Driving License Netherlands, How to Exchange or Apply, Rules, Costs

While the Netherlands has an excellent public transport network, having a car proves beneficial for many reasons. For instance, the weather is always unpredictable, and sometimes catching a train or bus can be quite a hassle. But your car can quickly take you to places you’d otherwise hesitate to travel. But of course, having a car is useless if you don’t have a valid Dutch driving license.

Once you have spent a certain amount of time in the Netherlands, it is always recommended to obtain a Dutch driving license as soon as you can if you intend to drive frequently. Different rules apply for expats of different nationalities, and it also depends on the existing license issued by your home country. If you’re looking to exchange your foreign driving license for a Dutch one, the process is pretty simple. But if you’re applying for a new Dutch driving license, you need to follow several steps. This process takes a lot of time and can be quite expensive.

Getting a Dutch driving license can be a tedious process. But it is also a worthwhile investment for your peace of mind.

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Driving With an EU/EFTA Driving License
International Driving License
Exchanging a Foreign Driving License
Applying for a Dutch Driving License
Costs of Getting a Dutch Driving License
Certificate of Fitness (VvG)
Faalangst Exam (Fear of Failure Exam)
Renewing Your Dutch Driving License

Driving With an EU/EFTA Driving License

If you have a valid driving license issued by an EU/EFTA country, you can use it in the Netherlands after you register as a resident. You don’t have to exchange your license for a Dutch one immediately. However, the validity of your foreign driving license depends on the category your license falls under. Once your license expires, you can renew it by either exchanging it with the Dutch municipality or by renewing it in your home country.

You can use a valid EU/EFTA country-issued license for up to 10 years from its issue date, provided it’s valid in your home country. After that, you must renew it in your home country or exchange it in the Netherlands.

If your license was issued before January 19, 2013, you can use it for up to 10 years from its issue date. If it was issued after that date, you can use it for up to 15 years from its issue date. After that, you must exchange it for a Dutch one.

If your driving license was issued more than 15 years ago but is still valid, then you can continue to use it for two more years after registering in the Netherlands. After that, you must exchange it for a Dutch one.

Upon completion of your tenure, you must exchange your foreign driving license for a Dutch one. You can do so at your local municipality.

International Driving License

An international driving permit, or IDP, is basically a translation of your driving license. It does not replace your original license, and it’s only valid when presented along with your foreign driving license. Having an IDP is not always necessary if you’re driving in the Netherlands. But it is required if your foreign driving license is not in Dutch, English, German, or French. You may also need it if your driving license has no photo and no identification details.

An IDP is also required in addition to your Dutch license if you want to drive outside the EU.

Read Also: Buying a Car in the Netherlands – Everything You Need to Know

Exchanging a Foreign Driving License

If your driving license is issued by a country outside the EU/EFTA, then you can usually use it in the Netherlands for up to 185 days after registering as a resident. After that, your license is no longer valid, and you must get a Dutch one. In most cases, this means you must complete the entire process of obtaining a new driving license, including the theory and practical exams. However, in some cases, you may be eligible to exchange your foreign license for a Dutch one.

If you’re an expat living in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, then you may be eligible for the Expat scheme (30% ruling) and can exchange your foreign driving license for a Dutch one. This applies even if your license is issued by a country outside the EU/EFTA. You may also exchange your foreign driving license if your country has a special license exchange agreement with the Netherlands.

These are the countries that have special license exchange agreements with the Netherlands for different Dutch license categories:

Monaco, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Aruba, Netherlands Antilles (Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius), and Switzerland – Category B (passenger cars)
Israel, Taiwan, and Andorra – Category B (passenger cars)
Japan – Categories A and B (1B, passenger cars and motorcycles)
Singapore – Category A (class 2, motorcycles with cylinder capacities of more than 400 cc), Category B (class 3, passenger cars), and Category C (class 4, heavy vehicles)
South Korea – Category B (1st and 2nd class ordinary license)
Canadian provinces of Quebec or Alberta – Category B (class 5, passenger car)
Great Britain – All categories (Category BE only if you have given a separate exam)

Exchanging a foreign license does not require going through the theory and practical exams. You can directly get it exchanged at your local municipality by following these steps:

