PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE
Everything you need to know from driving licences and theory, to how to become a driving instructor
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE
Everything from driving licences and theory to how to become a driving instructor
🧭 Useful links and information
The links below give a good insight into what you need to be aware of when taking a driving licence.
Here you will find practical guides, official forms and useful resources from The Danish Road Traffic Authority and Sikker Trafik.
🚗 About obtaining a driving licence:
Safe Traffic - Acquiring a driving licence
🔗 sikkertrafik.dk
🧒 About 17-year-olds:
driving licence at 17 years old
🔗 sikkertrafik.dk/17-aarig
🍷 ANT Course:
Alcohol and Drugs Traffic Course
🔗 ANT course
📄 P23 - Application form:
Application form for driving licence
🔗 Download P23 form
📝 Consent form
If you are 17 years old and want to take a driving licence, you need to fill out a consent form to bring with you to the driving school of your choice.
🔗 Download consent form for 17-year-olds (Updated July 1, 2025)
📘 Drive4you Theory
in collaboration with The Danish Driving Instructors Union
A solid theoretical understanding is essential to become a safe and responsible driver.
With Drive4you, you get access to thorough teaching material developed in close collaboration with The Danish Driving Instructors Union.
This ensures high quality, correct academic content and confidence in your theory lessons.
ℹ️Practical knowledge
🚗 Driving licence for normal cars (category B) and other categories - overview
🧒 Starting age and training
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Training can start 3 months before your 17th birthday
(valid from 1st January 2017) -
Theory test: earliest 1 month before your 17th birthday
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Practical test: earliest on the day of your 17th birthday
⏳ Time allowance
A typical driving school program will last 2-4 months for students between 17 and 19 years old - but the duration depends on the individual student.
🏫 Choosing a driving school
Choose your driving school carefully.
Listen to former students and check reviews - e.g. via Trustpilot or local recommendations.
📘 The theory test
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Format: 25 images with spoken text and 2-4 answer options
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Pass requirement: max. 5 mistakes(category B)
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Fee: See the price list from The Danish Road Safety Authority here
📋 Minimum lessons (45 minutes each)
The driver training must be a minimum of, days:
| Category | Theory | Maneuver / closed | Road | Driving technical | In total | Minimum days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B (car) | 29 | 4 maneuver | 16 | 4 | 53 | 14 |
| A (MC) | 29 | 4 closed | 13 | 5 | 51 | 14 |
| C / D | 16 | 2 entry road | 12 external road | 4 | 34 | 12 |
| C / E | 13 | Same as C/D | - | - | 31 | 10 |
| D / E | 10 | 1 inner road + 5 outer roads | - | - | 16 | 7 |
| B / E | - | - | - | - | - | 3 days (min.) |
🚘 The practical driving test
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Duration: 30-45 minutes
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Vehicle: Driving School vehicle (the one used for lessons)
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Location: Takes place in the local area, but the routes are not published
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Procedure: The test starts with ID check (passport/ID) and vehicle check, then driving/riding where a test examiner assesses your safety and behavior
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Control or re-test: Has the same format, if you need to retake or are upgrading category
🚦 Driving license categories
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A: Motorcycle (A1 / A2 / A)
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B: Normal car (max 3,500 kg / 8 passengers)
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B/E: Car + large trailer/caravan (combination above 3,500 kg)
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C / C1: Heavy goods vehicle (large / small)
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D / D1: Bus (large / small, more than 8 passengers)
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BE/CE/DE: With trailer
🚗 Trailer with category B
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Trailer below 750 kg: Combined weight of max. 3500 kg.
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Trailer > 750 kg: Must not exceed 3,500 kg.
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Also applies to Trikes, tractors and largemopeds
🔄 Renewal of driving license
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A/B/B/BE/tractor: Valid to 75 years (or max 15 years from date of issue)
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C / C/E / D / D/E: Valid for 5 years
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Commercial passenger transport (taxi / bus): Valid for 5 years
🛵 Large Moped (45)
Riding a large moped requires a valid category A or B licence.
ℹ️ driving licence - further information
🏫 Find a driving school
You can easily find a driving school in your area by searching on Google.dk:
"driving school + your postcode"
or simply "driving school + [your city]".
🔁 Renewal of driving licence
If you have been disqualified or banned from driving, you will typically have to complete a new theory and practical test.
Regulations:
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Driving ban: Mandatory theory and driving lessons before new driving test.
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Suspended: Training is optional but recommended.
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Start time: For unconditional disqualification, you can start at the earliest 3 months before the disqualification period expires.
Contact a driving school to plan your course and get ready for the tests.
