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DRIVING

How and when should I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Danish one?

Foreign residents of Denmark are required to exchange their foreign driving licence for a Danish one after moving to Denmark.

Published: 9 May 2022 16:39 CEST
A file photo showing sample Danish driving licences
A file photo showing sample Danish driving licences. Photo: Anne Bæk/Ritzau Scanpix

The rules for when a foreign driving licence must be exchanged for a Danish licence depend on the country which issued the original licence.

You must change your foreign licence for a Danish one within 90 days of moving to the country (meaning the date on which you arrived in Denmark with the purpose of staying).

At the time of writing, the 90-day deadline is extended to 180 days due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

EU and EEA countries

If you have a driving licence issued in the EU or EEA (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein), you can use it in Denmark. You can freely exchange the licence for a Danish licence without having to take an additional driving test.

Australia (Capital Territory only), Brazil, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland and Ukraine

Driving licences issued in the above countries and territories can also be exchanged for Danish licences without taking any additional test.

In addition to your existing licence, you must also submit a medical declaration from your doctor and a signed written declaration that you have not been disqualified from driving within the last five years. Your licence must not be restricted or issued under special conditions.

It should be noted that the above only applies for category B driving licences. This is the category for driving a normal car. For other types of category such as motorcycle or HGV licences, it is necessary to take an additional test in order to exchange your foreign licence for a Danish one.

Singapore, United States, Canada, Australia, Chile, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, New Zealand, Isle of Man (UK) and Israel

For the above countries and territories, the same conditions apply as for the non-EU/EEA countries listed further above.

Additionally, you must also submit a declaration that you have two years’ effective (reel) in Danish driving experience. In other words, you must have driven regular for at least two years and not had a driving licence for five years or more without having done any driving.

United Kingdom after Brexit

The UK does not neatly fit into any of the above categories because the applicable rules depend on whether your licence was issued before or after the UK left the EU.

In short, you can exchange your licence in line with EU rules if it was issued before Brexit, but UK licences issued after January 1st 2021 are treated as “third country” driving licences.

The rules for exchanging UK driving licences in Denmark following Brexit are set out in more detail in this article.

Other foreign driving licences

Driving licences issued in all other countries can be used to drive in Denmark for up to 90 days after you are registered as living in the country.

Danish rules permit the use of foreign driving licences printed in English (or French) with Latin letters, or if it is accompanied by an English, French or Danish translation. If your licence does not meet this, you may be required to obtain an international licence before driving in Denmark.

You will be required to take what is termed in Danish a kontrollerende køreprøve (“control driving test”) to be able to exchange your foreign licence for a Danish one.

What is a ‘control driving test’?

The Danish Road Traffic Authority website states that a control driving test or kontrollerende køreprøve consists of a theory and practical element. Driving lessons are not mandatory for the test, unlike with the regular driving test given to new drivers.

Drivers taking the test must supply their own vehicle and applications are made via their home municipality.

Where do I go to exchange my licence?

The application form for exchanging to a Danish driving license can be found on the Local Government Denmark (KL) website.

The form must be handed in at a municipal Borgerservice (“Citizens’ Service”). Check the website of your local municipality to find out where the Borgerservice is located in your area. You may be required to make an appointment (or it might be better to do so to avoid a queue).

You’ll need to bring your existing licence, passport and a photo (see here for the photo specifications) when you hand in your licence for exchange. You’ll also need your Danish residence permit.

More information on the application process can be found on the Danish citizen and residents’ platform Borger.dk.

A fee of 280 kroner is charged to exchange a foreign driving licence for a Danish one.

Sources: Færdselsstyrelsen, Borger.dk

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DRIVING

What happens if you are caught driving without a valid licence in Denmark?

Driving without a valid driver's license in Denmark can have severe consequences, as the penalties and fines are strict.

Published: 14 May 2024 15:42 CEST
Updated: 18 May 2024 09:25 CEST
What happens if you are caught driving without a valid licence in Denmark?

While it’s not unheard of to forget your driver’s license at home or slack around when it comes to renewing it, per Danish road traffic laws, you should always carry your license when driving – and ensure it’s valid.

If you fail to do so, you’ll face hefty fines – and might even risk a prison sentence or having your vehicle confiscated in case of repeated offences.

READ MORE: EU countries to extend range of offences foreign drivers can be fined for

Driving without a valid license in Denmark (or in any other country, for that matter) is simply not worth the risk, no matter the circumstances.

Therefore, the penalties are designed to enforce compliance and ensure that all drivers in the country are legally certified to drive.

The fines and penalties

All drivers must possess a valid driver’s license when operating a vehicle, per the Danish Road Traffic Act (Færdselsloven).

If you fail to comply, you’ll be slapped with a fine corresponding to the specifics of the situation, as the Danish Road Safety Council (Rådet for Sikker Trafik) points out on its website.

If you’ve forgotten to bring your license, expect to pay 1,000 kroner.

However, if you’re caught driving without ever having acquired a license, you’ll likely have to pay 7,000 kroner – and that’s if you’re a first-time offender.

READ MORE: Do you really need to own a car living in Denmark?

A second offence will increase the fine to 8,500 kroner. If you’re caught a third or fourth time, you’ll need to pay 10,500 and 14,000 kroner, respectively.

After that, you’ll face prison sentences ranging from 7 days if you’re caught for a fifth time to 50 days for the 10th time you’re caught.

Also, know that if you’re caught driving without a license three times within three years, the Danish authorities have the right to confiscate your vehicle (this might occur even faster if drunk driving is involved).

What happens if you’re caught driving with a suspended licence?

Choosing to drive while having your driver’s license suspended is a severe breach of the law.

Repeated offences during your suspension period – also called a disqualification period – can lead to even harsher penalties, including up to one and a half years in prison and vehicle confiscation.

Additionally, driving without a valid license during this period can also lead to insurance claims being denied.

Remember, in addition to your physical driving license, you can also access your driving license digitally on your mobile through the Driving License app.

However, to register in the app, you’ll need a valid Danish driving license, a MitID, and a valid Danish passport.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Denmark’s MitID app

Practising driving (without a licence)

It’s important to note that practising driving, a popular activity among would-be drivers without a licence, is sometimes allowed.

The Road Traffic Act primarily applies to public roads and spaces, including most parking lots open to the public.

However, certain private areas that are not generally accessible or used by the public may not fall under these rules, so you should be able to use them to practice driving.

Nevertheless, if you end up in an accident while driving without a licence in such an area, it may negatively affect the assessment of the insurance companies.

Psst! If you’re wondering how and when you should exchange your foreign driving licence for a Danish one, make sure to consult The Local’s explainer on the issue.

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