Driving licence in Netherlands

A Dutch driver’s license is required to drive a car, motorcycle, truck, bus, moped, speed-pedelec (high-speed electric bicycle), or other motor vehicle in the Netherlands, you need a driving licence. It depends on the type of driving license that is required. The various types of driving licences are divided into categories.

To obtain your driving license, you will need to pass a driving theory test and a driving practical test at the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (CBR). If you apply for a driving licence, a fee will be charged. This fee can vary per municipality.

How much does it cost to get a driving license in Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, obtaining a driving license costs on average 3,207 euros (prices in 2022), according to research by the CBR, the Dutch Central Office of Driving Certification, among exam candidates in 2024. This includes one practical exam, one mockup exam, theory lessons, and a theory exam.

What is the Process of getting a driving license in netherlands

You must be 18 to get an independent driver’s license in the Netherlands. Additionally, you will need to clear the theory and practical driving tests. To apply, you will need to go to your local city office with the following documents:

• Valid Dutch residence permit
• Certificate of driving proficiency, which you get on passing the theory and practical tests
• Statement of health

A driving license costs €44.65 and takes about five days. You can also submit an urgent application with shorter processing times for a total fee of €78.75. The city office will then give you a receipt with a date for collecting your license. If you fail to collect your permit within three months of this date, you will need to re-apply.

It is also possible to apply for your Dutch driver’s license at an earlier age. You can take a theory test and start driving lessons at 16 and complete your practical test when you are 17. That said, 17-year-olds can only drive when accompanied by a guardian or supervisor (begeleider). For this, you will need to have an accompanied driving permit (begeleiderspas), which states the names of your supervisors approved by the RDW. You can select up to five supervisors.

dutch driver’s licence

A Dutch driver’s license (rijbewijs) is an official document that allows you to drive in the Netherlands and all member states of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). It also serves as valid proof of identification in most places in the Netherlands.