The Dutch Driving Theory Test for Expats: Everything You Need to Know

Moving to the Netherlands and need a Dutch driving licence? Unless you can exchange a licence from your home country (only some are eligible), you'll need to pass the Dutch driving theory test — the CBR theorie-examen — before you can take the road exam. Here's the expat-friendly version.

Do I need a Dutch licence at all?

If you've registered as a resident (BSN + address), you generally have 185 days to drive on your foreign licence. After that, you need a Dutch one. EU/EEA licences can be exchanged directly. A handful of non-EU licences (e.g. from Japan, Singapore, parts of the US for the 30% ruling) are exchangeable too — check the RDW's '30%-regeling' list. Everyone else takes the full theory and practical exams.

Booking the theory exam

1. Create a MijnCBR account using your DigiD.
2. Pick a location — Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven and many smaller towns all have CBR halls.
3. Choose English as your exam language at booking time.
4. Pay the exam fee (€41 at time of writing).

What the test looks like

65 multiple-choice questions across three parts: 25 hazard-perception clips, then 40 knowledge and insight questions. Total time around 30 minutes. You'll see each question for a fixed number of seconds — there's no going back to change an answer in the hazard-perception section.

What expats find hardest

• Cyclist priority at intersections — cyclists often have right of way in ways drivers from car-first countries don't expect.
• Roundabout exit signalling — you must indicate right when leaving a roundabout in the Netherlands.
• Shark teeth (haaientanden) road markings — they mean you must give way, even without a stop sign.
• The difference between 'stopping' (stilstaan) and 'parking' (parkeren) — different rules apply.
• Speed limits that change by time of day on motorways (the 100 km/h daytime limit).

How long should I study?

Most expats who study consistently pass within 2–4 weeks. If you only have evenings free, plan one topic per session, take a full mock exam every weekend, and book your real exam once you can score 80% or higher twice in a row across all topics.

After you pass

Your theory certificate is valid for 18 months. Within that time, pass the practical exam and you'll get your Dutch rijbewijs. Miss the window and the theory expires — you'll have to take it again.