Lesson 4 / 16

Lesson: motorway

Motorways are the safest roads in the Netherlands — if everybody follows the same rules.

Last checked: November 2026

Who may use the motorway

Only motor vehicles that can drive at least 60 km/h. Pedestrians, cyclists and moped riders are not allowed.

Joining and leaving

  • Use the full acceleration lane to reach the speed of the traffic, check mirrors and blind spot, and merge into a safe gap. Traffic on the motorway has priority.
  • To leave, move into the exit lane in time and do your braking there, not on the main lane.
  • Missed your exit? Drive on to the next one. Turning around and reversing are forbidden, also on the hard shoulder and on slip roads.

Lanes and signs

  • Keep to the right; use the lanes to the left only for overtaking.
  • Red cross above a lane: the lane is closed.
  • Rush-hour lane (spitsstrook): only use it when it is open; a red cross means closed.
  • Hard shoulder (vluchtstrook): only for emergencies, unless signs open it as an extra lane.

Speed

Between 6:00 and 19:00 the maximum is 100 km/h. In the evening and at night a higher limit may apply where signs show it. Always follow the speed shown on matrix signs.

Traffic jams and breakdowns

  • Approaching the end of a sudden traffic jam, you may briefly use your hazard warning lights to warn traffic behind you.
  • Breakdown: put on your hazard lights, get out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the crash barrier. Then call for assistance.

All lessons

Lesson 1

Priority rules

Who may go first? Priority mistakes are among the most common reasons for failing the Dutch exam. Learn the rules in a fixed order.

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Lesson 2

Speed and distance

Know the speed limits, keep enough distance and understand how speed changes your stopping distance.

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Lesson 3

Road signs and markings

Once you understand the shapes and colours, most Dutch road signs are easy to read.

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Lesson 4

Motorway

Motorways are the safest roads in the Netherlands — if everybody follows the same rules.

Lesson 5

Safety, alcohol and phone

These rules protect you, your passengers and other road users — and breaking them can cost you your licence.

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Lesson 6

Parking and stopping

Parking in the wrong place is expensive and can be dangerous. Learn the difference between stopping and parking, and where neither is allowed.

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Lesson 7

Cyclists and pedestrians

The Netherlands has more bicycles than people. Most exam mistakes with cyclists happen when turning, overtaking and opening a car door.

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Lesson 8

Traffic lights

Traffic lights look simple, but the exam asks about yellow, flashing lights, arrows and what to do when a police officer gives signals.

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Lesson 9

Railway crossings and trams

A train cannot stop or swerve. At a level crossing (overweg) the rules are strict and mistakes are often fatal.

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Lesson 10

Weather and visibility

Dutch weather changes fast. Adjust your speed and distance to the conditions — that is also what the exam expects.

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Lesson 11

Hazard perception

Good drivers see danger before it happens. Learn to look ahead and decide in time: brake, release the accelerator, or do nothing.

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Lesson 12

Breakdowns and accidents

Stay calm and follow a fixed order: make it safe, get help, then deal with the paperwork.

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Lesson 13

Documents, insurance and APK

Besides traffic rules, the exam also asks what you must carry and arrange as a driver and car owner.

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Lesson 14

Lanes and merging

Choosing the right lane in time and merging smoothly prevent many dangerous situations.

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Lesson 15

Special roads and zones

Some roads and areas have their own rules. Signs at the start tell you that you enter them.

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Lesson 16

Economical driving

Driving economically saves fuel and money, is better for the environment and is often safer too.

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