Common Mistakes Internationals Make During the Dutch Driving Exam

Many internationals struggle to pass the Dutch driving exam on their first attempt. Understanding the common mistakes can significantly increase your chances of success.

Cultural Differences in Driving

Assertiveness on the Road

One of the biggest challenges for internationals is adapting to the Dutch driving style, which requires a balance of assertiveness and caution. Many examiners report that international candidates:

• Drive too passively, especially at intersections
• Hesitate too long when merging into traffic
• Fail to take priority when they have the right of way

"In the Netherlands, you need to be decisive. If you have priority, take it. Hesitation can be dangerous and will cause you to fail the exam." - Drive Dutch

Cycling Infrastructure

The Netherlands has extensive cycling infrastructure that many internationals aren't used to navigating around:

1. Bike lanes: Always check for cyclists before turning right
2. Bike boxes: Areas in front of the stop line at traffic lights reserved for cyclists
3. Cyclist priority: In many situations, cyclists have priority over cars

Technical Mistakes

Blind Spot Checks

Insufficient blind spot checking is the #1 reason internationals fail their exam. You must make visible head movements when:

• Changing lanes
• Turning at intersections
• Starting from a parked position
• Passing cyclists

Roundabout Navigation

Dutch roundabouts have specific rules that differ from many other countries:

• Traffic on the roundabout has priority (unless otherwise indicated)
• Always signal when exiting
• Choose the correct lane based on your exit

Speed Management

Many internationals either drive:

• Too slowly (appearing unconfident)
• Too fast (especially in 30 km/h zones)

The examiner expects you to drive at the speed limit when conditions allow.

Communication Errors

Signaling

Proper and timely signaling is crucial:

✅ DO signal:

• Before turning
• When changing lanes
• When pulling over
• When leaving a roundabout

❌ DON'T signal:

• Too early (causing confusion)
• Too late (not giving others enough warning)
• When going straight at a roundabout

Examiner Instructions

Misunderstanding the examiner's instructions is common for non-Dutch speakers:

• Ask for clarification if you're unsure
• Learn key Dutch driving terms before the exam
• Request an English-speaking examiner if possible

How to Avoid These Mistakes

1. Take lessons with an instructor experienced in teaching internationals
2. Practice specifically in the CBR test area
3. Request feedback after each lesson
4. Consider taking a mock exam before the real test

Remember that approximately 50% of internationals need to retake the exam, so don't be discouraged if you don't pass on your first attempt.