TRANSPORT
CONDITIONS APPLY TO FOREIGNERS DRIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS, OTHERWISE THERE’S AN EXCELLENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM . LICENSES THAT CAN BE EXCHANGED:
• To drive in the Netherlands you must have a valid licence recognised by Dutch law, and have third party insurance. • At age 16 you can do the theory exam. • You may take driving lessons for your driving license from the age of 16.5. You can take practical exams from the age of 17. Until the age of 18 you are then allowed to drive under the supervision of a coach.
EXCHANGING A DRIVING LICENCE • You can use your existing driver’s licence for 185 days after becoming a resident. • During those 185 days, you need to take the CBR theory and driving tests. • You can take both the theory and practical exam in English. • Tourists or short-term visitors are considered nonresidents and do not need a Dutch driving licence. • Still, non-EU nationals should check with their Dutch embassy if an international licence is required. • Dutch licences are generally issued for 10 years. • Foreign licences from EU/EFTA countries can be used in the Netherlands for 10 years from the date of issue. • You may want to exchange it anyway: it is a valid proof of identity in many cases.
• To exchange (omwisselen) your existing national driving licence (rijbewijs) for a Dutch one, you must fit into the categories below: - You are registered in the Basic Registration Persons (BRP). - You have a valid residence permit (unless you are a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland). - You are from the EU, the EEA, Switzerland OR are from a country with a special agreement OR you have the 30% ruling - Your current driving license is valid. - Your current driving licence, if issued in a country outside the EU, was issued after being a resident of that country for at least 185 days. • If you do not meet the conditions you cannot exchange your licence for a Dutch one. This means you will need to take a standard theory and practical test at the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (CBR). • To exchange, apply at a municipal office for an “Aanvraag omwisseling voor Nederlands rijbewijs” form (or download it prior from www.rdw.nl) after being registered in the municipality database for 185 consecutive days.
SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONALS 2022 • THE NETHERLANDS • WWW.EXPATFAIR.NL
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