Driving with a foreign licence

With a licence from outside the EU/EFTA you may, according to the RDW, keep driving for 185 days after you start living in the Netherlands. After that you need a Dutch licence, even if your application is still being processed.

An EU/EFTA licence (category B) can be used in the Netherlands for up to 15 years after the date of issue, as long as it is valid. If it was issued more than 15 years ago, you may use it for another 2 years after you move here.

Can I exchange my licence?

  • EU/EFTA licences can always be exchanged for a Dutch licence.
  • Some countries outside the EU/EFTA have an agreement with the Netherlands, such as Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, Israel, Singapore and Taiwan. The full list is on the RDW website. A licence from, for example, the United States cannot be exchanged.
  • If the expat scheme (30% ruling) of the Dutch tax authority applies to you, you can exchange a licence from any country with a valid decision. According to the Dutch government this also applies to family members living with you.
  • You apply for the exchange at your municipality. For a licence from outside the EU/EFTA you also need a health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring) from the CBR.

No exchange possible? How to get your Dutch licence

  1. Pass the CBR car theory exam. You can take it in English at every exam centre.
  2. Fill in the CBR health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring).
  3. Take driving lessons in English with a dedicated instructor until you are ready for the exam.
  4. Take the CBR practical exam. We book the exam for you.

Practical exam: in Dutch, with an interpreter if needed

The CBR conducts the practical exam in Dutch. If your Dutch is not good enough, you may bring an interpreter. According to the CBR this can be an official interpreter, or your own driving instructor with a WRM pass. This must be stated when the exam is booked. Ask us about the options.

Good to know

Start in time: the CBR advises filling in the health declaration 6 months before you may no longer drive on your foreign licence, and processing can take up to 4 months.

A Dutch licence is only issued if you have lived in the Netherlands for at least 185 days in the year before the application. A theory pass stays valid for the practical exam for 1.5 years.

Frequently asked questions

Do you give driving lessons in English?

Yes. We teach in English and in Dutch, with a dedicated instructor, in a manual or automatic car.

How long can I drive on my foreign licence?

With a licence from outside the EU/EFTA, according to the RDW, for 185 days after you start living in the Netherlands. An EU/EFTA licence (B) can be used for up to 15 years after it was issued, as long as it is valid.

Can I take the theory exam in English?

Yes. According to the CBR you can take the car theory exam in English at every exam centre, also with extra time.

Is the practical exam in English?

No, the CBR conducts the practical exam in Dutch. You may bring an interpreter, which must be stated when the exam is booked.

The 30% ruling applies to me. Do I need to take an exam?

Usually not. With a valid decision for the expat scheme from the Dutch tax authority, you can exchange a licence from any country at your municipality, with a CBR health declaration.

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