Getting a Driving License in the Netherlands

Getting a Driving License in the Netherlands: Process & Requirements

Whether you’re a new resident, an expat planning to relocate, or a tourist visiting the Netherlands, understanding the country’s driving regulations is essential for legal and safe road use. The system of getting a driving License in the Netherlands is comprehensive and well-regulated, overseen by three key authorities: the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (responsible for driving licence policy), the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority), and the CBR (Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing). This guide will help you navigate the requirements, processes, and regulations you need to know to get your driving license.

General Requirements for Driving in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a valid driving licence is mandatory for operating any motor vehicle. This requirement extends beyond traditional cars to include commercial vehicles, buses, motorcycles, mopeds, and even speed-pedelecs (high-speed electric bicycles). The specific type of licence required depends on the vehicle you intend to drive.The regulatory framework is managed by three primary institutions. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management sets policy and regulations, the RDW handles administrative aspects and licence issuance, while the CBR conducts driving tests and medical assessments. Understanding these authorities and their roles is crucial when dealing with licence applications, renewals, or exchanges.

Dutch Driving Licence Overview

Categories of Driving Licence in the Netherlands

The Dutch driving licence system uses standardized European categories, each permitting different types of vehicles:

Category B is the most common licence, allowing you to drive passenger cars weighing up to 3,500 kilograms and transport no more than 9 people (including the driver). Other categories include:

  • AM (mopeds and light quadricycles)
  • A1, A2, and A (various motorcycle categories)
  • BE (car with trailer)
  • Professional categories C1, C, D1, D for commercial vehicles and buses, along with their trailer variants (C1E, CE, D1E, DE)

For detailed information about all licence categories, visit the RDW licence categories page.

Physical and Security Features of the Dutch Driving Licence (NL8)

The current Dutch driving licence (model NL8) is a sophisticated document designed with multiple security features. Measuring 54 x 86 mm in the standard ID-1 format, it’s made of pink polycarbonate material with distinctively Dutch characteristics.

The licence incorporates advanced security features including:

  • A transparent hologram on the front (verified by rotating the licence 90 degrees)
  • An MLI (Multiple Laser Image) showing a second photo, “NL”, and birth year digits (verified by tilting)
  • Sealys® Clear Windows on both sides
  • OVI (Optically Variable Ink) on the back displaying the RDW logo

Licence Information Fields

Your Dutch driving licence contains comprehensive information including your surname and other names, date and place of birth, photograph and signature, permanent residence address, licence number, issuing authority, and detailed category information. Each driving category shows its date of first issue and expiry date, along with any additional restrictions or endorsements.

Validity Periods

Validity periods vary significantly based on the licence category and your age:

  • Standard categories (AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE): Valid for 10 years until age 65. From 65 to 70, they’re valid until age 75, and after 70, they’re renewed every 5 years.
  • Professional categories (C, C1, D1, D, CE, C1E, D1E, DE): Valid for only 5 years regardless of age, reflecting the higher safety standards required for commercial driving.

Getting a Driving License in the Netherlands

Process

Obtaining a driving license in the Netherlands requires passing both a theory test and a practical test through the CBR. The minimum age for car driving exams is 17 years, though successful candidates can only drive with a guardian until they turn 18. Bus driving requires a minimum age of 18 plus a Code 95 driver qualification card.

You can:

After passing your tests, you’ll receive a beginner’s licence valid for 5-7 years depending on your age. New drivers are subject to a strict penalty point system where accumulating two or more points can result in licence suspension and mandatory reassessment by the CBR.

Renewing a Driving Licence

Licence renewal is handled through your local municipality. Many areas offer convenient online renewal services:

If you have health conditions that might affect your driving ability, a medical examination may be required, and the CBR may request information from your doctor to ensure road safety.

Driving in the Netherlands with a Foreign Licence

EU/EFTA Licence Holders

If you hold a driving licence from an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you can drive in the Netherlands for up to 15 years from the licence’s issue date for standard categories (AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE), provided it remains valid. Professional categories (C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E, DE) are limited to 5 years from issue.

For licences issued more than 15 years ago but still valid, you have 2 years from your arrival date in the Netherlands to drive legally. However, there’s a crucial exception: if your EU/EFTA licence was issued while you were already living in the Netherlands, you cannot drive with it and must exchange it immediately through your municipality.

Exchange your EU/EFTA licence:

Non-EU/EFTA Licence Holders

Holders of non-EU/EFTA driving licences can drive for up to 185 days after moving to the Netherlands. After this period, you must obtain a driving license in the Netherland either through exchange (if eligible) or by retaking both theory and practical tests at the CBR.

