Netherlands Driving Theory Test Study Guide 2026

How to get a car licence in the Netherlands

Car licences in the Netherlands are tested by the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen). You pass a theory exam (theorie-examen) and a practical exam (praktijkexamen), then you apply for the licence at your municipality (gemeente).

1. Take the theory exam. You may do this from age 16.
2. Start driving lessons. The CBR says you may start from 16.5.
3. After passing the theory exam, fill in the health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring).
4. Take the practical exam. You may do this from 17.
5. Apply for your licence (category B) at your municipality.

A theory pass is valid for 1.5 years (18 months). If you do not pass the practical exam in that time, you must take the theory exam again.

Driving at 17 with 2toDrive

If you pass the practical exam at 17, you may drive before your 18th birthday, but only with a coach. This is called 2toDrive (begeleid rijden). You apply for a coach pass (begeleiderspas) at the RDW and carry it when you drive. Your coaches are listed on it.

The beginner's licence

Your first car licence is a beginner's licence (beginnersrijbewijs) for 5 years, whatever your age. Some serious offences are registered on it. After two registrations, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) tells the CBR, which can order a course or a new test. Beginners also have a lower alcohol limit (see the last chapter).

The CBR theory exam

Since 7 April 2025 the car theory exam is one exam with one result. Before that, it had three parts with separate pass marks: hazard perception (gevaarherkenning, 25 questions), knowledge (kennis, 12) and insight (inzicht, 28). The separate photo-based hazard part was dropped.

Some questions now include short, silent animation clips of real traffic situations. They test whether you notice hazards and can predict what will happen. Watch the whole clip before you answer.

Question types

• Multiple choice: pick the right answer from two or more options.
• Multiple response: more than one answer can be right.
• Yes/no questions.
• Fill in a number on the on-screen keyboard.
• Hotspot: tap the right place in a picture.
• Drag questions: drag numbers or a tick into the right place, for example to show the order in which road users may go.

What the exam covers

The CBR exam plan lists eight topics: using the road (position, overtaking, speed, stopping and parking); priority and giving way; special roads, road users and manoeuvres; safe use of the vehicle and emergencies; signs, markings and instructions; responsible and eco-friendly driving; legislation; and vehicle knowledge.

On the day

• Bring a valid identity document. The details must match your municipality's records (BRP), or you cannot take the exam.
• Bring your reservation number and arrive about 15 minutes early.
• Only your ID goes into the exam room. Everything else goes in a locker.

Speed limits

These are the general limits for cars. Signs can always set a lower or different limit.

Matrix signs above motorway lanes can show a lower limit. If signs show different limits, the lowest one applies. Only vehicles that can go faster than 60 km/h may use a motorway.

You must always be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. Slow down in fog, rain and busy streets.

Priority, trams and cyclists

The Netherlands has many cyclists, trams and junctions without lights. Priority questions are a big part of the exam.

• At a junction without signs or markings, give way to traffic from the right. This includes cyclists and moped riders.
• Trams have priority over all other drivers at junctions, even from the left.
• Traffic on an unpaved road gives way to traffic on a paved road.
• When you turn, give way to traffic going straight on, including cyclists on a cycle path next to you.
• When you turn left, give way to oncoming traffic turning right into the same road.
• Coming out of a driveway, car park or exit is a special manoeuvre: give way to everyone.
• Never cut through a military column or a funeral procession.

A row of white triangles across your lane, called shark's teeth (haaientanden), means give way to traffic from both left and right on the road you are entering. It usually goes with a give-way sign.

Emergency vehicles and buses

Police, fire and ambulance vehicles with blue lights and a two-tone horn always have priority. Make way safely. Inside built-up areas, let a bus pull away from a stop when it signals.

Roundabouts

At a roundabout with shark's teeth and a give-way sign, give way to traffic already on the roundabout. On a turbo roundabout (turborotonde), raised dividers separate the lanes, so choose your lane by your exit before you enter.

Pedestrians, overtaking and parking

Give way to pedestrians who are on a zebra crossing or clearly waiting to cross. Always give priority to a blind or partially sighted person with a white cane. When you pass a stopped bus or tram on the side where people get on and off, give way to them.

Overtaking

• Keep as far to the right as possible and overtake on the left.
• You may pass on the right a car that signals a left turn, a tram, and traffic in slow queues.
• Never overtake just before or on a pedestrian crossing.
• Do not cross a continuous white line or drive on areas with diagonal stripes.

Stopping and parking

In a blue zone (blauwe zone) you may only park in spaces with a blue line, and you must show a parking disc set to your arrival time.

Motorways, lights and level crossings

• Use the hard shoulder (vluchtstrook) only in an emergency, unless signs open it as a lane.
• Never reverse, turn around or stop on the carriageway. Missed your exit? Drive on to the next one.
• A red cross above a lane means do not use that lane. A green arrow means the lane is open.
• Peak-hour lanes (spitsstroken) are only for use when open. The limit there is lower, usually 100 or 80 km/h.
• When joining or changing lanes, signal and give way to traffic in the other lane.

Traffic lights and headlights

Amber means stop, unless you are so close that you cannot stop safely. A flashing amber light means danger: take care. Use dipped headlights at night and in daytime when visibility is seriously reduced.

Level crossings

Only drive onto a level crossing if you can get all the way across. Trains always go first.

Alcohol, phones, children and crashes

Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medicine is an offence. One drink can put a beginner over the limit, so the safest choice is not to drink at all.

Phones

You may not hold a phone, tablet or media player while driving. Only hands-free use is allowed.

Seat belts and children

• Everyone must wear a seat belt, front and back.
• Children under 18 who are shorter than 1.35 m must use an approved child seat or booster seat.
• Never put a rear-facing child seat in a seat with an active airbag.

Breakdowns and crashes

• If your car is a danger to traffic that may not see it in time, put a warning triangle about 30 metres behind it, or use your hazard lights.
• Call 112 if someone is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash with injuries is a crime.
• After a small crash, fill in and sign a claim form together with the other driver.

If you live in the Netherlands with a licence from outside the EU, you need a Dutch licence once you have lived here for more than 185 days.