Dutch traffic rules that catch out drivers from the UK, US and India
Five Dutch rules trip up experienced drivers from abroad: traffic from the right has priority at unmarked junctions, cyclists included; trams go first; turning traffic gives way to everyone going straight on the same road, including cyclists alongside you; red always means stop, so no right turn on red; and the alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille, 0.2 for novice drivers. The theory exam tests exactly these rules.
Why experienced drivers fail
Years behind the wheel help on the road, but on the theory exam they can work against you. You answer on instinct, and the instinct comes from home. In 2025 only 37.5% of the standard English theory exams ended in a pass, against 42.0% in Dutch. The content is the same; the difference is preparation.
The rules that differ
| Situation | Netherlands | Watch out if you drove in |
|---|---|---|
| Side of the road | Drive on the right, overtake on the left | UK, India |
| Unmarked junction | Traffic from the right goes first, cyclists included | UK, US, India |
| Trams | Give way to trams at junctions | Everywhere without trams |
| Turning | Give way to all traffic going straight on the same road, also cyclists on a lane or path next to you | US, India |
| Red light | Always stop, also when turning right | US |
| Alcohol | 0.5‰, novice drivers 0.2‰ | UK, US (0.8‰) |
| Motorway by day | 100 km/h on most motorways between 6:00 and 19:00 | Everywhere |
Priority from the right
At a junction without signs or markings, you give way to traffic coming from your right. That includes cyclists and moped riders. The CBR loves this rule, often in a residential street where nothing looks like a junction. Shark's teeth on the road (a row of white triangles) mean you give way. All the variations: priority rules in the Netherlands.
Cyclists and trams
When you turn right, cyclists going straight on the cycle lane or path next to you go first. Look over your shoulder before you turn. Trams have priority at junctions over other traffic. More: cyclists and bike lanes and trams.
Roundabouts
Most Dutch roundabouts have give-way signs and shark's teeth at the entrance, so traffic on the roundabout goes first. Without those signs the right-hand rule applies. How to tell the difference: roundabouts in the Netherlands.
Driving experience does not replace the theory: whether you can exchange your licence or have to sit the exams depends on where it was issued. Check it here: exchanging a foreign driving licence.
Speed limits and alcohol in detail: speed limits and the alcohol limit.
Frequently asked questions
Do you drive on the left or the right in the Netherlands?
On the right, and you overtake on the left. Drivers from the UK and India have to switch sides; that matters most at junctions and roundabouts.
Can you turn right on red in the Netherlands?
No. Red means stop, also when you want to turn right. There is no general right turn on red as in parts of the United States.
Who has priority at an unmarked junction in the Netherlands?
Traffic from the right, cyclists included. Trams go first as well. Signs and shark's teeth markings can change that.
What is the alcohol limit in the Netherlands?
0.5 per mille for experienced drivers and 0.2 per mille for novice drivers, which is lower than in England and Wales and in most US states.
Do I need to retake the exam if I have driven for years abroad?
That depends on your licence. Some licences can be exchanged; otherwise you take the theory and practical exams, however long you have driven.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.