Netherlands Driving License

Netherlands Driving License (Rijbewijs) – 2025 Guide for Locals & Expats

A Netherlands driving license (Rijbewijs) is an official document issued by the Dutch Road Transport Authority (RDW) and local municipalities, authorizing individuals to operate motor vehicles in the Netherlands and across the EU.

This 2025 guide explains everything you need to know about applying for, exchanging, or renewing a Dutch driving license — whether you’re a first-time applicant, expat, or EU citizen.

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Types of Dutch Driving Licenses

License Type	Vehicle Category	Minimum Age
AM	Mopeds, scooters, light quadricycles	16 years
A1/A2/A	Motorcycles (light, medium, heavy)	18–24 years
B	Passenger cars (up to 3,500 kg)	17–18 years
BE	Passenger car with trailer (up to 3,500 kg)	18 years
C/C1/CE	Trucks and commercial vehicles	18+
D/D1/DE	Buses and coaches	21+

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Who Can Apply for a Dutch Driving License?

✅ Dutch residents (registered at a municipality)
✅ EU/EEA citizens living in the Netherlands
✅ Non-EU citizens eligible to exchange a foreign license (from approved countries)
✅ Individuals who passed the CBR driving exam

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How to Get a Driving License in the Netherlands (First-Time Drivers)

1. Register with your municipality (gemeente)
2. Complete a theory exam via CBR (Dutch Transport Authority)
3. Take driving lessons with a certified instructor
4. Pass the practical driving exam (CBR praktijkexamen)
5. Complete a health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring)
6. Apply for your license at your gemeente
7. Collect license after 5–7 working days

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Required Documents

• Valid ID or passport
• BSN (citizen service number)
• Proof of passing CBR exams
• Health declaration (especially for older drivers or certain categories)
• Passport photo (meeting RDW standards)
• Previous license (if applicable)

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Exchanging a Foreign Driving License

You may exchange (omwisselen) your foreign license if:

• You’re registered as a resident in the Netherlands
• Your current license is from an EU/EEA country or a designated country (e.g. USA, UK, Canada, South Korea, Japan, etc.)
• The license is valid and not expired
• You meet the 30% ruling conditions (for expats, optional)

Not eligible? You’ll need to pass both theory and practical exams in the Netherlands.

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Validity of a Dutch Driving License

Age Range	License Validity
Under 65 years	10 years
65–70 years	Until age 75
75+ years	5 years (medical test required)

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License Renewal in the Netherlands

• Apply at your local gemeente
• Renew before the expiration date
• Submit a new health declaration if age 75+ or driving certain categories
• Provide an updated passport photo
• Pay applicable renewal fee

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Dutch Driving License Fees (2025)

Service	Fee (EUR)
First-time license	~€44.65
License renewal	~€44.65
Urgent application	+€39.65
Health declaration (CBR)	€41.50

💡 Costs vary slightly by municipality.

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Driving in the EU with a Netherlands License

✅ A Dutch driving license is EU-compliant and valid in all EU/EEA countries
✅ Can be used for car rentals, ID, and driving abroad
❌ Not valid after expiration — renewal is required to avoid fines or suspension

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