🧭 Technical driving course (mandatory for first-time acquisition)
After the closed training course, you must complete a driving course at an approved technical driving facility.
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Duration: 4 lessons (approx. 4½ hours)
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Content: Braking, evasive maneuvers and correct steering in different conditions
The course is a requirement for the first acquisition of a driving licence.
🚕 Commercial passenger transport licence (taxi / passenger transport)
In order to drive a taxi or other commercial passenger transportation, you must meet the following requirements:
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Minimum 21 years old
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Valid category B driving licence
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Passed special driving test in commercial passenger transport
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Validity: 5 years
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Can be denied according to section 78(2) of the Criminal Code
📋 Control Re-test
A control test consists of a theory and practical test, the same as your first driving test.
The test is required, among other things, for re-acquisition or if the authorities assess the need for a new assessment of driving ability.
🌍 Exchange of foreign driving licence
A foreign driving licence can usually be exchanged for a Danish one if the educational requirements correspond to the Danish rules.
If in doubt, you can The Danish Road Traffic Authority may require you to complete a control test.
🚗 Closed practice area - mandatory for first-time licence
The initial training takes place in a closed practice area.
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Form: Integrated training where theory is followed by practice
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Start: You drive alone in the car in a closed area
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Exercises: Specific maneuvers such as starting, stopping, turning, reversing etc.
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Duration: 3-5 hours (typically 4 lessons for category B)
Issuing a driving licence in Denmark
🏢 Who issues the license?
The Danish Road Traffic Authority is the authority that approves and issues driving licenceses in Denmark.The application must be sent to the service center in your municipality.
When you apply, you will need to bring:
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Valid ID (passport or other identification)
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Passport photo (meets passport photo requirements)
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Medical certificate - required from age 75 or for health conditions
🧾 Rules for issuing
First time
driving licence can be issued when you have passed both theory and practical test.
The tests are usually booked through your driving school, which is responsible for planning and booking.
⏱ Validity
| Category | Validity | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| A / B / BE | Up to age of 75 | For licences issued after 19 January 2013: max. 15 years |
| C / D / Business | 5 years | Applies to HGV, bus and commercial driving |
🔁 Renewal of driving licence
driving licence can be renewed by application when the expiration date is approaching.
When applying, a medical certificate is required - specific for license type and health.
🔄 Reinstatement or exchange
If your driving licence is revoked, expired or needs to be exchanged from a foreign driving licence, the application is made via municipality service center.
A new theory and driving test may be required if The Danish Road Traffic Authority deems it necessary.
💰 Fees
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Theory and driving test: approx. 1,450 DKK (total fee)
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Issue / renewal: approx. 280 kr.
Always see the current prices at
👉 The Danish Road Traffic Authority.dk
🚦 Driving test - how it works
When you take your driving test, you must show you can drive safely, legally and considerately in traffic.
The driving test consists of two parts: the theory test and the practical test.
📘 The theory test
The theory test is digital and consists of pictures with questions.
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Category B (car) and most other categories: 25 questions
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Category D (bus): 15 questions
To pass:
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Max. 5 errors (for most categories)
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Max. 3 errors (for category D)
The result is shown immediately after the test and is also sent to your e-Boks and shown on
👉 koreprovebooking.dk
🚗 The practical test
The practical test should show that you can:
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Operate your vehicle correctly
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Comply with traffic regulations
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Drive safely and considerately
You must also be able to check vehicle equipment such as brakes, lights and tyres.
The test typically lasts 25-45 minutes, depending on the category.
📋 Important rules and advice
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Bring valid identification (passport or driving licence)
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Bring logbook signed by your driving instructor
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Arrive rested, sober and ready
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The test is only interrupted if your driving is dangerous or illegal
After the test, you will be informed immediately whether you have passed or failed.
If you do not pass, the test examiner will inform you which areas you need more practice in, and this will be noted in the The Danish Road Traffic Authority assessment form.
🪪 Driving licence, issue and renewal
The issuing and renewal of a driving licence is handled by the municipality service centers.
The municipality assesses whether the conditions for issuing or renewal are met and is also responsible for booking driving tests and collecting fees.
The DanishThe Danish Road Traffic Authority Road Traffic Agency is responsible for conducting driving tests and assessing health and character requirements in connection with driving licences.
🚗 Choosing a driving school
Choosing a driving school is a matter of trust.
It is recommended to get a thorough briefing on the content, organisation and price of the course before you start the course.
Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best.
You should always receive written student information from your driving instructor before lessons begin.
