How much does a Dutch driving licence cost in 2026?
In short: 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.
The fixed costs in 2026
- Theory exam (car): €50.50 in Dutch, €57.00 in English, €118.50 with an interpreter (plus the interpreter).
- Practical exam (car): €143.50. A retake is a new practical exam.
- Tussentijdse toets (an optional practice exam by the CBR, what it is): €143.50.
- Licence card from the municipality: at most €53.65 in 2026. In Amsterdam: €53.65, or €93.30 with urgent delivery.
- Health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring), only when it applies to you: €46.90 for the CBR’s assessment.
The lessons
- The CBR gives an average of 42.5 lesson hours.
- In its survey of July–August 2026, 80% of candidates paid €54 to €78 per hour.
- Together, as a rough sum: about €2,300 to €3,300, before any retake.
Ways to spend less
- Pass the theory exam before your practical lessons, so lesson time goes to driving.
- Practise the situations between lessons: the CBR pass rate for the practical exam was 49.8% in 2025, and each retake means a new practical exam and usually more lessons. See the pass rate.
Questions people ask
How much is the CBR practical exam in 2026?
The CBR practical exam for a car costs €143.50 in 2026 (it was €138.50 in 2025).
How much is the CBR theory exam in 2026?
The car theory exam costs €50.50 in Dutch and €57.00 in English in 2026.
How much does the licence card cost in Amsterdam?
A first licence costs €53.65 in Amsterdam, or €93.30 with urgent delivery.
Sources
- CBR: tariffs 2026
- CBR: costs of a car licence
- CBR: how the practical exam goes (retakes)
- CBR annual report 2025 (pass rate)
- Amsterdam: applying for a first driving licence
Rules and fees change; the official pages above always win. Voorrah! is not affiliated with the CBR or the RDW.
Practise it
More questions
- Can I take the Dutch driving exam in English?
- How many driving lessons do I need in the Netherlands?
- Can I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Dutch one?
- How do I exchange my driving licence with the 30% ruling, and what does it cost?
- What is the CBR tussentijdse toets (interim driving test)?
- What is the pass rate of the Dutch driving exam?
- What is in the Dutch theory exam for a car?
- How old do you have to be to drive in the Netherlands?