CBR theory exam with an interpreter: for other languages than English
The CBR car theory exam is in Dutch or English. For any other language you take it with an interpreter, who translates the questions for you. It costs €118,50 at the CBR plus the interpreter's costs, and you get 45 minutes instead of 30. The questions and the pass mark are the same: 44 of 50.
Three ways to take the car theory exam
| Exam | Language | Time | CBR fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Dutch | 30 minutes | €50,50 |
| Standard | English | 30 minutes | €57,00 |
| With an interpreter | Your own language, through the interpreter | 45 minutes | €118,50, plus the interpreter's costs |
How it works
You book the exam with an interpreter through Mijn CBR. On the day the interpreter translates the questions; the content of the exam, the 50 questions and the pass mark of 44 are the same as in the standard exam. You get your result straight away.
How often people pass
| Exam (2025, CBR open data) | Taken | Passed |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch, standard | 482,993 | 42.0% |
| English, standard | 31,577 | 37.5% |
| English, with extra time | 12,487 | 32.0% |
| With an interpreter | 20,268 | 47.2% |
| All variants together | 637,446 | 40.0% |
The lower pass rate in English is not because the exam is harder: the content is identical. It comes down to preparation, often with material that translates the CBR's terms differently from the exam.
English or an interpreter? If you read English well, the English exam is cheaper and you set your own pace. Learn the six terms that stay Dutch: Dutch terms on the English exam.
More about the English exam: CBR theory exam in English. Extra time instead: the exam with extra time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the CBR theory exam in a language other than Dutch or English?
Yes, with an interpreter. The car theory exam itself is in Dutch or English; for other languages you book the exam with an interpreter, who translates the questions for you.
How much does the theory exam with an interpreter cost?
The CBR charges €118,50 for the exam with an interpreter, and you also pay the interpreter's costs. In English the exam costs €57,00, in Dutch €50,50.
How long does the exam with an interpreter take?
45 minutes, instead of 30, because the questions are translated. The number of questions and the pass mark are the same.
Should I choose English or an interpreter?
If you read English well, the English exam is cheaper and you work at your own pace on the screen. If English is not strong enough either, an interpreter in your own language is the way to go.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.