An overview of organized driving instructorswho are affiliated with public appeals board and guarantee fundcan be found here:
👉 [insert link]
🧩 Before the tests
Before you can take the theory and driving test, you will need to complete indicative practice tests at your driving school.
These tests familiarise you with the structure and procedure of the final tests.
⛑ First aid course
When taking your first driving licence, you must have completed an 8-hour traffic first aid course.
The course must be completed before you can take the test.
📘 Theory lessons before the test
Before taking the theory test, you must have completed the entire course, excluding the lesson at the technical driving facility.
The purpose is to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge before taking the theory test.
🧭 Driver training - how it works
📋 Requirements for the training
When you take a driving licence for a new category, you must complete compulsory training according to Trianing plan form c.
The training must ensure that you acquire the knowledge, skills and behavior required to drive safely in traffic.
👨🏫 Who can teach?
Only approved driving instructors may teach students taking a driving licence.
The approval appears on the driving instructor's driving licence.
The training can take place at:
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Private driving schools
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AMU centers
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The Armed Forces or the Danish Emergency Management Agency (for military and rescue personnel)
🎯 Purpose of the training
Driver training should provide you with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills to enable you to:
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Drive safely, legally and considerately in traffic
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Know and understand traffic rules and legal requirements
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Be able to check and maintain the vehicle
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Develop an understanding of human factors such as fatigue and alertness
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Anticipate and respond correctly to dangerous situations
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Show consideration and responsibility towards all road users - especially the vulnerable
🧩 Structure of the program
Theory and practice are closely linked.
You first learn the theory, then you try it in practice.
The course is built step by step:
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Closed training ground
- You learn basic maneuvers such as starting, stopping, turning and parking. -
Driving on the road
- You train safe and considerate driving in different conditions - urban, rural, dark, rush hour, etc. -
Driving skills
- You learn how to handle the car in critical situations, brake correctly and steer safely when losing grip.
🚗 Main topics of the training
Vehicle layout and documents
- Learn to understand your car's equipment, detect faults and know the most important papers.
Vehicle handling characteristics
- Understand how different vehicles react and how to assess distance and risk.
Traffic Behavior
- Insight into both your own and others' behavior in traffic - so you learn to anticipate errors and react correctly.
Road and traffic conditions
- Learn how road, weather and traffic conditions affect your driving and how to adapt.
Basic rules and maneuvers
- Practical application of traffic laws for general driving and maneuvers.
Special risk conditions
- Focus on dangerous situations and vulnerable road users to learn how to react considerately and safely.
⏱ Number of lessons
A standard course for category B (passenger car) consists of at least 53 lessons of 45 minutes each.
This is a statutory minimum - most students need a few more hours to be fully prepared.
The training is always adapted to the individual student's level and development.
🏁 Completion of driver training
Once you have completed all parts of the course, you can be nominated for the theory and driving test.
For the tests, The Danish Road Traffic Authority's test examiner assess whether you have acquired the skills and attitudes required to pass.
📅 Validity of completed parts
If you have completed exercises at the closed practice area and driving facility, they are still valid - even if you have to take more tests.
However, if you take a long break from training, it may be necessary to repeat parts of the program to ensure a coherent course.
🚫 driving licence on probation and licence suspension or driving ban
The first years with a new driving licence are the most risky.
Therefore, the licence is "on probation" for the first three years.
If you violate traffic regulations during this period, your licence will be suspended and banned from driving.
A driving ban means that you are not allowed to drive until you have completed a new special driving course (theory + practical) or a course in alcohol and traffic and have passed a new driving test.
After passing the test, a new three-year trial period starts.
📅 1. When did the rules come into effect?
The rules on driving bans and probationary driving licence came into force on 1st March 2002.
👥 2. Who do the rules apply to?
The rules apply to all new drivers, including those who got a driving licence before the 1st of March 2002.
If, for example, you have held a driving licence for 1 year and 7 months, you are still in the probation period.
⚖️ 3. What does it mean that your licence is on probation?
Stricter sanctions apply for the first three years you have your first driving licence.
Where you would previously receive a conditional suspension, your licence will be suspended which means a driving ban for serious violations.
🧾 4. What does it mean to be banned from driving?
You must surrender your driving licence to the police and you are not allowed to drive until you have completed the required training and passed a new test.
🚔 5. Will your licence be taken on the spot?
Usually not. The police can only confiscate your driving licence after you are convicted by the courts and the decision is final.
In very serious cases (unconditional disqualification), however, the police can confiscate your licence on the spot.
⚠️ 6. What offenses result in a driving ban?
