Total Cost Summary
For someone going through the full Danish driving licence process (typically non-EU residents), the total cost ranges from 14,700 to 21,000 DKK (approximately €2,000–2,800 or $2,100–3,000).
| Item | Cost (DKK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving school package | 12,000–18,000 | Includes theory + driving lessons |
| First aid course | 600–900 | 8-hour mandatory course |
| Theory test fee | 600 | Per attempt |
| Practical driving test fee | 890 | Per attempt |
| Licence issue fee | 520 | One-time |
| Theory practice app (KørApp) | 99 | One-time, optional but recommended |
| Total (first attempt) | 14,709–20,009 |
Driving School Fees (The Biggest Cost)
The driving school package is by far the largest expense. What's typically included:
- 29 theory lessons — classroom instruction covering all test topics
- 16–20 practical driving lessons — each lesson is typically 45 minutes
- 4 manoeuvre course lessons — emergency braking, slippery surface handling
- Night driving — required for the minimum hours
- Motorway driving — practice on the motorway with an instructor
How to Save on Driving School
- Compare prices — driving school fees vary significantly. Get quotes from 3–4 schools
- Check what's included — some packages include more driving lessons than others
- Ask about additional lesson costs — if you need extra lessons beyond the package, the per-lesson price matters
- Consider location — schools outside Copenhagen are often cheaper
- Look for package deals — some schools offer discounts for upfront payment
Tip: Some driving schools in Copenhagen charge 16,000–18,000 DKK, while schools in smaller cities may charge 12,000–14,000 DKK for the same package. The quality difference is often minimal.
Test Fees
Theory Test: 600 DKK per attempt
The theory test fee is paid to Færdselsstyrelsen each time you take the test. If you fail, you pay 600 DKK again for the retake. There's no discount for retakes.
Practical Test: 890 DKK per attempt
Same principle — if you fail, you pay again. Some driving schools also charge an additional fee for using their car during the practical test.
The maths: Failing the theory test once costs you 600 DKK in retake fees plus weeks of delay. Spending 99 DKK on KørApp to prepare properly saves you 6x the cost of a retake.
First Aid Course: 600–900 DKK
The mandatory first aid course (førstehjælpskursus) is an 8-hour course that covers:
- CPR and use of a defibrillator
- Securing an accident scene
- Treatment of wounds and burns
- The recovery position
- When and how to call 112
This course is separate from the driving school and must be completed before you can take the theory test. Some driving schools partner with first aid providers and may include it in their package.
Licence Issue Fee: 520 DKK
Once you pass both tests, you pay 520 DKK to have your Danish driving licence issued. This is a one-time fee paid at Borgerservice (Citizen Service).
Theory Test Preparation: 99 DKK (KørApp)
This is the smallest line item but arguably the highest-ROI investment in the entire process:
- 99 DKK one-time — no subscription, no recurring fees
- All official questions in English and Danish
- Unlimited practice tests matching the real exam format
- Progress tracking to focus on weak areas
- Offline access — practice anywhere
Compare this to alternatives: some theory test platforms charge 199–399 DKK, and many require a subscription. KørApp is the most affordable option available.
EU Licence Exchange: 520 DKK
If you hold an EU/EEA driving licence, you can exchange it for a Danish licence without taking any tests. The only cost is the 520 DKK licence exchange fee. See our expat guide for details on eligibility.
What About Hidden Costs?
Some costs people don't expect:
- Extra driving lessons: If you need more than the package includes, each additional lesson costs 400–600 DKK
- Passport photos: Required for the licence application (50–100 DKK)
- Translation of foreign licence: If your licence isn't in Latin script, you need an official translation (varies)
- Multiple test attempts: Each failed theory or practical test adds 600 or 890 DKK
