The ultimate expat guide
For driving in the Netherlands
Why expats choose us?
The ultimate expat guide to driving in the Netherlands
Introduction
Welcome to the Netherlands! Navigating a new country is an exciting adventure, but figuring out the local traffic rules shouldn’t be a nightmare. At Rijschool Rijbewijshelden, we specialize in helping expats get safely on the road. Whether you need to exchange your foreign driving license, pass the Dutch CBR driving exam from scratch, or simply want a refresher course, we are the experts you can trust.
How long can you drive in The Netherlands with a foreign licence?
The rules depend on where your driving licence was issued.
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If you have an EU or EEA driving licence, you can usually drive in the Netherlands for many years (depending on the validity of your licence).
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If you have a non-EU driving licence, you can drive for 185 days after registering in your municipality.
After that period, you must either exchange your driving licence through the Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW) or retake the Dutch theory and practical exam through the Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen (CBR).
Not every country is eligible for exchange. And that’s where many expats run into problems.
The rules depend on where your original license was issued. If you hold a driving license from an EU or EFTA country, you can generally use it for up to 15 years. However, if your driving licence was issued outside the EU or EFTA, you are only allowed to drive in the Netherlands for a maximum of 185 days after you move here. After this 185-day period, you are legally required to have a valid Dutch driving licence.
Exchanging your license vs. retaking the exam
Can you simply swap your license at the municipality? In some cases, yes! You can exchange your license if it is from an EU/EFTA country, a specific treaty country, or if you are a highly skilled migrant who qualifies for the 30% tax ruling (the expat scheme). If the 30% ruling applies to you, you can exchange a valid license from any country.
If you do not meet these specific conditions, exchanging your license is not possible. This means you will have to pass both the Dutch theory and practical tests at the CBR.
Can’t exchange your driving licence? Don’t start from zero.
If you cannot exchange your foreign driving licence, you’ll need to pass the Dutch theory exam and practical driving exam. But here’s the good news: you already know how to drive. We don’t treat you like a beginner.
At driving school Rijbewijshelden, we:
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First assess your driving level
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Focus only on what the CBR examiners want to see
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Train you specifically on Dutch traffic rules and situations
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Practise on real exam routes to increase your chance of passing
Because you already have experience, most expats need fewer driving lessons. We know exactly what to improve and what to skip. No unnecessary hours. No wasting time.
Need to retake the CBR exam? We make it easy!
We know that having to redo an exam when you are already an experienced driver in your home country can be frustrating. The Dutch practical exam lasts about 55 minutes and focuses heavily on specific local driving procedures, such as extensive mirror checks and looking into the dead angle.
That is exactly why you need our driving school “Rijbewijshelden” (meaning Driving license heroes). As expat driving experts, we know exactly what the CBR examiners want to see. We skip the basic vehicle controls you already know and focus entirely on mastering the strict Dutch standards. This highly targeted approach means you need significantly fewer driving lessons. To make the process even smoother, we exclusively practice on the actual CBR exam routes. You will be so well-prepared and confident that you can sleep perfectly the night before your exam!
Refresher courses: gain confidence on Dutch roads
Do you already have a Dutch driving license or an EU license, but feel nervous about the local traffic? The Dutch roads are packed with cyclists, complex intersections, and unique priority rules. We offer tailored refresher courses for expats who already know how to drive, but just want to gain the practical experience and confidence needed to drive safely and relaxed in the Netherlands.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us today and let’s get you driving like a local! Or get started now and book a trial lesson!
Start 15
Perfect for experienced drivers. 15 lessons and 1 exam. Sophisticated techniques and skills on the road.
€1220/15 lessons
(or pay in 2 installments)
Balanced 30
Perfect for modest experienced drivers. 30 lessons and 1 exam. Get more driving skills and traffic insights.
€2000/30 lessons
(or pay in 3 installments)
Elevate 40
Perfect for beginners without experience. 40 lessons and 1 exam. Learn basic skills, traffic rules and traffic security.
€2490/40 lessons
(or pay in 4 installments)
Speed course 20
Sharpen your skills as an experienced driver with 20 lessons and 1 exam. Ideal for those already familiar with driving and eager to obtain their license quickly.
€1830/20 speed lessons
Speed course 30
Refine your skills as an average learner with 30 lessons and 1 exam. Build upon your knowledge and enhance your traffic insight.
€2480/30 speed lessons
Speed course 40
Learn everything from the beginning as a beginner. Receive thorough guidance with 40 lessons and 1 exam to acquire basic skills and traffic rules at an accelerated pace.
€2960/40 speed lessons
In 3 steps to your first lesson
Contact
Get in touch with us! You can reach us by phone at +31 6 818 979 09, or you can send an email to info@rijbewijshelden.nl or a message via WhatsApp. We are ready to answer all your questions and discuss all the details.
Book trial lesson
Meet & Greet
We are the best driving school in Dordrecht and Rotterdam
Whether you are searching for driving schools in the Rotterdam area or specifically for English driving lessons in Dordrecht or Rotterdam, Rijbewijs Helden has everything you need. With our professional instructors, personalized approach, and flexible scheduling, you can trust that you will receive a high-quality driving education tailored to your needs.
In short, if you are looking for a driving school in Dordrecht or Rotterdam, you don’t need to look any further than Rijbewijs Helden. With our expert instructors, extensive lesson offerings, and flexible scheduling, we ensure that you can obtain your driver’s license confidently and safely. Contact us and embark on your journey to obtaining your driver’s license with confidence.
Considering a driving school in Dordrecht or Rotterdam: experience the difference with Rijbewijs Helden
With us, driving becomes a unique and confident experience. With the Rijbewijs Helden program, you receive personalized driving lessons that align with your needs and learning style. Professional instructors guide you step by step, boosting your confidence on the road. With a focus on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, you are well-prepared to obtain your driver’s license. Flexible scheduling and a high pass rate make this driving school the ideal choice in Rotterdam. Discover the difference and take the first step toward safe and confident driving.
Unique learning program with the driving school in Dordrecht or Rotterdam
With this unique program, we, as a driving school, offer a structured approach to developing your driving skills. Experienced instructors accompany you during practical English lessons and help you build confidence on the road. The program also emphasizes theoretical knowledge, ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam. With flexible scheduling and personal attention, you receive tailored guidance toward obtaining your driver’s license. Choose Rijbewijs Helden at a driving school in Dordrecht and take the first step toward safe and independent driving.
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