How to choose a driving school in Amsterdam
Start by checking whether you actually need lessons. EU/EEA licence holders can usually keep driving on their home licence for years before any Dutch test comes into play, so confirm your own timeline first with our Dutch driving license guide for expats.
If a Dutch test is ahead of you, ask a school directly how its lessons map to the CBR's theory and practical exams, since that exam is the same no matter which school you pick. It also helps to say upfront which licence category you need - car (B), motorcycle (A) or another - so the school tailors lessons instead of running a generic course.
New drivers should also ask how the school handles the beginner's licence period, when a strict points system applies. For a longer walkthrough of the selection process, see our guide to choosing a driving school in Amsterdam, and once you're licensed, our Amsterdam car dealers directory covers the next step.
Questions people ask
Can I use my foreign driving licence in Amsterdam?
Yes, for a limited period that depends on where it was issued. EU/EEA licences generally stay valid for 10 to 15 years depending on the issue date, while licences from outside the EU/EEA are valid for 185 days from the date you register with your municipality.
Do I have to take a Dutch driving test to keep driving here?
Only if your licence cannot be exchanged directly. If your country has an exchange agreement with the Netherlands or appears on the RDW list, you can swap your licence at the municipality; otherwise, you must pass both the theory and practical exam at the CBR.
What is the CBR?
The CBR is the Dutch body that administers driving theory and practical exams, regardless of which driving school you use. Passing both is required before the municipality will issue you a Dutch licence if you cannot exchange your existing one.
How old do you have to be to take a driving test in the Netherlands?
The minimum age for a car test is 17, and 18 for a van. Until you turn 18, you can only drive when accompanied by a guardian.
What is a beginner's licence, and what happens if I lose points on it?
New drivers receive a beginner's licence that stays in effect for five to seven years depending on age and category, during which a penalty-point system applies. Two penalty points and the CBR reassesses your ability to drive, which can mean losing your licence permanently.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive on my foreign licence?
You need one if your foreign licence is not divided into the standard A, B, C, D and E categories used in the Netherlands. Apply for the international driving permit in the country that issued your original licence, not in the Netherlands.