Danish Driving Licence for International Students

The Key Question: Are You a "Resident"?

Everything depends on whether Denmark considers you a resident. The rule is:

• Resident: You have a CPR number and live in Denmark for 185+ days per year
• Non-resident (visitor/temporary): You're in Denmark for less than 185 days per year

Most full-degree students (bachelor's, master's) who register with a CPR number are considered residents. Exchange students on a one-semester programme (under 6 months) may not be.

Scenario 1: EU/EEA Student with a Valid Licence

If you're from an EU/EEA country and have a valid driving licence:

• You can drive in Denmark with your existing licence — no exchange needed
• This applies whether you're a short-term exchange student or a full-degree student
• If you want to exchange your licence for a Danish one, you can do so at Borgerservice for 520 DKK without any tests

Scenario 2: Non-EU Student with a Valid Licence

If you're from outside the EU/EEA:

• Short-term (under 185 days): You can drive with your foreign licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get the IDP in your home country before traveling
• Long-term (over 185 days / CPR registered): Once you're a resident, you have 90 days to either exchange your licence (if your country has an agreement) or start the full Danish licence process

Countries with Exchange Agreements

If your home country is on Denmark's exchange list, you can exchange your licence without taking tests. Key countries popular with international students:

• Australia, Canada (some provinces), Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, UK, US (some states)

Check our expat guide for the full list.

Countries Without Exchange Agreements

If your country isn't on the list (common for students from India, China, Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and many others), you must go through the full Danish driving licence process:

1. Enrol at a driving school (12,000–18,000 DKK)
2. Complete mandatory theory + driving lessons
3. Complete first aid course (600–900 DKK)
4. Pass the theory test in English (600 DKK)
5. Pass the practical driving test (890 DKK)

Scenario 3: Student Without Any Licence

If you don't have a driving licence at all and want to get one in Denmark:

• You must be at least 17 years old
• You need a CPR number and valid residence permit
• Follow the full process above (driving school, tests, etc.)
• Total cost: approximately 15,000–20,000 DKK

Is It Worth Getting a Danish Licence as a Student?

Honestly, it depends on your situation:

Probably Yes If:

• You plan to stay in Denmark after graduation
• You need a car for work or daily life (common outside Copenhagen)
• You're from a non-EU country and your licence won't be valid after 90 days anyway
• You want a Danish licence as ID — it's a commonly accepted form of identification in Denmark

Probably Not If:

• You're on a short exchange (one semester) — the process takes 3–6 months
• You live in Copenhagen — public transport and cycling are excellent, and parking is expensive
• Your budget is tight — 15,000+ DKK is a significant expense for a student

Tips for Students Going Through the Process

• Start early — don't wait until your 90-day deadline. Enrol at a driving school as soon as you know you need a Danish licence
• Look for student discounts — some driving schools offer reduced rates for students
• Use KørApp for theory prep — at 99 DKK, it's by far the cheapest way to prepare for the theory test. Compare this to other platforms charging 199–399 DKK
• Study in English — both the theory test and KørApp are available in English, so language isn't a barrier
• Group study — study with fellow students who are also preparing. Discussing scenarios helps understanding