Driving in the Netherlands
| Getting a Dutch Driver's License |
So you've found yourself in the Netherlands. A beautiful small country with city planning from the Gods themselves. You can walk or bike nearly anywhere and if not, public transport is sufficient enough. But for whatever reason, you decide you need your license. Well, brace yourself, my friend. It's a bumpy ride (literally, have you seen the number of cobblestone roads here?)
Where I come from, all you need is 50 bucks, a parent and 30 minutes and before you know it, you're driving with the windows down and nowhere to go. We learn on back roads when we are 15 and are behind the wheel within a year - a wild concept since moving here. I have been driving for nearly 16 years and was terrified to begin the process all over again abroad, but in the end, it was not too bad. It's all just a bit of a hassle really. Don't worry though, it's nothing you can't handle. Depending on where you come from, the driving license process here in NL can seem a bit overwhelming, but hopefully, I can break down the steps for you and make it a little easier to understand.
Step 1: Find out if you even need to take the test.
Are you NATO? Are you here, under the 30% ruling? You may be able to exchange your license! Lucky you. I do, however, recommend taking a couple of lessons anyway. Driving here is so different, therefore, it's definitely a good idea to learn the rules and regulations a bit before hitting the open road. And by 'open' I mean tight hectic streets crowded with an unfathomable number of bikes, children and the occasional horse and wagon or two, depending on where you are.
Step 2: Manual or automatic?
In the Netherlands, you have to choose between a manual or automatic license. With an automatic license, you are not permitted to drive a manual car. With a manual license, you can obviously drive both. This makes sense, but it is not always an easy decision for drivers. I was told by many a Dutchie to go for manual "because everyone here does", but in the end decided not to re-learn in a manual. I am so glad I went for automatic because it greatly shortened my number of lessons, saving me a ton of money and time. Not to mention, our car and every future car will be automatic so, why make things more complicated?
Step 3: Find a driving school
I had no idea you could not sign up to take the exam yourself. Instead, you must be registered to an authorized Dutch driving school. This can be a big company like ANWB or local individual instructors in your area. I went with ANWB and was not disappointed. They often offer package deals or promotions and in my case, they paid for my exam if I passed on the first try. (Spoiler alert: I did).
Step 4: Start lessons
Inform your school you would like to sign up for lessons. (Make sure to let them know if you would like manual or automatic, as some smaller schools do not offer the latter.) You will have a "proefles" first to determine how many lessons the instructor thinks you will need. It is also your opportunity to decide if the instructor/school is the right fit for you. So, don't be nervous about this, it is just as much a test for you as it is for them. Should you decide to continue with the school, you'll sign up for a package and begin lessons. Since I went with an automatic license, I only needed 6 lessons, which was a shock to me, but I was pleased. I know several people who needed about an average of 12-15, but this can vary depending on your experience and natural driving style. Your lessons are normally an hour, but depending on your schedule or course intensity, they can go much longer. Your instructor can come straight to your location with the lesson car and you will drive per their instruction, practice some special maneuvers, drive in the city and on the highway and then make your way back home. They go by pretty fast in my experience, and if you have a good instructor, are pretty pleasant. Step 5: The Theoriexam Ah yes, the dreaded Dutch theory test... I wish I could say it's not so bad, but it is fairly irritating, to say the least. Though, I may just be bitter because I failed it the first time. It is only 30 minutes and relatively inexpensive (about 40 euros) and with proper studying, you will do just fine. The first go-around I studied with the book you get from your driving school and I used Theorietoppers.nl (only in Dutch). I understand Dutch well enough and studied my behind off, but sadly, I missed ONE too many questions and failed (I am talking I missed 4 when you can miss 3 in the insight section - and the rest scored 100%. Like I said...bitter).
In order to pass, you need:
-13 out of 25 correct on the Hazard Perception section.
-10 out of 12 correct on the Knowledge section.
