How to Get a Dutch Driving Licence

Dutch driving licences are regulated by the Department of Road Transport (RDW). Driver testing and licence approval is managed by the Driving Test Organisation (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheid, CBR). A licence (rijbewijs) is issued by the local municipality (Gemeente).

• RDW (Department of Road Transport)
  At: Skager Rak 10, P.O. Box 30.000, 9640RA Veendam
  Tel: 0900 0739
  e-mail
  Website
• Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheid (CBR)
  At: Postbus 1910, 2280DX Rijswijk
  Tel: 070 413 0300
  Website
• The English-language version of the CBR website provides comprehensive information on how to get a licence (and how to exchange a foreign licence): Click here 

The minimum legal age to drive a moped of less than 125cc is 16,and 18 for all other motor vehicles. All Dutch drivers must be in possession of a valid licence. Drivers with foreign licences maybe eligible to exchange their licence to a Dutch one whereas others will need to take a driving test and apply for a Dutch driving permit as though they had never driven before.

• See the INFOrmation page Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in the Netherlands

Getting a Dutch Driving Licence

Those who cannot exchange their licence for a Dutch one or have never held a licence before will have to take a Dutch driving test. In order to take the test and get a driving licence the applicant must be resident in the Netherlands and foreigners must have a valid resident permit. The CBR is responsible for driving tests and has test centres throughout the Netherlands.

• For comprehensive information from the CBR: Click here (in Dutch)

The driving test is made up of both theory and road test. The theory test can be sat in English or with the assistance of an interpreter. There is an additional cost for this service. To find out about driving tests and how to apply for the test, contact the CBR. Instruction is provided by private driving schools.

• For more information: Click here

The Theory Examination

Only people 18 years and older may take the drivers theory test. The test date can be reserved by the driving school by calling the CBR:

• Tel: 0900-227 0 227 (daily 06:00-24:00)

The following documents will be needed:

• A completed and signed theory card (buy these cards from a driving school or at the reception desk of one of the CBR theory test centres)
• Proof of residence - an extract (not a photocopy and no more than six months old) from the driver's personal entry in the municipal register of their place of residence
• Valid identification (ID card, passport)
• A recent passport-sized photograph

The test takes about 45 minutes. It is made up of 50 questions including multiple choice, yes/no answers and open questions. Answers are made using push buttons. A pass requires 44 correct answers. 

• Online test questions: Click here (and then click "oefen de theorie" for a pop-up)

A theory certificate (theoriecertificaat) is issued immediately the test has been passed.

The Practical Examination

Only people 18 years and older, with a theory certificate may take the driving test. Reservation will be made by the driving school at one of the 50 centres in the Netherlands.

Documents required for the test reservation are:

• Eigen verklaring (health form signed by a doctor, available from a driving school or Gemeente)
• Application form (aanvraagkaart voor het praktijkexamen)

Test preparation is managed by a driving school. An optional interim test (tussentijdse toets) may be taken. Statistics have shown this to improve the likelihood of passing the exam.

• Further information: Click here (in Dutch) see the sub-menu headings left

Documents required at the exam centre on the day of the exam are:

• Reservation notice (oproepkaart)
• Valid theory certificate (theoriecertificaat)
• ID or passport
• Interim test results (if applicable)

The tests last 55 minutes with a portion of the time devoted to introductory explanations and a sum-up. Many examiners allow the instructor to accompany the learner on the test (although they hare not obliged to). If a translator (or the instructor) is needed for language reasons, arrangements must be made in advance.

The test begins with a vision test in the parking area (reading plates of parked cars). During the driving test the examiner checks technical ability. Results are issued immediately after the test.

The exam tests driving competence as well as mental and physical fitness. If a learner fails the practical test, the examiner explains the cause and driving lessons should be resumed.

A successful applicant is given:

• Verklaring van rijvaardigheid (certificate of competence) valid six months
• Verklaring van geschiktheid (certificate of fitness) valid one year

The Verklaring van rijvaardigheid is immediately entered into the CBR database. This informs the local Gemeente which is responsible for issuing the credit card-style driver's licence.

Go to the Gemeente taking:

• ID or Passport
• Fee

All new drivers are classed as "beginner drivers" (beginnende bestuurders) for five years. Stricter rules (concerning speed and alcohol) and different penalties apply.

Renewal

A Dutch driving licence should be renewed every ten years with an exam (herhalingstoets) to ensure the driver is up-to-date on road rules. This is voluntary.

Further Information

• Department of Road Transport (RDW)
  At: Skager Rak 10, P.O. Box 30.000, 9640RA Veendam
  Tel: 0900 0739
  Website
• Infolijn: call centre for general information and applications for leaflets related to the Dutch driving licence and the moped certificate
  Tel: 0800 8051
  Open: 09:00–21:00 weekdays
• Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheid (CBR)
  At: Postbus 1910, 2280DX Rijswijk
  Tel: 070 413 0300
  Website
• BNOR (Bureau Nader Onderzoek Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen)
  At: Lange Kleiweg 30, P.O. Box 3206, 2280GE Rijswijk
  Tel: 070 413 0300
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Driving in the Netherlands
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in the Netherlands