Driver’s License
Rules for using your driver’s license in the Netherlands vary based on the country where it was issued: you may be able to exchange your driving license, or you may have to get a new driving license in the Netherlands. Going for your first license or not in the position to exchange your current license? Read about the steps to take for a Dutch driver’s license.
EU and EFTA License
If your license was issued in a member state of the EU or EFTA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland), you can drive in the Netherlands on your foreign license for 15 years after the date of issue of the license.
This applies to the categories AM, A1, A2, A, B and BE. The maximum period is 5 years from the issue date of the driving license for categories C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E and DE,
You can find more details about the requirements per category on this site.
In all other cases, if 15 years has elapsed or the license expires, you must exchange your foreign license for a Dutch one. You can do this at the municipality where you registered. You can either make an appointment, or go to their location during walk in hours (varies per municipality). You can find more details about this process on the RDW website.
Please note: if your license is from an EFTA country and is expired, you will need to submit an official document from the organization/government authority that issued the license stating that there are no objections to having the license exchanged for a Dutch one.
Non-EU license
If your driver’s license was not issued in the European Union, you may drive legally for 185 days after registering as a resident. After 185 days, then you must have a Dutch license to drive legally.
If you do not qualify for the Expat Scheme (formerly 30% tax facility, see below) or have a driving license issued from one of the other countries listed on the RWD website (tab under “check if your driving license is suitable), you will need to take and pass both a theoretical and a practical driving test.
It is worthwhile to shop around driving schools in your area because estimates of how many lessons you may need can differ between driving schools, and most driving schools charge per lesson. The driving school will handle all paper work for the written and practical tests. You can ask for instructors who can teach you in English, and some driving schools also have instructors who can teach in automatic vehicles.
Exchanging your non-EU license via the Expat Scheme
If you work under the Expat Scheme (formerly 30% tax facility), you can exchange your non-EU license by taking the following steps:
1. Get a copy of the 30% tax statement issued by the tax office.
2. Purchase an application for a Fitness Certificate before you can exchange your license
You must have a DigiD in order to log in to the CBR site to obtain this. Processing time is 4 months at most.
3. Carry out the exchange within the first 185 days from the date of registration in the municipality.
4. Ensure that your driving license was issued during the time that you were a resident in the country of issue for at least 185 days.
This exchange process also applies to the spouse of the Highly Skilled Migrant under the 30% tax ruling.
Exchanging your non-EU license via exchange agreement
If you have a driving license issued in one of the following countries, you can exchange your license under several conditions:
1. Purchase an application for a Fitness Certificate before you can exchange your license
You must have a DigiD in order to log in to the CBR site to obtain this. Processing time is 4 months at most.
2. Carry out the exchange within the first 185 days from the date of registration in the municipality.
3. Ensure that your driving license was issued during the time that you were a resident in the country of issue for at least 185 days.
4. Check that your country of origin is included on the list of the RDW under the tab “Check if your driver’s license is suitable”.
Getting a Dutch Driver’s License
If you want to get a Dutch driver’s license, you will need to pass both a theory exam and a practical driving exam. Many people choose to pass the theory exam before starting practical lessons, but you can also study for the theory while taking lessons.
Only licensed driving instructors are allowed to give driving lessons in the Netherlands. The number of lessons you need depends on your driving experience, confidence, and how quickly you progress. Many driving schools offer lesson packages, and some also provide theory study materials or English-language theory courses.
When choosing a driving school, check whether they offer lessons in English, what their lesson packages include, and what their exam pass rates are. You can use the CBR driving school search tool to find driving schools in your area, and their corresponding passing rates.
Steps to getting your Dutch driver’s license
- Find a driving school
- Study for and pass the theory exam
- Complete your health declaration
- Take driving lessons and pass the practical exam
- Apply for your driver’s license through your municipality
According to CBR, getting a car driving license costs an average of €3,320, based on a 2025 survey among exam candidates. The total cost depends on the number of lessons you need, theory and practical exam fees, the health declaration, and the municipal fee for the licene itself. Costs may vary per person and may increase over time.
Renewing your License
Your driving license must be valid when you drive in the Netherlands. If your license has expired, you are not permitted to drive. To avoid this, renew your driving license before the expiry date.
You can renew your driving license through the municipality where you are registered. Some municipalities also allow online renewal through RDW. Check your municipality’s website for the requirements, costs, and application process.
If your Dutch driving license has expired, you can usually still renew it without taking another driving test, as long as it was valid at some point after 30 June 1985.
If your driving license has been lost or stolen, report this to RDW before applying for a replacement.