-25 out of 28 correct on the Insight section. I HIGHLY recommend this study guide. If you get each section on that website up to 98% you will pass with flying colors. These practice tests truly prepared me for the exam and I passed it no problem my second try. They are structured exactly like the real exam and easy to learn. Just study every day and get those practice exam sections in the high 90's - you can do this! When you are ready, just log onto cbr.nl with your DigiD and sign up. Unlike the practical, you can do your theory test anytime, in English or Dutch and without an instructor. But remember, you need to pass the theory exam BEFORE you can sign up for the practical exam and you have 18 months to pass the practical before your theory diploma expires.
Step 6: The Dutch Driving Exam
Gefelciteerd! You've passed the theorie test, your lessons are coming to an end and your instructor tells you that you are ready for the pratijkexamen. They will sign you up and inform you of the date and time of your exam. You can give your time preference beforehand and it is usually best to avoid rush hour or when school lets out. I recommend around 10 am on a weekday. You will also need a statement of health certificate. But rest assured your instructor will let you know more about this. If you are as nervous as I was, I recommend watching videos of the exam on youtube and reading first-hand accounts of what to expect (which hopefully you've found here).
What is the Dutch Driving Exam Like?
The entire process is under an hour. You will be asked to read a license plate in the distance before you start driving and your test will be taken in the car you took lessons in, so that will all be familiar. You will also be asked a couple of questions about the car. I was not asked to look under the hood because it was raining, but I did have to explain what the emergency caution lights were and when to use them as well as the desired tread on tires. It is about half an hour of driving and you will be asked to perform 2 special maneuvers and follow verbal directions as well as GPS directions. I made thoughtless mistakes because I was so terrified, but thank God, my examiner was mellow and laughed them off. (No dangerous mistakes, just stupid like leaving the parking brake on. I still cringe when I think about it...let's not talk about it.) All I can say is, just get in the car like you are the examiner's Uber driver. Try not to focus on them so much. You probably have driving experience, just lean on that and what you learned in your lessons and you will be ok. They do not trick you (for the most part) they just want to know you are safe to let out on the roads. When I realized that, I was way more settled. Enjoy the ride and stay calm.
Tips for passing the Dutch Driving Exam:
Show confidence, but do not be dangerous.
Use the passing lane when you can.
Don't drive like a Southerner- get up to speed sooner than later.
ALWAYS keep right unless you are passing.
Cyclists have the right of way no matter what. Even if they don't, they do so be aware of that and that they are not afraid to exercise this power when you least expect it.
Ask your instructor to practice things you do not feel comfortable with. For me, it was roundabouts as I never saw one until I moved here.
People from the right have priority (unless you are on a priority road with a yellow diamond sign).
ALWAYS check your mirrors. (Inside-outside-left-right-repeat) Even if you are not actually seeing anything, fake it. Let them see you looking.
Do not turn your turn signal on until you are READY to make the maneuver. In the States I learned the opposite of the way they do it here. I always signal, look, change lanes - nope. I got in trouble for that so many times during my lessons. Do not turn it on until you are ready to move. Check-then signal-then turn.
Never drive slower than the speed limit unless it's unsafe.
Don't stop at shark's teeth, roll unless you see something coming. (they are all about not disrupting the flow of traffic here so keep it moving when you can unless markings or obstacles hinder you.)
My instructor told me, "They will not judge you as a new driver, so do not act like one. Show him you know what you are doing, show him you are safe and know the rules, that is all you need to do." I found this really helpful to keep in mind during the exam.
Step 7: Pick Up Your License
After you pass, you will need to apply for your license from your gemeente. You will need to bring a valid ID and a passport photo to your appointment. I think I paid about 45 euros and my pretty pink Dutch license was ready for pick up in less than a week.
Just think...one day soon, this entire thing will be one vague memory. You will be driving home from the Jumbo and only faintly remember the time you were stressing about these exams. You will forget the stress or worry you felt and instead, cringe when you remember forgetting your parking brake mid-exam... But, you'll smile because you'll realize how far away it all feels. You are a licensed Dutch driver and there is no stopping you now! So just keep your eyes forward and this whole ordeal will be behind you in no time.
Succes! And I hope your bike does not miss you too terribly!
-aw
