The Dutch driving licence is one of the most universally accepted driving licenses thanks to the Netherlands being part of the European Union. However, it is also one of the most difficult to obtain.

An exact testing process combined with solid infrastructure means that Dutch roads are some of the safest in the world.

Did you know expats and internationals?

If you are from outside the EU your existing driver’s licence is only valid for a period of 6 months. After this period you are not permitted to drive, unless you are willing to risk high traffic fines and you are not insured, with all the consequences that entails.

A Dutch driving licence is a high quality driving licence that gives you access to all rental companies and it gives you access to foreign roads worldwide.

Besides this is a Dutch driving license also indirectly a small and convenient identity card in The Netherlands.

 
For all expats and internationals outside the EU

Register at a reputable driving school

Register at a driving school which has a high success rate. A very important fact is they have classified English-speaking teachers who can teach you along the way to get your Dutch driving license. For example driving school LesDirect.nl is well know for its highly educated and friendly English-speaking teachers and corresponding success rates and has a special Arrive & Drive program for expats and internationals, when you need your official Dutch drivers license fast. 
 

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Your driving school will normally be your primary contact for all procedures that involve the CBR (‘Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigsheidbewijzen‘ in Dutch) which is the organization responsible for conducting theory and driving tests.

Once you have registered with a school, you can jointly select a date for your theory exam, followed by your practical exam. You need to pass the theory exam before you can take the practical exam.

Before you start your driving school, or you, can book a date and exam centre for the theory test on the CBR reservation website. You will need a valid DigiD (Dutch digital identity) to be able to make these CBR appointments.

Meanwhile you start your theory preparation. The good part is that you can start your practical lessons alongside your theory test preparation. 

You must pass the theory exam before you can actually take the practical exam.

However, our best advice is to pass your theory exam first and then begin practical lessons. When you are familiar with the traffic rules in the Netherlands, your practical lessons will go much more smoothly, saving you unnecessary costs as well.

Fastest theory preparation | a good theory crash course

Theory College Netherlands provides good online video theory crash courses to pass your theory exam fast and quiet easy. But you are free to choose your theoretical training institute or maybe a 'do-it-yourself' programme. However make sure they have English-speaking teachers. That makes a huge difference in training quality.

 
About Theory College Netherlands

This is the online video theory crash course for which you’ll pass the CBR theoretical exam in no time. Also will the studied knowledge be memorised and retained. Even after your exam!

Practical exam

Theory College Netherlands works in co-operation with the renowned driving school LesDirect in the Eindhoven, Venlo and Maastricht region; they organise weekly so called Arrive & Drive sessions to get your Dutch driver's license accelerated in as little as one week. 
It doesn't matter where you're from. See also here a very intersting article: The best Dutch drivers license advice for expats you ever get. 

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Online theory classroom

But how? In most theory crash courses, you’ll forget 80% of the material you learned in just one day.

Yet, you’ll need this knowledge. Dutch traffic is truly unique. It’s tightly organised, crammed with signs and symbols — and let’s not forget about all those bikes. 

That’s why having a solid understanding of Dutch driving rules is essential. 

However, you’re not a teenager taking to the road for the first time — you’re an expat who knows how to drive! 

That’s precisely what makes this course unique: it’s designed for expats and internationals who have driven abroad and need to transition that knowledge to Dutch roads. 

Through our unique video lesson approach, you will gain the knowledge and changes you need to know so you can ace the Dutch driving theory exam and hit the road — fast ánd SAFE.

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This will all happen in a relaxed manner on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet where and when it suits you.


Need extra help? Use our Power Trainings!

In addition to our comprehensive online theory course, we’ve crafted three Power Trainings. 

We used our extensive experience teaching expats and internationals in the Netherlands to drive to create these trainings. They cover the trickiest parts of the Dutch theory exam and help you hit the Dutch roads safely and with confidence.

Effective and vivid learning technique

At Theory College Netherlands they apply a proven effective and vivid learning technique during the online theory crash course. Through the personal, accessible approach they ensure a relaxed, informal atmosphere during the courses.

Read here more about the Online TCN CBR theory training program!

With this approach you’ll learn all the study material much easier and it will also be memorised better.

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If you pass the theory exam you’ll get a substantial discount on a spectacular fun course like a Anti Skid course or Car in Water course! Ask about the possibilities! Also a great idea for a day out with your (Dutch) friends!

 

Advantages of Theory College Netherlands

• Video classes from an experienced teacher
• Learn in as little as just 10 hours, in your own time
• Focus on rules expats need to know
• Over 24 years of theory lesson- and practical experience
• Unique online study method to maintain knowledge
• Unique Pass Guarantee
• Also suitable for students with Dyslexia
• Practice questions from the exam
• Highest success rates!

