Expats & Driving Licenses in the Netherlands

EU/EEA Driving Licenses

Non-EU/EEA Driving Licenses

International Driving License (IDP)

If you continue to drive in the Netherlands on a foreign driving license (for up to 185 days), and your license is not divided into the A, B, C, D & E categories, you should apply for an international driving license.

This document is essentially a translation of your driving license. You should apply for an IDP in the country where your driving license was issued.

General Requirements

• You are a registered resident of the Netherlands with a valid residence permit (if applicable)
• You are a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland; OR you are from a country with a special driving license agreement with the Netherlands; OR you benefit from the 30% ruling
• Your non-EU/EEA driving license is valid at the time of application
• If your EU/EEA license is expired, it may be exchanged with a declaration from the issuing agency stating they have no objection
• You obtained your current driving license while being a resident of that country for at least 185 days (evidence required: passport copies, airplane tickets, or salary/tax documents)

Countries with Special License Exchange Agreements

Required Documents

• 1
  Proof of ID (such as a passport)
• 2
  Your BSN (Burgerservicenummer)
• 3
  Your residence permit
• 4
  Your foreign driving license (may need to be translated)
• 5
  Evidence that the 30% ruling applies to you (if applicable)
• 6
  Certificate of fitness (VvG - see below)
• 7
  A passport photo

Additional documents may be required for heavy duty and commercial licenses.

Collecting Your License

If the application is successful, you will receive your new Dutch driving license two to four weeks later. The RDW will send your license to your local office, where you can pick it up.

When a VvG is Required

• A new driving license category is being added (except AM category)
• You have a category C and/or D driving license
• You have a driving license that was issued outside of the EU or EFTA
• You have a medical condition
• You are 75+ years old (or 70+ years old and your license would expire on or after you turn 75)

How to Obtain a VvG

You can get the VvG from your municipality, at Mijn CBR (log in with your DigiD), or from certain expat centers.

After you have submitted your form to the CBR, they will notify you when your VvG has been registered and let you know if you need to have an additional health check. After this, you can apply to exchange your driving license.

The Process for Learning to Drive

1. 1
   Check with your municipality if you are eligible for a driving license
2. 2
   Select a driving school for practical and (optional) theory lessons
3. 3
   Request a theory exam with the CBR (available in English)
4. 4
   Do the theory exam (auto theorie)
5. 5
   Complete a health statement (eigen verklaring)
6. 6
   Request a practical exam with the CBR (via your driving school)
7. 7
   Do the practical exam (auto praktijk)
8. 8
   Provide your certificate to your municipality to collect your driving license

Driving Lessons

You are not required to take driving lessons before taking your practical driving test, but it would be hard to pass the exam without doing so. Most driving instructors recommend that people with little or no driving experience take at least 20 to 35 lessons before attempting to pass the practical exam.

There are many driving schools in the Netherlands, and many offer lessons in English. Via the CBR website, you can search for accredited instructors and check the pass rates of their students.

Exam Overview

Test Content

• 25
  Hazard recognition questions
• 28
  Traffic rules questions
• 12
  Understanding of traffic questions

Preparing for the Test

You can study for the test with a special theory course at a driving school, although this is not mandatory. Alternatively, you can study the theory yourself with:

• Theory books from (online) bookstores or driving schools
• Online courses and apps
• Publishers of traffic resources

Booking Your Exam

To arrange an appointment for your theory exam, log in at Mijn CBR with your DigiD and:

1. 1
   Choose "Theorie-examen reserveren"
2. 2
   Choose the vehicle, time, place and language for your test
3. 3
   Pay via iDEAL

Make sure you have proper identification (such as a passport) and are registered with your municipality before booking. You can change the date via Mijn CBR if needed.

Personal Declaration

After you have passed the theory test, but before you can take your practical examination, you will need to purchase and fill in an eigen verklaring (personal declaration) at Mijn CBR. This is to determine if you are healthy enough to undertake a practical examination.

Exam Overview

Required Documents

• Valid proof of identification (ID or passport)
• Theory examination certificate
• VvG (if necessary)
• Official notification of appointment letter
• Zelfreflectie (self-reflection) form

If you are especially anxious about taking exams, it is possible to request a faalangstexamen. This is a longer exam with an examiner who is specially trained in helping people with anxiety.

What to Expect During the Test

You can do the test in your own car or your driving school's car. You may be able to have someone else in the car with you, like your driving instructor or an interpreter.

Renewing a Dutch Driving License

Just like most EU driving licenses, a Dutch driving license is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and should be renewed before it expires.

Some municipalities also offer the option to renew a driving license online. To do this, you'll need to have a passport photo taken by an RDW-recognized photographer, who then sends your photo and signature to the RDW.

Renewing a Foreign Driving License in the Netherlands

Dutch or EU/EEA License

If your Dutch or EU/EEA driving license has been lost or stolen, you must lodge a police declaration with the municipality where you are registered to receive a new one.

For a lost EU/EEA license, you will need to provide extra documentation.

Non-EU/EEA License