Dutch Theory Exam (CBR), Simply Explained
Before you can do your practical driving exam, you first need to pass the CBR theory exam for license B (car). Below you’ll find a clear overview of how the exam works, what’s on it, and how much time you get for each part.
How the CBR Theory Exam is Structured
The CBR car theory exam in the Netherlands is split into three parts:
- • Hazard perception: 25 questions
- • Traffic rules: 12 questions
- • Traffic insight: 28 questions
In total, you get about 30 minutes for the whole exam. The style of questions is similar to what you will see later in real traffic: recognizing dangers, applying the rules, and making safe decisions.
Choose a section
1. Hazard Perception (25 questions)
Hazard perception is often the trickiest part of the exam. You see short traffic situations on the screen and must quickly decide what a safe driver would do.
- Questions: 25
- Choices per question: Brake, Let go of the accelerator, or Do nothing
- Time per question: about 8 seconds
- To pass: at least 13 of 25 correct (you may make 12 mistakes)
Because the time limit is short, you must react quickly. Practicing many hazard perception questions helps you recognize patterns, spot danger earlier, and build the right “reflex” for braking, easing off the gas, or doing nothing.
2. Traffic Rules (12 questions)
In this part, you show that you know the rules and signs. It’s more about facts and definitions: who has right of way, what a sign means, or what the speed limit is in a certain situation.
- Questions: 12
- Time per question: no fixed limit per question
- Total time for this part: about 8 minutes
You can decide yourself how long to spend on each question, but don’t lose too much time on one difficult question. A good strategy is to first learn the rules thoroughly (theory book, videos, practice tests) and then check your knowledge with mock exams.
3. Traffic Insight (28 questions)
Traffic insight tests whether you can apply the rules in realistic situations. It’s not just “What is the rule?” but “What is the safest decision here?”
- Questions: 28
- Time per question: no fixed limit per question
- Total time for this part: about 16 minutes
The questions often combine rules, priority, and safe behaviour in one situation. A good way to prepare is to:
- • First learn the rules well
- • Then practice many realistic exam-style questions
- • Focus on why one answer is safer than the others
Want Official Information from CBR?
Rules, timings, and exam formats can change. For the most accurate and up-to-date details about the Dutch car theory exam, always check the official CBR website.