
The age requirement to become a driving instructor is 24 years old.
Practical driving experience
Have not been disqualified from driving or had their driving licence administratively revoked in the last 2 years.
Have completed a pedagogical course approved by the Ministry of Justice as qualifying for the driving instructor programme. This course must have a duration of 120 hours, corresponding to 10 credits
Applicants who wish to start a driving instructor training programme must first have obtained a driving licence for categories A, B, C and C/E. In connection with driving instructor training for C, D, E, you must also have obtained a driving licence for commercial passenger transport D.
Education and training
To become a driving instructor, you must complete a driving instructor training programme. The training must follow a curriculum for the driving instructor programme. The actual teaching must be given by a specially authorised driving instructor. A specially approved driving instructor is approved for the category for which you want to become a driving instructor and has completed an approved course.
The aim of the driving instructor training programme is to provide the trainee driving instructor with the theoretical and practical prerequisites to be able to teach learner drivers in accordance with the applicable rules for driving training for the category for which approval is sought.
In the training programme, the trainee must achieve the following:
- in-depth knowledge of the curriculum for the driver training programme for which you want a driving instructor licence.
- the necessary knowledge of pedagogical principles and skills in teaching students in a driving school.
- knowledge of traffic law, vehicle technology, driving technique and risk theory in addition to the content of the curriculum for the selected category.
- The training is provided by private driving instructor schools and lasts approximately 8 months.
The driving instructor test
The content of the driving instructor exam is regulated in the Driving Instructor Order. The test consists of a written preliminary test and an oral final practical test. The tests, which are held twice a year, are taken before a test commission, either east of the Great Belt or west of the Great Belt. Each test commission consists of 2 members. One appointed by the police (chairman) and a vehicle inspector. In addition, a number of deputies are appointed.
The pre-test assesses whether the trainee has acquired the necessary knowledge of the syllabus for the chosen driving licence category. The test is written and covers the system and content of the syllabus. Once the pre-test has been passed, the trainee can sit the final test.
The final examination assesses whether the trainee has the necessary theoretical and practical prerequisites to be able to teach learner drivers. The test, which is oral, consists of a test of knowledge and personal driving skills and a test of teaching learner drivers in theory and practice.
There is usually the option to go up 3 times.
To participate in the driving instructor test, a fee must be paid.
Vandalism regulations
If the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence that may justify an imminent risk of abuse of the position as a driving instructor, a driving instructor's licence cannot be issued. The chairman of the examination commission decides whether the conditions are met based on a criminal record.
Driving instructor licence
Driving instructor licences are available for category A (motorcycle), category B (ordinary car) and categories C-D and E (lorry, large car and large trailer).
Driving licence
If the driving instructor test is passed, the driving licence can be endorsed with a driving instructor approval for the chosen category. However, it is a prerequisite that the applicant otherwise meets the general conditions for being issued a driving licence.
Prices, duration and course start date
For prices, duration and course start dates, please refer to the relevant training centres. Dansk Kørelærer-Union is a trade organisation and is not responsible for driving instructor training.
The driving instructor licence is valid for 5 years. From 1 January 2016, a 5-day refresher course is required for renewal. The Danish Driving Instructor Union offers continuing education courses.
Driving licence reinstatement
If you have been disqualified from driving and lost your licence, you will need to reacquire your licence in order to drive legally again. You can reinstate your licence by meeting a number of conditions, which may differ depending on the type of driving disqualification. See all the conditions here and find out how to reinstate your licence.
How do I reinstate my driving licence?
If you have been disqualified from driving, you can only drive legally again once you have reacquired your licence. You regain your driving licence by fulfilling a number of conditions, which can vary depending on the reason why your licence was suspended.
What conditions do I need to fulfil to reinstate my driving licence?
Conditional disqualification from driving
If you have received a conditional driving disqualification, you can reacquire your licence for a three-year probationary period if you pass a driving test. This test consists of a theoretical and practical test where you will be tested on the underlying theory of driving and your practical driving skills.
When you retake the theory test and the driving test, it is not a prerequisite that you must complete the required theory and driving instruction programme again. However, if a deadline has been set for when you must pass the theory test at the latest, you must meet this deadline. The deadline is usually set at 6 months.
