How to get a driving licence in the Netherlands: the steps in order
A Dutch car licence takes six steps: you choose a driving school, pass the CBR theory exam, fill in a health declaration, take driving lessons, pass the practical exam and collect your licence at your municipality. You can start lessons from 16.5, take the theory exam from 16 and the practical exam from 17. Already have a licence from another country? Check first whether you can exchange it: Dutch driving licence for expats.
The six steps
| Step | From age | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose a driving school | 16.5 for lessons | Per lesson | Ask how long a lesson lasts: 50, 60 or 90 minutes. |
| 2. Theory exam | 16 | €50,50 in Dutch, €57,00 in English | Book on Mijn CBR with DigiD. |
| 3. Health declaration | Before the practical exam | €46,90 | Fill it in on Mijn CBR when you start lessons. |
| 4. Driving lessons | 16.5 | Most of the total cost | 42.5 hours on average, according to the CBR. |
| 5. Practical exam | 17 | €143,50 | Your driving school books it. |
| 6. Collect your licence | 17 (with a coach) or 18 | Up to €53,65 | At your municipality. |
1. Choose a driving school
You can take lessons from 16.5. Compare more than the price per lesson: the CBR advises asking how long a lesson lasts, whether the instructor can estimate how many lessons you need, and what the school charges for the practical exam.
2. Pass the theory exam
The exam has 50 questions, you need 44 right and you have 30 minutes. You can take it in English. You book it on Mijn CBR, where you log in with DigiD; the average wait was 2.0 weeks in the week of 28 September to 4 October 2026. Your result is valid for one and a half years. More: CBR theory exam: questions and pass mark.
3. Fill in the health declaration
For your first car licence the CBR checks whether you are healthy enough to drive, with a health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring) on Mijn CBR. Do it at the start of your lessons: it must be approved before your practical exam, and if the CBR asks for a medical examination that takes extra time.
4. Driving lessons
This is where most of the time and money goes. The CBR found that learners needed 42.5 lesson hours on average, and that 80% paid between €54 and €78 per hour (survey of exam candidates, July and August 2026). What a licence costs in total: the cost of a driving licence in the Netherlands.
5. The practical exam
Your driving school books the practical exam when your instructor thinks you are ready. The wait differs per CBR location; the CBR publishes a map with the expected wait per location. The practical exam is in Dutch. You may bring a sworn interpreter, or your instructor if they speak both languages well enough.
6. Collect your licence
Once you pass, you apply for your licence at your municipality. The maximum fee in 2026 is €53,65; many municipalities charge less. An express application costs extra. Are you 17? Then you first apply for a companion pass and drive with a coach until your 18th birthday: driving at 17 with 2toDrive.
Your first licence is a novice licence (beginnersrijbewijs) for 5 years, whatever your age. During that time a stricter alcohol limit applies: 0.2 per mille instead of 0.5. More: alcohol limit for drivers in the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a driving licence in the Netherlands?
Most of the time goes into driving lessons, which the CBR puts at 42.5 hours on average. The theory exam usually has a wait of about 2 weeks; the wait for the practical exam differs per location. Plan on several months from your first lesson.
Can I take driving lessons before the theory exam?
Yes. You can start lessons from 16.5 and take the theory exam from 16, in any order. You do need to pass the theory exam before the practical exam.
How long is the theory exam result valid?
One and a half years. You need to pass the practical exam within that time, or take the theory exam again.
Do I need a health declaration?
Yes, for your first car licence. Fill it in on Mijn CBR at the start of your lessons; it costs €46,90 and has to be approved before your practical exam.
What is a novice licence?
Your first licence is a novice licence (beginnersrijbewijs) for 5 years. Stricter rules apply, such as a 0.2 per mille alcohol limit.
Sources, checked on 8 October 2026:
- CBR: Stappenplan rijden voor je 18e
- CBR: Hoe gaat het theorie-examen auto?
- CBR: Wanneer theorie- en praktijkexamen auto?
- CBR: Gezondheidsverklaring autorijbewijs
- CBR: Wat kost het halen van een autorijbewijs?
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.