Getting a driving licence in the Netherlands
Do you want to get a driving licence in the Netherlands? Then you take driving lessons and do a theory and practical exam. In this article you will read how that works and what you need to do to do this.
You take practical lessons and take an exam to get your driver's licence
To get a driver's licence, you need to follow a few steps:
Taking practical lessons. During these lessons, you will learn the basic skills of driving, such as shifting gears, steering and parking. But also how to safely participate in traffic. You receive guidance from a driving instructor who sits next to you in the car.
Taking the theory exam. This exam tests your knowledge of traffic signs, rules and situations, and ability to assess dangerous situations. You usually take the exam after you have started your practical lessons.
Taking the practical exam. If your driving instructor thinks you can drive well enough and you have passed your theory exam, you can take a practical exam. The exam is requested by your driving school. This exam is administered by the
You choose a driving school to take practical lessons
To take practical driving lessons, you choose a driving school. Once you have chosen a driving school, you register with that driving school. Driving schools have driving instructors who help you learn to drive. Driving schools often offer different packages that include a number of driving lessons, a theory test and practical exam.
Comparing driving schools
The cost of driving lessons and exams
The cost of getting a driver's licence can vary. On average, people need about 40 lessons before taking the practical exam. But the exact cost depends on how many lessons you need and whether you pass the exam in 1 go. Below are the average prices of driving lessons and exams:
Theory exam: about €50.
Practical lessons: about €40-€50 per lesson.
Practical exam: about €250.
You can take the theory exam with an interpreter
It is not possible to take the driving licence theory exam in a language other than Dutch. Do you have difficulty with the Dutch language? Then you can take the theory exam with an interpreter. During the exam you will be in a separate room together with a CBR employee and an interpreter.
To use an interpreter, you pay the cost directly to the interpreting service. In addition, you pay extra for the individually supervised exam at the CBR.
Arranging an interpreter through the CBR
Applying for a driver's licence at the municipality
After you pass, you will receive a result form from the CBR. This form states that you have passed and can apply for a driver's licence. With the result form you go to the town hall of the municipality where you are registered. There you apply for your driver's license. For the application, you need the following documents:
A valid proof of identity, such as a passport or identity card
A recent passport photo that complies with official regulations
The result form from your practical exam. Usually the CBR sends this digitally to the municipality.
After applying, it usually takes 5 business days for your driver's licence to be ready. A driver's licence costs money. How much you have to pay depends on the municipality, but costs about €50.