Updated · From the CBR, the RDW and the Dutch government; sources at the end of the page.
Getting a Dutch driving licence: your questions answered
Short, sourced answers to what people ask most about the Dutch car licence (rijbewijs B): the exams in English, the cost, lessons, exchanging a foreign licence and the pass rate.
- Can I take the Dutch driving exam in English?The theory exam: yes. The CBR offers it in Dutch or English (€57.00 in English in 2026). The practical exam is not offered in English, but you may bring an approved interpreter or an instructor who interprets.
- How many driving lessons do I need in the Netherlands?On average 42.5 lesson hours, according to the CBR. It differs a lot per person: how often you practise, how much you already drive and how fast you learn the rules all count.
- How much does a Dutch driving licence cost in 2026?The fixed costs are about €250: the CBR theory exam (€50.50), the practical exam (€143.50) and the licence card from your municipality (at most €53.65). The lessons cost far more: with the CBR’s average of 42.5 hours at €54–€78, roughly €2,300 to €3,300.
- Can I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Dutch one?A valid licence from an EU or EFTA country: always. From outside the EU only if your country has an exchange agreement with the Netherlands, or if you have the 30% ruling (the RDW’s “expat scheme”), which allows an exchange from any country. Otherwise you usually take the Dutch theory and practical exams.
- How do I exchange my driving licence with the 30% ruling, and what does it cost?With a valid 30% ruling decision (the RDW calls it the expat scheme) you can exchange a valid licence from any country for a Dutch one, without exams. You apply at your municipality with the tax office’s decision and a CBR health declaration. In Amsterdam it costs about €111.55: €64.65 for the exchange plus €46.90 for the health declaration (2026), plus a passport photo.
- What is the CBR tussentijdse toets (interim driving test)?A practice exam with a CBR examiner that does not count towards your licence: 55 minutes, like the real exam, with feedback right after. Do the special manoeuvres well and you skip them in your next exam. €143.50 (2026); back since 30 March 2026.
- What is the pass rate of the Dutch driving exam?In 2025, 49.8% of the CBR practical exams for a car were passed (51.3% in 2024), and 40.0% of the car theory exams. Both numbers count every attempt, retakes included.
- What is in the Dutch theory exam for a car?Since 7 April 2025 the CBR theory exam is one test of 50 questions in 30 minutes; you pass with 44 correct. There is no separate hazard-perception part any more; questions can use short animations without sound. A pass is valid for 1.5 years.
- How old do you have to be to drive in the Netherlands?You can take the theory exam from 16, start lessons from 16.5 and take the practical exam from 17. Until you are 18 you may only drive with a registered coach (2toDrive).