Driving Licence
If you want to drive in the Netherlands, you need a valid driving licence. Whether you can use your current licence, exchange it, or need to get a Dutch driving licence depends on where your licence was issued and how long you have lived in the Netherlands. This page gives an overview of the most common situations for internationals. Always check the current rules with RDW, CBR, or your municipality before driving or applying for a licence.
What you can find on this page:
Using EU and EFTA driving licences
If your driving licence was issued in an EU or EFTA country, you can usually continue driving in the Netherlands for a limited period, as long as your licence is still valid.
For categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, and BE, you can usually drive for 15 years from the date your foreign licence was issued. For heavier categories, such as C and D categories, the period is usually 5 years from the date of issue. After this period, or when your licence expires, you need a Dutch driving licence to continue driving in the Netherlands. You can usually exchange your EU or EFTA licence through the municipality where you are registered in the Netherlands.
If your licence was issued in an EU or EFTA country after you registered as a resident in the Netherlands, different rules may apply. Check with the RDW before driving.
Using non-EU driving licences
If your driving licence was issued outside the EU or EFTA, you can usually drive in the Netherlands for the first 185 days after you register as a resident. After 185 days, you need a Dutch driving licence to continue driving.
If the vehicle categories on your foreign licence are different from the A, B, C, D, and E categories used under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, RDW advises getting an international driving permit in addition to your foreign driving licence. An international driving permit is a translation of your licence and must be arranged in the country where your current licence was issued.
Some non-EU driving licences can be exchanged for a Dutch driving licence. This depends on the country where the licence was issued and whether you meet the RDW conditions. If your licence cannot be exchanged, and you do not qualify for the Expat Scheme (formerly known as the 30%-ruling), you need to pass the Dutch theory and practical driving exams through CBR.
Exchanging a non-EU licence with the Expat Scheme
If you benefit from the Expat Scheme (30% facility), formerly often known as the 30% ruling, you may be able to exchange a valid foreign driving licence from any country for a Dutch driving licence. This also depends on RDW conditions, including whether you lived in the country of issue for at least 185 days in the year you obtained the licence.
In general, you may need:
- your valid foreign driving licence,
- valid proof of identity,
- a passport photo that meets Dutch requirements,
- proof from the Belastingdienst that the Expat Scheme applies to you,
- a Health Declaration from CBR,
- and any additional documents requested by your municipality or RDW.
You usually apply for the exchange through the municipality where you are registered. The municipality sends your application to RDW. During the exchange process, you may need to hand in your foreign driving licence, so check the rules before applying if you still need to drive, as the process can take up to four months. The exchange option under this Expat Scheme may also apply to family members, such as a partner, if they meet the relevant conditions.
Getting a Dutch driving licence
If you cannot exchange your foreign licence, or if you are getting a driving licence for the first time, you need to pass the Dutch theory exam and practical driving exam.
Only licensed driving instructors are allowed to give driving lessons in the Netherlands. Many people take lessons through a driving school, and some driving schools offer English-language theory test materials, English-speaking instructors, or lessons in automatic vehicles. Keep in mind that if you take your practical driving exam in an automatic vehicle, this will be noted as a restriction on your driving licence. This means you will only be allowed to drive automatic vehicles, not vehicles with manual transmission.
The number of lessons you need depends on your driving experience, confidence, and how quickly you progress. Before choosing a driving school, check what their lesson packages include, whether they offer lessons in English, and what their exam pass rates are. You can use the CBR’s search tool to find driving schools in your area, and their corresponding passing rates.
In general, the process includes:
- finding a driving school,
- studying for and passing the theory exam,
- completing a Health Declaration from the CBR
- taking driving lessons,
- passing the practical exam,
- applying for your driving licence at your municipality.
Renewing or replacing a Dutch driving licence
Your driving licence must be valid when you drive in the Netherlands. If your licence has expired, you are not permitted to drive. You can renew your Dutch driving licence 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 licence 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 licence has been lost or stolen, report this to RDW before applying for a replacement.
FAQ about driving licence
Can I drive in the Netherlands with a non-EU driving licence?
Usually, you can drive with a non-EU driving licence for the first 185 days after you register as a resident in the Netherlands. After that, you need a Dutch driving licence. If the issuing country does not use a category stipulated by the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you might still need an international driving licence from your home country.
Can I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Dutch one?
It depends on where your licence was issued and whether you meet the RDW conditions. EU and EFTA licences can usually be exchanged. Some non-EU licences can also be exchanged. If an exchange is not possible, you need to pass the Dutch theory and practical exams.
Can I drive in the Netherlands with an EU or EFTA driving licence?
Usually yes, as long as your licence is valid. For many common categories, such as B and BE, you can usually drive for 15 years from the date the licence was issued. After that, or when the licence expires, you need a Dutch driving licence.
Can I exchange my non-EU driving licence with the Expat Scheme?
If you benefit from the Expat Scheme (30% facility), formerly often known as the 30% ruling, you may be able to exchange a valid foreign driving licence from any country. RDW conditions still apply, so check the current requirements before applying.
How do I get a Dutch driving licence?
You usually need to pass a theory exam and a practical driving exam through CBR. After passing, you apply for your driving licence at the municipality where you are registered.
How do I renew a Dutch driving licence?
You can renew your Dutch driving licence through your municipality. Some municipalities also allow online renewal through RDW. Check your municipality’s website for the current process, costs, and requirements.