Step 1 – Health declaration
Fill in the Gezondheidsverklaring via Mijn CBR with your DigiD. Cost in 2026: €46.90. Do this first: without approval you cannot receive your licence.
Step 2 – Theory exam
The car theory exam is available in Dutch and English; in other languages you can take it with an official interpreter. Since April 2025 it has 50 questions in 30 minutes, including animated traffic situations, and you pass with at least 44 correct answers. CBR fee in 2026: €50.50. Your theory result is valid for 1.5 years.
Step 3 – Driving lessons
On average, candidates who passed in the first half of 2026 needed 42.5 hours of lessons. Most paid between €54 and €78 per hour. Experienced drivers from abroad often need fewer lessons — a test lesson gives a realistic estimate.
Step 4 – Practical exam
Your driving school books the practical exam at CBR (CBR fee in 2026: €143.50). Only about half of the candidates pass the first time (49.8% in 2025). CBR aims for a waiting time of at most 7 weeks, but it differs per exam location.
Step 5 – Apply for your licence
After passing, apply for your licence at your municipality (maximum €53.65 in 2026). It is usually ready to collect within a few working days.
What does it cost in total?
According to CBR research, people who got their car licence in the first half of 2026 paid €3,625 on average. Your own costs depend mainly on the number of lessons and exam attempts.