Register with the BRP: You must be registered with your local municipality in the Personal Records Database.
Get a health certificate: In some cases, you must get a health declaration from the CBR. This can be done online through Mijn CBR using your DigiD.
Get the Expat scheme document: If applicable, you or your employer must apply for the Expat scheme (30% ruling) document through the tax office.
Visit your local municipality: Make an appointment with the municipality to exchange your license. You must produce the following documents:
- Your valid ID proof
- a passport photo meeting Dutch requirements
- the 30% ruling letter by the tax office
- the health declaration
- your foreign license
If your foreign license contains characters not recognized in the Netherlands, you must have it translated by a certified translator, or have an IDP.
Make the payment: You must complete the application form and pay the costs upfront. The costs of exchanging a foreign license vary by municipality, but you can expect to pay around €40 to €50.
Collect your license: The municipality sends your application to the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority), which then sends it to the CBR. The CBR assesses your application and issues your Dutch license. This process usually takes two to four weeks. Once your license is ready, you can pick it up at your municipality.

Note: If you have never driven in the Netherlands before, it is recommended that you take at least a few driving lessons to familiarize yourself with the local road rules and driving habits.

Applying for a Dutch Driving License

If you want to apply for a new driving license, you must pass the theory and practical exams first, before visiting your municipality for the application. You must also be registered as a resident in the Netherlands and have a valid BSN (citizen service number).

You must follow these steps to go through the application process:

Take driving lessons: You need to take the required number of driving lessons to be eligible for the theory and practical exams. The number of lessons needed depends on your experience. Most people take around 30 to 40 lessons. Each lesson usually costs between €40 and €60.
Pass the theory test: You must take the theory exam at the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen) to show that you are aware of the road and traffic rules. Only once you pass this test, you can give the practical exam. You must be at least 16 years of age to take this test. This theory test is divided into three parts:
- hazard recognition (25 questions)
- traffic knowledge (12 questions)
- traffic insight (28 questions)
You must pass each of these sections separately. You get 30 minutes for the hazard recognition section, 30 minutes for the traffic knowledge section, and 60 minutes for the traffic insight section.

If you pass all three sections, your theory exam result remains valid for 18 months.
Pass the practical exam: Once you pass the theory exam, your driving instructor can apply for the practical exam on your behalf. You must be at least 17 years of age to take this test. The practical exam includes a driving test with an examiner, which lasts around 55 minutes.

If you pass the practical exam, you can then apply for your Dutch license at your local municipality.
Apply at your municipality: Make an appointment at your local municipality to apply for your license. You must bring your valid ID proof and a passport photo meeting Dutch requirements. You must pay the license fee upfront, which is usually around €40 to €50.

You can pick up your license from your municipality within five working days.

Costs of Getting a Dutch Driving License

Getting a Dutch driving license can be quite expensive. You should consider the costs of driving lessons, theory and practical exams, and municipal fees.

Here’s an estimate of what you can expect to pay:

Driving lessons: €40 to €60 per lesson. Most people need 30 to 40 lessons, which totals around €1,200 to €2,400.
Theory exam: Around €48.75.
Practical exam: Around €136.50.
Municipality fees: Around €40 to €50.

If you fail any of the exams, you must pay again to retake them, which increases the overall costs.

Certificate of Fitness (VvG)

In some cases, you may be asked to produce a certificate of fitness (verklaring van geschiktheid) to prove that you are physically and mentally fit to drive. You can apply for it at your municipality, or some expat centers, or by logging in to Mijn CBR with your DigiD. After you submit your application, the CBR will inform you if you need an additional health checkup. A VvG is usually needed if you:

are 75 years or older
are 70 years or older, and your license expires once you turn 75
have a medical condition
have license is issued outside the EU/EFTA countries
are applying for or renewing a category C or D license (for truck or bus)
have a disability
take medication that may affect driving

The costs of a VvG vary depending on your situation. You may need a medical examination, which can cost between €30 and €100 or more, depending on the type of checkup and the doctor.

Faalangst Exam (Fear of Failure Exam)

If you struggle with anxiety during exams, you can apply for a faalangst exam. This is a special type of exam designed for people with a fear of failure. The examiner gives you extra time, explains the process more clearly, and may allow short breaks if needed. This exam costs more than the regular exam.

Renewing Your Dutch Driving License

You can renew your Dutch driving license at your local municipality. In some cases, you can also renew it online through the RDW if you have a DigiD and meet certain requirements.

Renewing your license usually costs around €40 to €50 and takes about five working days.