 
Unique Pass Guarantee!

Because of Theory College Netherland’s unique method, you’ll understand and pass your theory test fast and the studied theoretical knowledge will effectively be memorised for your practical exam and even more important: during a safe driving career. This is very relevant considering the theory is 50% of your driver’s licence!

By the way, we guarantee success! 

See on this page the costs of the Online Theory College courses.

At Theory College Netherlands you can choose to do a:

• Regular theoretical exam
• Theoretical exam with extended time; at an additional small fee. When you are dyslectic and you have an official dyslexia declaration you can reclaim the additional costs of the exam.
• Individually guided exam (without an interpreter) when you have done a theoretical exam including extra time before. This will be at additional cost.

Theory exam WITH an interpreter

What is the theory test with an interpreter?

You can take the theory test for the car in Dutch and English. The theory tests for other vehicles are only available in Dutch. Do you want to take your theory test in another language? Then you can take the theory test with an interpreter.

How does it work?

During the test you will be guided individually. You will sit in a room together with an employee of CBR and the interpreter. The content of the theory exam using an interpreter is the same as the standard theory test. The CBR employee reads out the questions and answer options. The interpreter translates these for you. You enter the answers on the computer screen by yourself.

How do I arrange an interpreter?

Make sure you hire an interpreter yourself (or with your trainer). The condition for this is that the interpreter is registered with one of the approved interpreter services. You can find a list of approved interpreter services via this link. Arrange this at least 14 days before your exam. This will ensure that an interpreter is available during your exam.

How long does the test take?

The theory test with an interpreter allows you to have more time to take your test. The test lasts 45 minutes. That is 15 minutes longer than a standard theory test. You will receive 5 minutes extra time for the section 'knowledge' and 10 minutes extra time for the section 'insight'.

What are the costs?

On our page with rates you will find the costs of the theory test with an interpreter. You have to pay the costs for the interpreter service seperately.

Dutch words

You will see some Dutch words in your theory test which will not be translated by the interpreter. You can read more about these words in chapter 5 of the theory exam plan for car drivers.

More information
How to reserve a theory test with an interpreter

Booking a date for your Dutch driving theory exam

Ask your driving school tot do this for you.

If you want to do this yourself, that's possible. To book a date for your theory exam, log in at Mijn CBR with your DigiD and:

• Choose "Theorie-examen reserveren"
• Choose the vehicle, time, place and language for your test
• Pay via iDEAL

You will receive your confirmation by email. Make sure you have proper and valid identification (such as a passport) and are registered with your municipality before you book a date. If you need to change the date, you can also do this in good time at “Mijn CBR”.

Before you take your practical examination, you will need to purchase and fill in an” eigen verklaring” (a self- declaration), which you can find at “Mijn CBR”. This is to determine if you are healthy enough to do a practical exam.

Here you find all CBR theoretical centres across the Netherlands.

What can you expect after arriving at the CBR exam centre?

After you had your online theoretical fast track course you head off to the CBR exam centre of your choice well rested.

- Picture guideline CBR theory

Sign up here to the Theory College Netherlands online course!

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Theory book; traffic regulations

The theory test

The test has three sections: hazard perception, traffic knowledge and traffic insight.

In section 1 you’ll answer 25 questions about hazard recognition of which you have to answer 13 correctly. You have 8 seconds per question. You’ll have to respond quickly; just like in traffic.

In section 2 you’ll answer 12 questions about traffic regulations. You’ll have to answer 10 questions correctly in total.

In section 3 you’ll answer 28 questions about general understanding of traffic situations. You’ll have to answer 25 questions correctly in total.

Practical car driving lessons

Once you’ve passed your theory test you only have to finish your practical lessons and select a date for your interim test and the practical CBR test. Your driving school will book these dates for you.
Depending on your driving experience the driving school will recommend you a maximum of lessons to prepare you for the practical CBR driving exam.

Practical car driving exam

The pass rate for the Dutch practical test on the first attempt is about 50% so it would be wise to choose a driving school with a high success rate.

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The practical driving exam in the Netherlands

The practical examination takes 55 minutes at one of the practical exam centres (see below) across the Netherlands. Only suited practical driving schools are able to book you a practical exam, so you will need to find your own driving school and arrange it with them.

The exam can be conducted in any language, and your driving school should be able to help you if you need an interpreter. You must take this test within 18 months after passing your theory test. You need to be at least 17 years old.

Documents necessary for the practical exam:

• Valid identification (ID or passport)
• VVG (if necessary)
• Official notification of appointment letter
• Zelfreflectie (self-evaluation) form, which you will review with your examiner after the exam.

Here you find all CBR practical centres across the Netherlands.


