If you’re planning on driving in the Netherlands as an international it’s good to know that there are a lot of different rules and possible roadblocks that might arise, especially if you consider doing your driving test here, going off of my own experience.
Driving in the EU might seem pretty straightforward as many rules are the same in a lot of countries, but experience shows there are still some major differences in both the driving lessons, drivers license, and the driving itself outside of the EU it’s pretty much the same story, though you might have some more issues with your drivers licence validity.
EU driver’s license
If you have a valid EU driver’s license, you’re allowed to drive in every European country, including the Netherlands, for up to 15 years, depending on when the license was issued. However, when the validity of the original license ends, you will need to apply for a Dutch driver’s license. Besides that, there might also be some different general road rules.
Non-EU driver’s licenses
If you have a driver’s license from outside of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you might find yourself having to do your driver’s test again, as the license is only valid for 185 days. There is of course also the option to do it in the Netherlands instead of in your home country for the first time.
For more information about which driving license you need to have, visit the website of the Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW).
Different rules
– ‘Wrong’ side of the road
A possible difference in the Netherlands is that we drive on the right, though for many European countries, it’s not an issue, it might be a big adjustment for people from Ireland, the UK, or Malta especially if they’ve been driving beforehand already. It’s important to remember when overtaking and going on roundabouts.
If you’re planning on driving here for a longer time and are used to driving on the left, it’s advisable to take some lessons to get used to it.
– Shark’s teeth (haaientanden)
Shark’s teeth, or ‘haaientanden’ are something not often seen in other countries. They are yield lines that indicate you must give way to others who don’t have shark’s teeth in their path. They’re called shark’s teeth because the traffic signal consists of multiple white triangles on the road resembling pointy teeth.
– Traffic coming from the right has priority unless there are other signs
Many countries feature signs that explicitly indicate who has the right of way, though in the Netherlands you often won’t find them. In this case, the rule of thumb is to give priority to traffic coming from your right.
– Bikes
One of the most difficult things for drivers in the Netherlands is probably navigating around cyclists. When you’re going to be driving or taking lessons there’s a big chance that you’re going to be driving in a city. Since most countries don’t have as many people cycling as in the Netherlands, this might be a big adjustment as you have to keep an eye on them at all times and be very alert.
Even if a cyclist does something wrong, doesn’t indicate, or doesn’t have their lights on, the car is practically always at fault in the event of an accident. However, most drivers are also cyclists themselves and therefore can better understand cyclists’ movements on the road and have a better attitude towards them.
In Groningen there are many instances where cyclists join the cars on the road, so it’s always important to keep checking your mirrors. This is especially important where cyclists might go straight when cars can go right. It’s also important to keep an eye out when it’s dark as a lot of cyclists in the city don’t have their lights on despite their legal obligation to do so.
– Cars in the city centre
Also important to note is that in cities like Groningen, there are a lot of streets not allowing cars or ones that are one-way, so it’s important to keep an eye on traffic signs. Places where people often make the mistake of going up the wrong way are the Zuiderdiep or the Oosterstraat.
Expenses
Driving lessons are quite expensive in the Netherlands in comparison with other countries. This is both because you need more lessons and because the lessons themselves are more expensive. According to the CBR (Central Bureau for giving out Driver licenses) , most drivers need an average of 43 lessons to pass their test. Lessons cost €53 per hour on average, making it €2279 in total on average to get your license
In the Netherlands, you’re allowed to start with your driving lessons when you are 16 and a half years old. If you end up getting your driver’s licence before you’re 18, you still have to drive with an adult who has had their licence for more than 5 years until you turn 18.
Because it isn’t allowed here to practice with an adult or on your own before taking lessons, like it is in some countries, this is also the reason why you might need more lessons. These lessons are done in the driving instructor’s car, which has pedals for both you and the instructor and not on your own.
Usually, if you do your driving lessons for the first time it’s easiest to get a package including a number of lessons, possible practice driving tests and the driving test included, depending on the driving school you choose. If you used up all your lessons and are not ready to do the test yet or have to wait until there’s one available it’s always possible to buy more. The driving test is available in both English and Dutch, the driving lessons might also be in English but this depends on the driving school and instructor.
Keep in mind that there’s quite a wait list to do an exam, and sometimes even for driving schools. The CBR has quite a long wait for exams as they’re still experiencing delays which can go up to 20 weeks instead of the normal 7 weeks.
Besides the driving test, you also have to do a theory test, depending on your situation. This is easily booked on the website of the CBR and can usually be done shortly before you want to take it. The theory can be done in both English and Dutch, is done on a touchscreen in an exam hall and lasts 30 minutes. If you’re doing the theory test in English there might be certain Dutch words that can be looked up. If you have a learning disability, dyslexia, for example, there’s a chance to do the test with extra time or extra tools, like being read the questions out loud.
