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 30% tax ruling 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 30% tax ruling
If you work under the 30% tax regulation, 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 login 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 login 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
When you need to get a Dutch driver’s license as you first license or because you cannot exchange the one from your home country, there are a few steps to take.
In the Netherlands, only licensed driving instructors can give lessons. The amount of lesson you need depends on your skills and experience. You can take a theory course and practical lessons or study theory on your own and only take lessons on driving. The school will book your practical exam with the CBR. The theory exam, which is also offered in English, needs to be schedule by yourself through Mijn CBR. Be sure to check if the school offers lessons in English and their exam pass rates. You can use this search tool to search for the options in your area.
- Find a driving school
- Learn for and pass the theory exam
- Get your health certificate
- Start you driving lessons and take the exam
- Apply for your driver’s license through your municipality
The average cost of obtaining a driver’s license is € 3,125 (according to CBR examination under exam candidates in November 2023). The costs consist of the amount of lessons needed, the practical exams and theory exam, the health certificate and the license itself.
Renewing your License
If you want to continue driving, you need to renew your license before your it expires. This is done via your municipality. Visit the website of the municipality in which you are registered to see the requirements and how to apply. If you have lost your license or it was stolen, you need to report it first to the RDW. You can also renew an expired driving licence (provided that it was valid at some point after 30 June 1985). It is not necessary to take another driving test.