11 Important DOs Before Your Dutch Driving Exam

So you’ve made it to the final step: the CBR practical driving exam. Whether you've practiced for weeks or months, it's completely normal to feel nervous. But success isn’t just about parallel parking perfectly — it’s about getting your mind in the right place.

Here are 11 essential DOs to help you stay calm, focused, and ready to pass your Dutch driving exam.

1. Don’t Make the Exam More Exciting Than It Is 🎬

Think of the exam as just another driving lesson — except the “instructor” is wearing a different badge. The pressure to pass is real, but the more you frame the exam as a big event, the more likely nerves will take over.

✅ Treat it as:

“A regular drive with someone new observing.”

❌ Not as:

“A high-stakes event that defines my worth.”

2. It’s Okay If You Don’t Pass Right Away 🫶

Take the pressure off: you may pass, but you don’t have to. In fact, allowing yourself to fail can paradoxically increase your chances of passing. The less pressure you put on yourself, the better your performance will be.

3. Don’t Spend the Entire Week Just Thinking About Driving 🚘

Yes, an extra lesson or two can be helpful — but don’t obsess. Take breaks, go for walks, cook something, meet friends. Your brain and nerves need space to recharge.

4. Avoid Over-Concentration 🧠⚡

Trying to intensely “focus” on everything can actually hurt your driving. You can’t control traffic or magically anticipate everything. Be aware, but don’t strain.

Think: Alert, not intense.

5. Exercise the Day Before or Morning Of 🏃‍♂️💨

Physical activity releases endorphins — your best weapon against adrenaline and exam jitters. Even a short walk or stretch session can help regulate your stress response.

6. Sleep Is the Superpower 😴

A well-rested brain reacts more quickly, makes better decisions, and stays calmer. Go to bed early the night before, even if you don’t fall asleep right away.

7. See Opportunities, Not Failures 🌱

Instead of telling yourself “only half of people pass the first time,” say, “half pass the first time.” This subtle shift boosts confidence and removes the sting of a potential second attempt.

8. Visualize Success by Emailing Yourself 📨

Write yourself a short message the night before explaining how well the exam could go: calm, focused, driving confidently. Read it on the morning of your exam. Positive framing sets the tone.

9. Think Back to Your Best Driving Lessons 🧠💪

Replay moments when things went well: handling a roundabout smoothly, parking confidently, responding to traffic intuitively. These memories prime you for success.

10. Know the Logistics Ahead of Time 📍

Don’t let “Where do I go again?” be the first thing you worry about. Look up your exam center, what time you need to arrive, and where to park. Small stressors like this can build up if left unchecked.

11. Practice Physical Relaxation Techniques 🧘‍♀️

Before the exam, take a few minutes to breathe deeply from your belly and tense/release different muscle groups. This signals your nervous system to calm down and can lower your heart rate immediately.

Final Thoughts

The Dutch driving exam doesn’t just test your technical skills — it challenges your mindset too. By prepping both your body and brain, you give yourself the best possible chance to succeed.

Stay grounded, breathe, and drive like you’ve done this a hundred times — because you probably have.