Anxiety, fear or failure

If you are extremely anxious about taking exams, it is possible to request a “fear of failure exam” ( faalangstexamen). This is a longer exam with an examiner who is specially trained in helping and guiding people with anxiety.

However, as opposed to many other countries, the instructions are provided in advance clearly and there is leeway provided for minor errors . You can choose to have your driving instructor in the car with you during your driving exam. This might be useful to go over your mistakes afterwards if you did not pass.

Read here more for the unique Expat and Internationals driving school in the Netherlands: LesDirect!


Apply for a Dutch Driving licence

The last step you need to take to own your Dutch driving license is to go the municipality that you are registered at with your residence card and photos that fit the specifications.

This process usually takes place within a week.

If you’re travelling outside the EU, you might need to apply for an international licence as well.

Fortunately, this can be done also in a matter of minutes at your local 'ANWB' store.


Forgein driving licences in the Netherlands

New expats and internationals can continue to use their foreign driving licence for a certain period after they arrive in the Netherlands. The length of a foreign driving license validity can vary from six months up to 15 years, depending on the country of issue. 

Do you have a driving licence that was issued in one of the countries of the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and are you registered in the Netherlands? If so, you can continue to drive on this licence in the Netherlands for 15 years (from the date of issue of the foreign driving licence).

Do you have a valid driving licence that was issued in a country that is not an EU/EFTA member state, you can continue to use it for 185 days after registering in the Netherlands (in the Basic Register of Persons). After this period, you may only drive in the Netherlands with a Dutch driving licence.

Expats, internationals and driving licences

If you are planning to stay in the Netherlands for a longer period of time, it may be useful exchanging your foreign driving licence for a Dutch driving licence.

Citizens of most European countries can normally continue to use their license from their home country until it expires.

Most non-European expats and internationals who plan to stay for longer than six months, will need to exchange their licence within that first six month period.


Using a foreign driving license in the Netherlands

There are different lengths of validity in the Netherlands for driving licences issued to citizens of the EU/EEA or for citizens from outside Europe.

• If you have a EU/EEA driving license
• If you are an EU/EEA citizen and your license was issued before January 19, 2013, then you can drive on that license for 10 years after being issued.
• If your license is already over nine years old, you may continue to drive with it for another two years, from the date of your registration with your municipality; for as long as it is valid.

For EU/EEA licenses issued after January 19, 2013, holders can drive for up to 15 years, as long as the license is valid.

Once the validity of the original license ends, the holder will need to apply for a Dutch driving license.

If you have a non-EU/EAA driving license

For citizens of all countries outside the EU/EEA (including the Dutch Antilles and Aruba), licences are valid for six months from the date you register at your local municipality. After that, you need to get a Dutch driving license.

If you apply for a Dutch driving licence after the six month period then you will need to take the Dutch theory and driving exams.

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What are the conditions for exchanging a foreign driving licence in the Netherlands?

In order to exchange a foreign driving licence for a Dutch driving license, applicants will need to meet these conditions:

• You are a registered resident of the Netherlands with a valid residence permit (if applicable)
• You are a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland; or you are from a country with a special drivers licence agreement, or you benefit from the 30% ruling
• At the time of the application your non-EU/EEA driving licence is valid
• If your EU/EEA licence is expired, it may be exchanged (As long as you have a declaration from the agency in the country where the driving licence was issued in which they state they have no objection with your being issued a Dutch driving license)
• You obtained your current driving license while being a resident of that country for at least half a year. Evidence for this can be copies from your passport , airplane tickets, or salary / tax documents.

 
Countries with special licence exchange agreements

Countries that have special agreements with the Netherlands to exchange licences are listed below.

Licences can only be exchanged if they are valid for the following stated categories:

• Taiwan, Israel: category B, passenger vehicle
• Japan: category IB, passenger vehicle and motorcycle in excess of 400 cm3
• Singapore: Class 2, motorcycle in excess of 400 cm3; and Class 3, passenger vehicle
• South Korea: second class ordinary licence
• Canada, only province of Quebec or Alberta: Class 5
• Andorra, Aruba, Jersey, Isle of Man, Monaco, Dutch Antilles: all categories

If you have previously had a Dutch driving license (valid after June 30, 1985) you only need to prove the conditions for the categories you did not have on your previous driving licence.

If you do not meet any of these conditions above, you can’t exchange your licence for a Dutch one. You will, therefore, need to take a theory and practical test (see below). If you are unsure whether you meet the conditions, check with your municipality.

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Japanese driving licence

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Quebec driver's licence, every Canadian provence has its own license

Road signs in different countries

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Dutch driving organizations

There are two organisations in the Netherlands that are responsible for issuing driving licences and conducting driving tests:

1. RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) - Road Transportation Authority

The RDW issues driving licences and supervises registration such as licence plates and also monitors the technical condition of motor vehicles.

2. CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheid) - Central Office of Driving Certification

The CBR is responsible for conducting driving exams for all motor vehicles including cars, scooters, motorbikes and trucks.

How do I exchange my foreign driving licence?

To exchange your foreign driving licence for a Dutch driving licence, you will need to apply at the municipality where you are registered. They will send your exchange application to the RDW.

The process of appraisal takes +/- two weeks and applicants are not permitted to drive while their application is being processed.

For the application, you will need valid identity documents such as a passport, your driving licence, your BSN (Burger Service Nummer) and a passport photo.

Certificate of fitness (VVG)

You may be asked for a “certificate of fitness” or VVG (Verklaring Van Geschiktheid) to prove you are physically and psychologically able and fit to drive a vehicle.

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You can get the VVG form your municipality, at “Mijn CBR” (log in with your DigiD) or you can get it from certain expat centres.

A VVG is needed if:

• You have a EU/EEA or Swiss driving licence with categories C, CE, C1, D etc.
• You have a driving licence from the Dutch Antilles or Aruba.
• You benefit from the 30% tax ruling.
• Your driving licence is from one of the countries which has a special agreement.
• Your EU/EEA licence is valid for a shorter period than usual in the country of issue or has restrictive annotations which are not designated within EU codes.
• You are 75 years or older.
  
  

After you have submitted your form to the CBR, they will notify you when your VVG has been registered and they will also let you know if you need to have an additional health check. After this, you can apply to exchange your driving licence.

If the application is successful, you will receive your new Dutch driving licence (within a maximum three weeks). Please note that this procedure is far more complex for heavy duty and commercial licences.


30% ruling and the Dutch driving licence

You can also exchange your driving licence for a Dutch one if you are eligible for the 30% ruling, regardless your country of origin.

In this case, you should follow the above procedure, but also submit your 30% ruling statement issued by the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst) to your municipality.

Power training: For Expats with the 30% Ruling

If you’re lucky enough to have the 30% ruling, you can trade your home driver’s licence for a Dutch one! However, that doesn’t mean you’re ready to take to Dutch roads. 

Consider the difference in infrastructure. And more importantly: hit the Dutch roads with confidence!

In this Power Training, you’ll speedily learn the most important traffic rules that are likely different to your home country (did someone say “priority at junctions”?).

Driving tests in the Netherlands

Internationals who are unable to exchange their foreign driving licence for a Dutch one will have to take a driving test at the CBR, with both theoretical and practical sections.

Also, if you are learning to drive a car for the first time then you can both take driving lessons and do the exams in the Netherlands.

The process for learning to drive and applying for a licence is as follows:

• First, check with your municipality if you are eligible for a driving licence;
• Select a driving school for practical and theory lessons (optional) that has professional instructors;
• Request a theory exam with the CBR (available in English).
• Do the theory exam;
• Complete a health statement (the so called 'eigen verklaring');
• Request a practical exam with the CBR (via your driving school);
• Do the practical exam;
• Collect your driver’s licence at your municipality.
  
  

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Renewing a Dutch driving licence

Just like most EU driving licences, a Dutch driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and should be renewed before it expires. Before your Dutch licence expires the RDW will send a reminder to your home address. All you need to do then is go to your municipality.

Your driving licence has expired if one or more of the categories listed on the back of your licence is no longer valid. You can simply renew the licence at your municipality.

Renewing a foreign driving licence in the Netherlands

For expats living in the Netherlands it is not possible to renew a foreign or EU/EAA driver’s licence. You will need to apply to the RDW for a Dutch driving licence.

Lost or stolen driving licence

If your Dutch or EU/EEA driving licence is lost or stolen you must file a police declaration with the municipality where you are registered to receive a new one.

For a lost EU/EEA licence you will need to provide extra documentation.

If your non-EU/EEA driving licence is lost or stolen in the Netherlands then you will need to complete the Dutch driving exams successfully to receive a new Dutch driving licence.

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More information about driving in the Netherlands

RDW | The Government Road Transport Agency (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer). RDW is always available to answer questions over the phone relating to the exchange of driving licences in English, Dutch and German: 0900-0739.

The RDW also hosts a comprehensive FAQ in English regarding the validity of your driving licence and the procedures for exchanging it for a Dutch licence.

CBR | Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (Centraal Bureau van Rijvaardigheid)

FOLLOW US ON

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LesDirect Autorijschool / Driving school

Hope to see you soon!

For a Dutch driving license driving safely for years in The Netherlands!



Best regards,
Anke Vermulst

www.theorycollege.nl
www.lesdirect.nl

M  +31 6 250 06 551

E   info@lesdirect.nl