How Much Does a Dutch Driver’s License Cost in 2025?

Getting your Dutch driver’s license as an expat can be a long—and very expensive—process. While many internationals hope to finish quickly, the reality is that most candidates end up spending over €3,000 from start to finish.

According to official CBR research from November 2024, the average total cost of getting a Dutch license (category B) is:

🟡 Average Total Cost: €3,271

Source: CBR –
https://www.cbr.nl/nl/rijbewijs-halen/auto/wat-kost-het-halen-van-een-autorijbewijs

This amount includes lessons, exams, health declarations, and administrative fees.

Below is a realistic and expat-friendly breakdown using the latest CBR insights.

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Core Costs Every Expat Pays

These are fixed or nearly-fixed costs for everyone:

• Theory exam: €54
• Study materials / practice apps: €11–€26
• Health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring): €44.50
• Practical driving exam: ~€150–€200 (varies by school and region)
• License issuance (municipality): ±€52
• Passport photo: ±€10–€15

Driving Lessons: Your Biggest Expense

CBR data shows:

• 80% of candidates pay between €49 and €65 per lesson
• Average person needs 42.5 lessons
• Lesson lengths vary: 50 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes depending on the school

Your total cost depends heavily on:

1. Your experience
2. How quickly you learn
3. Your instructor’s teaching style
4. Lesson duration (50 min ≠ 60 min!)
5. Whether you pass exams on the first try

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Realistic Scenarios for Expats

Below are scenarios using CBR data and common expat experiences to illustrate potential costs.

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Scenario 1: The Fast Learner ✨

(Already driven abroad, picks things up quickly)

Assumptions

• 25 lessons
• 1 theory exam
• 1 practical exam
• Average lesson price: €60

Cost Breakdown

• Lessons: 25 × €60 = €1,500
• Theory exam + materials: €54 + €11 = €65
• Gezondheidsverklaring: €44.50
• Practical exam: €175
• Municipality + photo: €62

✅ Total Estimated Cost: €1,846.50

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Scenario 2: The Typical Candidate 🚗

(This reflects the CBR average)

Assumptions

• 42.5 lessons (CBR average)
• 1 theory exam
• 1 practical exam
• Average lesson price: €60

Cost Breakdown

• Lessons: 42.5 × €60 = €2,550
• Theory exam + materials: €54 + €20 = €74
• Gezondheidsverklaring: €44.50
• Practical exam: €175
• Municipality + photo: €67

✅ Total Estimated Cost: €2,910.50

➡️ This is close to the official CBR average of €3,271.
Differences come from school pricing, region, and lesson length.

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Scenario 3: The Challenging Route 🛞

(More nerves, extra lessons, one failed exam)

Assumptions

• 50 lessons
• 2 theory attempts
• 2 practical exams
• Lesson price: €60

Cost Breakdown

• Lessons: 50 × €60 = €3,000
• Theory (2×) + materials: €108 + €25 = €133
• Gezondheidsverklaring: €44.50
• Practical exams (2×): €350
• Municipality + photo: €67

✅ Total Estimated Cost: €3,594.50

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Final Thoughts

Based on the latest CBR research, internationals in the Netherlands should expect to pay:

Between €1,800 and €3,600

with the typical cost around €3,271.

Driving lessons are the biggest factor—your number of lessons determines almost everything.

Quick Tips to Reduce Costs

• Ask whether the lesson price is per 50 minutes or per full hour.
• Compare pass rates between driving schools.
• Ask the instructor for an early estimate of total lessons.
• Check if the exam fee includes a pre-exam warm-up lesson.
• Look for discounted lesson packages.

Getting your license is undeniably expensive, but for many expats it’s essential for mobility, jobs, and long-term life in the Netherlands.

Whether your journey is smooth or bumpy, preparation and finding the right instructor make all the difference.

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