Check if your licence is eligible for exchange:

If your licence categories don’t correspond to the standard A, B, C, D, E classifications, it’s advisable to obtain an international driving licence from your home country before traveling.

Tourists

Tourists can drive with their foreign licences while visiting the Netherlands. For non-EU/EFTA licences with non-standard category formats, an International Driving Permit is recommended to avoid confusion with authorities.

Critical timing note: For both EU and non-EU licence holders, it’s essential to apply for licence exchange well before your permitted driving period expires. If your foreign licence’s validity period ends before you receive your Dutch licence, you’ll be prohibited from driving even if your exchange application is pending.

Special Vehicle Regulations and Professional Driving

Small Electric Trucks & Temporary Exemptions

A temporary exemption currently allows drivers with a regular Category B a driving license in the Netherland to operate certain zero-emission vehicles (vans or small trucks) weighing between 3,500 kg and 4,250 kg, provided the investment was made before 1 October 2023. This exemption expires on 1 July 2025, after which a Category C1 licence will be mandatory for such vehicles.

Read more about electric vehicle exemptions

T-Licence for Agricultural/Forestry Vehicles

The T-licence is required for driving low-speed agricultural and forestry vehicles on public roads. However, if you hold a tractor driving certificate for youths or a Category B licence issued before 1 July 2015, you don’t need a separate T-licence as it will be automatically added when you renew your driving licence. T-licences aren’t required for small vehicles like street sweepers or mowing machines.

Information about T-licence requirements

Forklift Driving Rules

Operating forklift trucks wider than 1.3 meters or those pulling trailers requires a T-licence. For other forklift trucks, employers must demonstrate the driver’s competence through CBR safety certificates or professional competence certificates for forklift or reach truck operation.

Code 95 and Professional Driving

In relation to a driving license in the Netherlands for a professional lorry and bus drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain their Code 95 driver qualification card, with at least 7 hours of practical instruction required. Code 95 is marked on your driving licence, and renewal requires completing a declaration of good health.

Code 95 resources:

Additional national codes include:

  • Code 100 (private use only)
  • Code 101 (professional use restrictions)
  • Code 102 (bioptic telescope system)
  • Code 103
  • Code 105 (alcolock-fitted vehicles)

Each indicating specific driving restrictions or equipment requirements.

Authorities and Resources

Key Organizations To Know When Obtaining a Driving License in the Netherlands

RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority)

  • Website: www.rdw.nl
  • Customer service: Contact RDW
  • Handles administrative aspects of driving licences, renewals, and general inquiries about vehicle regulations

CBR (Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing)

  • Website: www.cbr.nl
  • Customer service: Contact CBR
  • Conducts all driving tests, medical evaluations, and assessments related to driving fitness

Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management

Additional Useful Resources

  • ANWB (Dutch automobile association): www.anwb.nl – Driving lessons, international driving permits, and general motoring advice
  • Government information portal: www.government.nl – Official government information about living in the Netherlands
  • Expatica Netherlands: www.expatica.com/nl – Expat-focused information and guides
  • DutchNews.nl: www.dutchnews.nl – English-language news about the Netherlands

For specific questions about your situation, contact these authorities directly rather than relying on third-party information, as regulations can change and individual circumstances may require personalized guidance.

Tips for Expats when a driving license in the Netherlands

Timing is everything: Apply for licence exchanges well before your permitted driving periods expire. Don’t wait until the last minute, as processing times can vary and you’ll be unable to drive if your foreign licence expires before receiving your driving license in the Netherlands.

Understand your restrictions: Carefully review all category endorsements and restrictions on your licence. Driving outside your permitted categories can result in serious legal consequences.

Stay current with professional requirements: If you hold Code 95 or other professional endorsements, maintain a calendar for required training and health declarations. Missing deadlines can result in licence suspension.

Keep documentation organized: Maintain copies of all relevant documents, medical certificates, and training records. This documentation may be required for renewals, exchanges, or during traffic stops.

Plan for medical requirements: If you have health conditions that might affect driving, consult with medical professionals early in the process to avoid delays in getting a driving license in the Netherlands issuance or renewal.

Conclusion

Navigating a getting a driving license in the Netherlands system requires attention to detail and understanding of various regulations, but the system is designed to ensure road safety while accommodating different needs and circumstances. Whether you’re obtaining your first Dutch licence, exchanging a foreign one, or maintaining professional driving qualifications, staying informed about current requirements and deadlines is essential.

Remember that regulations can change, and individual circumstances may require specific guidance. Always consult official sources like the RDW and CBR for the most current information and personalized advice. By understanding these requirements and planning accordingly, you can ensure legal compliance while enjoying the freedom and convenience of having a driving license in the Netherlands.

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with official Dutch authorities before making any decisions regarding a driving license in the Netherland