You can be banned from driving within the first three years if you, for example
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Exceed the speed limit by more than 70% in a car or van
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Exceed the speed limit by more than 40% in HGV, bus or when towing a trailer or caravan
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Driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol level of more than 0,2 per thousand
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Driving recklessly or dangerously, e.g. hazardous overtaking, failure to give way or harassment
For even more serious violations, the penalty can be increased further.
🪪 7. Does the probation period apply to all categories?
Yes, the trial period is counted from the first category you take the driving licence for.
It does not start over if you later get other categories.
⏱️ 8. How long does a driving ban or suspension last?
The suspension applies until you have:
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completed 8 theory lessons and 8 driving lessons
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completed an alcohol and traffic course , and
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Passed new theory and driving test
There is no fixed suspension time - your driving licence is only reinstated once you have passed.
🚙 9. Does the ban apply to all categories?
Yes. If you are banned from driving a car, for example, this also applies to all other categories you have a licence for.
However, you only have to complete training and tests in one category, as determined by the police.
When you pass, you get all your categories back.
📚 10. What does the special driving instruction include?
The training must take place with an approved driving instructor and consists of parts of the regular syllabus:
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Traffic behavior
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Basic rules for driving
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Maneuvers on the road
At least 8 theory lessons + 8 driving lessons, spread over at least 8 teaching days.
🍷 11. alcohol and traffic course
If you drink and drive, you must complete an alcohol and traffic course.
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4 lessons of 2½ hours, spread over at least 4 weeks
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Attendance is compulsory for all lessons
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The course includes lessons in legislation, risks and the effects of alcohol
Courses are offered by alcohol consultants in regions and municipalities and are typically held in the evening.
There may be a waiting list for the course.
💰 12. How much do classes and courses cost?
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Price for driving and theory lessons depends on the individual driving school
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Alcohol and traffic course: approx. 2,000 kr.
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You pay all expenses yourself
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In addition, there may be a fine, depending on the offense
🚫 13. Can I get a discount - and what if I drive anyway?
There areno discounts for low incomes.
If you drive while suspended, you will be fined for driving without a driving licence -
which costs DKK 5,000 the first time.
📜 Legal requirement
The regulations are included in Act no. 498 of June 7, 2001 (L 225 - Increased penalties for serious traffic offenses and introduction of driving bans).
🧑🏫 Driving instructor training
To become a driving instructor, you must meet the requirements in section 66 of the Danish Road Traffic Act regarding age, driving experience, education, test and good character.
Before you start the training, you should ensure that you also meet the health requirements.
🎂 Age requirements
You must be at least 24 years old to become a driving instructor.
🚗 Practical driving experience
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You must not have been disqualified or had your driving license administratively withdrawn in the last 2 years.
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You must have completed a pedagogical course of 120 hours (10 ECTS), which is approved by the Ministry of Justice and gives access to the driving instructor program.
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You must have a driving licence for categories A, B, C and C/E.
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For driving instructor training for C, D or E, you must also have commercial passenger transport D.
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📚 The training
The driving instructor training must follow the official syllabus for driving instructor training.
Teaching is given by specially approved driving instructors who are authorised to teach the desired category.
The aim is to give you the theoretical and practical skills required to teach learner drivers according to current regulations.
You need to achieve:
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In-depth knowledge of the driver training curriculum
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Knowledge of pedagogical principles and skills in teaching
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Understanding of traffic laws, vehicle engineering, vehicle technology and risk theory
The training is offered by private driving instructor schools and typically lasts around 8 months.
🧾 Driving instructor test
The driving instructor exam is described in the Driving Instructor Order and consists of two parts:
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Written pre-test
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Tests your knowledge of the structure and content of the curriculum.
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Must pass before you can take the final exam.
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Oral and practical final exam
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Assesses your theoretical and practical teaching skills.
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Includes own driving test, theoretical knowledge and teaching students.
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The tests are held twice a year - both east and west of the Great Belt - before a test commission consisting of test examiners from The Danish Road Traffic Authority.
You can only take the test a maximum of three times.
There is a test fee for the test.
⚖️ Terms of use
If the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense that may pose a risk of abuse of the position, a driving instructor certificate cannot be issued.
The chairman of the examination board assesses this based on the criminal record.
🪪 Driving instructor certification
Driving instructor certification can be obtained for:
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Category A: Motorcycle
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Category B: Normal car
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Categories C, D and E: Heavy goods vehicle, bus and large trailer
Once the test is passed, the driving instructor endorsement is added to your driving licence.
However, this requires that you continue to meet the general conditions for issuing a driving licence.
💼 Prices, duration and course start
Information about prices, duration and course start dates can be obtained from the individual educational institutions.
