CBR Theory Exam Practice in English: A Complete Guide for 2026

If you live in the Netherlands and don't yet speak fluent Dutch, the CBR theorie-examen can feel like a wall. The exam is offered in English at every CBR location, but most study materials still assume you read Dutch. This guide walks you through how to practice the CBR theory exam in English, what the test actually covers, and the fastest way to get to a passing score.

What is the CBR theory exam?

The CBR theorie-examen is the Dutch driving theory test you must pass before you can take the practical driving exam (praktijkexamen) for a category B car licence. It is administered by the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen), the official Dutch driving authority. The exam has 65 questions split into three parts: hazard perception (gevaarherkenning), knowledge of traffic rules (kennis), and traffic insight (inzicht).

Can I take the CBR exam in English?

Yes. When you book your exam slot on the CBR website, select English as the exam language. You'll see the questions, multiple-choice answers, and on-screen instructions in English. A small number of road signs are shown with their original Dutch text — for example 'uitgezonderd' (except) — so it helps to know a handful of Dutch traffic words even if your exam is in English.

What you need to score to pass

• Hazard perception: 13 of 25 correct (52%)
• Knowledge of rules: 40 of 50 correct (80%)
• Traffic insight: same 50-question pool, judged together with knowledge
• You must pass each section in the same sitting.

The 10 topics the CBR tests

CBR Klaar groups the exam material into ten topics so you can study one area at a time. These are the same topics the CBR examiners draw from:

• Traffic signs (verkeersborden)
• Right of way (voorrang)
• Speed limits (snelheidslimieten)
• Motorway rules (snelwegregels)
• Roundabouts (rotondes)
• Parking (parkeren)
• Vehicle lighting (verlichting)
• Alcohol & drugs (alcohol en drugs)
• Overtaking (inhalen)
• Traffic participants — cyclists, pedestrians, mopeds (verkeersdeelnemers)

A study plan that actually works

1. Spend one evening on each topic. Read the rules, then drill questions until you score 80% twice in a row.
2. Mix topics for the last week. Real exam questions jump between subjects — your brain needs to do the same.
3. Do at least three full mock exams under timed conditions before booking.
4. Re-read every question you got wrong and write down the rule in your own words.

Why English-speaking learners fail (and how to avoid it)

About half of first-time candidates fail. For expats, the two biggest traps are: (1) memorising translated answers without understanding the Dutch rule behind them, and (2) underestimating right-of-way scenarios that work differently in the Netherlands than in their home country — especially at roundabouts and when cyclists are involved.

Practising realistic CBR-style questions, in English, with explanations grounded in the RVV 1990 (the Dutch road traffic regulation), is the most efficient way to close those gaps.

Cost of the exam vs. cost of practice

A CBR theory exam slot currently costs €41. Failing once means another €41 and usually two to four weeks of waiting for a new slot. Most candidates spend more on retakes than they would on a proper practice tool. CBR Klaar offers a free 10-question trial, a €9.99 monthly subscription, and a €14.99 lifetime option — far less than a single retake.