Dutch terms on the English CBR exam: the six words that stay Dutch
On the English CBR theory exam, six terms stay in Dutch because they are defined in Dutch law: APK, autoweg, brommobiel, erf, snorfiets and speed pedelec. If you know exactly what each means, they cost you no points. Below, each term with what it means and the rules that go with it.
The six terms
| Term | What it means | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| APK | The periodic roadworthiness test for vehicles (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) | A car must have a valid APK to be used on the road |
| autoweg | A road with sign G3, for motor vehicles that can and may drive at least 50 km/h | Maximum 100 km/h; not the same as a motorway (autosnelweg, sign G1) |
| brommobiel | A small car-like vehicle, often called a microcar | Maximum 45 km/h; not allowed on a motorway or autoweg |
| erf | A home zone, between signs G5 and G6 | 15 km/h, pedestrians on the whole road, parking only in marked spaces: erf rules |
| snorfiets | A light moped with a blue number plate | Maximum 25 km/h |
| speed pedelec | An electric bicycle that assists up to 45 km/h | Counts as a moped (bromfiets), not as a bicycle |
Other Dutch road words worth knowing
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| autosnelweg | Motorway (sign G1): motorway rules |
| bebouwde kom | Built-up area (50 km/h unless signs say otherwise) |
| voorrangsweg | Priority road (sign B1) |
| haaientanden | Sharks' teeth: give way |
| fietsstrook / fietspad | Cycle lane / cycle path: bike lanes |
| ritsen | Zipping where a lane ends: merging |
| milieuzone | Low-emission zone: low-emission zones |
The exam trap: autoweg versus autosnelweg. In English both sound like 'motorway', which is exactly why the CBR keeps 'autoweg' in Dutch. Autoweg: sign G3, at least 50 km/h, maximum 100.
More about the English exam: CBR theory exam in English.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dutch words stay Dutch on the English CBR exam?
Six terms defined in Dutch law: APK, autoweg, brommobiel, erf, snorfiets and speed pedelec. They appear in Dutch on your English exam screen.
What is the difference between an autoweg and a motorway?
A motorway (autosnelweg, sign G1) is for vehicles that can and may drive at least 60 km/h, with a limit of up to 130 km/h. An autoweg (sign G3) is for vehicles that can and may drive at least 50 km/h, with a limit of 100 km/h.
What is a snorfiets?
A light moped with a top speed of 25 km/h and a blue number plate.
What is a brommobiel?
A small car-like vehicle with a top speed of 45 km/h, often called a microcar.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.