On the road again?in Holland

If you already have a foreign license, you are allowed to drive in the Netherlands for a period of six months after registering as a Dutch resident. If you are an EU or EER national, you can use your foreign license for a period of 10 years after the original issuance of the license or the duration of license validity before having to exchange it for a Dutch license.

If your license is due to expire or if you are from Andorra, Aruba, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, Isle of Man, the island of Jersey or Switzerland, you can trade in your driver's license for a Dutch one. Certain categories of driving licenses issued by countries like Taiwan, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or Quebec (Canadian Province) can also be traded in for a Dutch license. In this case, visit the town hall and follow the procedure. One condition for trading in a foreign-issued driving license is that it must be valid at the time the request is made. Japanese and Taiwanese nationals are required to have their original license translated.

Please note that it is not possible to exchange your international driving license for a Dutch License.

If you do not fall in any of the above categories, it is imperative that you take a theory test and a road test through the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheid). Whether you have previous driving experience or not, you are required to take both the theory and practical tests, if you have a non-exchangeable driving license

The CBR operates almost 200 test centers throughout the country. However, it is only responsible for driving tests. Driving instruction in the Netherlands is provided by private driving schools. To find a suitable driving school, ask a friend or colleague. Or jot down the phone number from a special learner's cars, prominently identified with a big L on the roof.

When inquiring about the driving school, pay special attention to the cost per session. Normally the cost varies from 32 to 36 euros per session. Each session lasts 45 minutes to one hour. People with no previous driving experience may need up to 40 lessons. Experienced drivers generally need 5 to15 lessons. Be sure that you and the instructor can communicate effectively.

The cost of the practical test is 250 euros and 220 euros if you need to retake the test. The theory test is administered in both Dutch and English. Or candidates may take an individual oral test with the assistance of an interpreter, provided by the candidate. The CBR charges an additional fee for theory tests and for individuals test in a language other than Dutch. An individual theory test costs approximately 34 euros.

So an individual who opts to take lessons and a test is going to be poorer by almost 1250 euros. Moreover, it is not uncommon to fail the test in the first attempt.

If you are not confident that you will be able to pass the test in the first attempt, various driving classes offer a package for around 2000 euros. This covers you for 30-40 lessons and multiple practical exams at no additional cost.

You may opt for a practice test before the official road test for an additional price. Try instead to force your instructor to be as precise as possible about the instructions from the first class.