If, within the three-year probationary period, you commit a traffic offence that can trigger a new conditional suspension of your driving licence, you will receive an unconditional suspension of your driving licence of at least 6 months. You will only receive a conditional suspension of your driving licence if you have held your driving licence for more than 3 years before it was suspended. If you have not had your licence for more than 3 years, you will receive a driving ban.
Driving bans
If you are banned from driving, you can only regain your licence once you have completed special training and passed a driving test. The special training must be conducted by an approved driving instructor and must consist of at least 8 lessons of 45 minutes in theory and 8 lessons of 45 minutes in driving. It is also a requirement that the training extends over a minimum of 8 teaching days.
Unconditional disqualification from driving
If you have an unconditional driving disqualification, this means that you can only reacquire your driving licence once the disqualification period has expired. You regain your licence by passing a driving test.
Disqualification due to drink-driving
If the disqualification of your driving licence is due to drunk driving or similar, it is also a condition for the reinstatement of your driving licence that you complete an alcohol/drug/traffic course, including a ANT course.
How do I apply for a driving licence reinstatement?
In order to reinstate your driving licence, it is a condition that you apply for the reinstatement.
If your driving licence has been revoked, you will generally have to appear in person at one of the country's municipalities and hand in a completed application form and an approved passport photo. In some municipalities, your driving instructor can come to you and handle this part of the process. When you hand in the application form, either you or your driving instructor must be able to present your valid driving licence or passport, as well as your letter regarding the driving licence suspension. If you have been disqualified from driving due to drink-driving, you will also need to provide an ANT course certificate.
In the case of a conditional driving licence suspension, make sure you apply for the reinstatement in good time, as you must pass a driving test within 6 months of the conviction. If you fail to do so, you will be sentenced to an unconditional driving licence suspension.
If you have been unconditionally disqualified from driving, you can apply for reinstatement of your driving licence at the earliest one month before the disqualification period expires.
Conditional driving licence suspension
A conditional driving disqualification means that you can keep your licence if you pass a driving test within 6 months of the disqualification. But what other requirements do you need to meet to keep your licence? And what situations can lead to a conditional driving licence suspension? Get the answers here.
What does a conditional driving licence suspension mean?
A conditional suspension of your driving licence means that you keep your licence if you re-pass a driving test. You must pass both a theory test, where your theoretical knowledge of driving is tested, and a driving test, where your practical driving skills are tested.
You don't need to take theory or driving lessons before you take your test. However, you may want to take a few theory lessons, as even experienced drivers may struggle to pass the theory test.
If your driving licence is conditionally suspended, you must take and pass the driving test, including the theory test, within 6 months after your driving licence has been suspended by a court decision. If you do not meet the 6-month deadline, your driving licence will generally be unconditionally suspended instead.
Additional conditions
Once you have passed both the driving test and the theory test after the conditional suspension, you have reacquired your driving licence for a probationary period of 3 years. After this, it is a condition that you do not commit any new traffic offences that could trigger a conditional suspension of your driving licence or worse, as this will result in an unconditional suspension of your driving licence for at least 6 months.
If you have received a conditional suspension of your driving licence due to drunk driving, it is also a condition for the reinstatement that you complete a ANT course (alcohol/drugs/traffic course).
Application requirements
In order to reinstate your driving licence after a conditional suspension, you will generally need to appear in person at one of the country's municipalities and bring a completed application form. However, in some municipalities, your driving instructor can come to you and handle this part of the process. For this, you - or your instructor on your behalf - will need to present a valid passport or driving licence, as well as the letter you received regarding the suspension of your licence. You will also need to bring an ANT course certificate if you have been disqualified from driving due to drunk driving.
When can you get a suspended driving licence?
It is only possible to get a conditional suspension of your driving licence if you have had a driving licence for more than 3 years prior to the suspension. This is because your first 3 years with a driving licence is a probationary period, and a disqualification during this probationary period will likely result in a driving ban.
Situations involving a conditional driving licence suspension
You can get a conditional suspension of your driving licence if you:
- Get 3 points on your driving licence within a 3-year period.
- Travelling more than 60 % over the permitted speed limit.
- Driving more than 40 % over the speed limit during roadworks.
- Driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.5 and 1.2.
- Travelling more than 160 km/h.
- Not providing assistance where possible after you have been involved in a road traffic accident.
- Otherwise disregards essential road safety considerations.
What do you need to know for the driving test, the practical test?
Watch the video or use the checklist.
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