DKU The Danish Driving Instructors Union is the trade organization for driving instructors, but does not provide the training itself.
A licenced driving instructor authorisation is valid for 5 years.
From 1 January 2016, a 5-day continuing education course is required in connection with renewal.
Continuing education is offered by Dansk Kørelærer-Union.
🔁 Regaining a driving licence
If your driving licence has been suspended and you have lost your right to drive, you need to reacquire your license in order to legally drive again.
The exact conditions depend on the type of disqualification in question.
❓ How do I reacquire my driving licence?
Your driving licence can be reinstated by meeting a number of requirements, which vary depending on the reason for the disqualification.
Only when you have met all requirements can you get your driving licence back.
⚖️ Conditions for reinstatement
🟡 Conditional licence suspension
If you have a received a conditional suspension , you can regain your licence if you re-take and pass a controlled driving test.
The test consists of:
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A theory test
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A practical test
You need to show that you still have the necessary knowledge and driving skills.
Important:
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You do not have to attend the entire driving school course again.
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You must pass the test within 6 months of the date of your conviction.
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If you fail - or commit a new offense during the probation period - you can be banned form driving, an unconditional suspension of at least 6 months.
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If you have held your first driving licence for less than 3 years, you will be banned from driving instead.
🔴 Driving ban
If you receive a driving ban, you must re-take your licence with compusary special training with an approved driving instructor and then pass a controlled driving test.
Requirements:
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Minimum 8 theory lessons of 45 min.
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Minimum 8 driving lessons of 45 minutes each.
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The training must last at least 8 training days.
⚫ Unconditional disqualification from driving
If you have an unconditional disqualification, you can only apply for reinstatement when the disqualification period has expired.
You driving licence will be reinstated after passing a driving test.
🍷 Disqualification due to drink driving
If your driving licence is disqualified due to drink driving or being under the influence of drugs, you must also complete a
ANT (Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic) course before you can re-take your licence.
The course is mandatory and must be completed before you can register for the exam.
🧾 How to apply for recertification
The application for reinstatement must be made in person at the municipality's citizen service.
You will need to bring:
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Completed application form
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Passport photo (according to passport requirements)
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Valid ID (passport or driving licence)
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The letter showing the disqualification
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ANT course certificate if the disqualification is due to drink-driving
In some municipalities, your driving instructor can submit the application for you.
📅 Deadlines and time limits
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For conditional disqualification, you must have passed the driving test no later than 6 months after the conviction.
If the deadline is exceeded, it is changed to unconditional disqualification. -
For unconditional disqualification, you can apply at the earliest one month before the disqualification period expires.
⚖️ Conditional suspension from driving
A conditional suspension means that you can keep driving if you pass a control driving test within 6 months of the suspension.
Here you can read what it means, which requirements apply and in which situations you can receive a conditional suspension.
❓ What does conditional suspension mean?
You keep your driving licence if you pass a control driving test comprising of a theory test and a practical test within the time limit set by the courts.
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The theory test tests your knowledge of traffic rules and traffic understanding.
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The driving test tests your practical skills behind the wheel.
You are not required to take compulsory lessons, but it is recommended to take a few theory lessons as even experienced drivers often underestimate the difficulty of the test.
If you do not pass within 6 months or by the required date, your driving licence will be disqualified unconditionally.
📋 Additional conditions
After you have passed both the theory and practical test, your driving licence will be reinstated with a probation period of 3 years.
During this period, you must not commit any new traffic offenses that would normally result in a conditional suspension -
as this will result in an unconditional disqualification of at least 6 months.
If you've been disqualified for drink driving, you must also complete an ANT (Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic) course before getting your licence back.
🧾 Application requirements
To regain your driving licence after a conditional suspension, you must appear in person at the service center of your municipality.
What to bring:
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Completed application form
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Valid passport or driving licence
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The letter showing the disqualification
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ANT course certificate (for alcohol cases)
In some municipalities, your driving instructor can submit the application on your behalf.
📅 When can you receive a conditional suspension?
It is only possible to get a conditional suspension if you have held your first driving licence for more than 3 years at the time of the offence.
The first 3 years of holding a driving licence is a probation period, where a traffic offence will usually result in a driving ban instead.
🚨 Typical situations that lead to conditional suspension
You could receive a conditional suspension of your driving licence if you,
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Gets 3 points within 3 years
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Driving more than 60% above the maximum permitted speed limit
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Driving over 40% above the speed limit when there are roadworks
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Driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.5 and 1.2
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Driving at a speed above 160 km/h
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Failing to provide assistance at a traffic incident or an accident
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What do you need to know for the practical driving test?
Watch the video or use the checklist.
