Driver’s License in the Netherlands (2026 Guide for International Students)

For many international students in the Netherlands, getting behind the wheel can make life easier - whether it’s commuting to internships, weekend trips, or exploring the country. But the rules around foreign licences and Dutch driver’s licences (rijbewijs) can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down clearly, with up-to-date information and 2026 prices you need to know.

Can You Drive with Your Foreign Licence When You Arrive?

Yes, but it depends on where your licence was issued:

EU/EEA/Swiss Licences

If your licence was issued by a country in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you can generally drive in the Netherlands using that licence until it expires. Link

Non-EU/EEA Licences

If your licence is from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland (for example the United States, India, China, etc.), you can use it for a limited period after you register as a resident, normally up to 185 days from the date you register at your local municipality (gemeente). After that period, you must have a Dutch driver’s licence to continue driving legally. Link

Important details for students:

This 185-day rule applies only if you are a resident in the Netherlands, meaning you’re registered in the municipal personal records database BRP.
An international driving permit (IDP) (a translation of your licence) might help you drive during short stays, but it doesn’t let you exchange that licence later, it’s just a translation.

Do You Need to Exchange Your Foreign Licence?

It depends on your situation:

**1. If Your Licence Can Be Exchanged**

Some foreign licences can be exchanged for a Dutch licence without taking any exams. This depends on the country that issued the licence.

Who can usually exchange their licence?

EU/EEA/Swiss licence holders
Licences from countries with special agreements (e.g., Canada Alberta/Quebec only, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, and a few others), but only for certain licence categories and under specific conditions.
If you benefit from the 30% tax ruling (a special income tax benefit for certain highly skilled workers), you may exchange almost any foreign licence, even if your country isn’t on the list — provided you meet the residency requirements and apply while your licence is valid.

What’s the process?

Register as a resident (BRP) and get a BSN.
Make an appointment with your municipality’s burgerzaken office.
Bring your valid foreign licence, passport, residence permit, and passport photo. Some licences in non-Latin scripts must be translated.
Submit the application, the municipality forwards it to RDW.
You surrender your foreign licence and receive your Dutch licence if approved.

Key point: You must apply within 185 days if you’re from outside EU/EEA/Switzerland. After that, you’ll likely need to take Dutch driving exams.

**2. If Your Licence Can’t Be Exchanged**

Not all licences are exchangeable. If your country is not on the RDW exchange list and you don’t qualify under the 30% ruling, you cannot exchange your licence, so you must go through the full Dutch licence process: theory and practical exams.

How to Get a Dutch Driver’s Licence from Scratch

If you need a new Dutch licence (because you cannot exchange your foreign one), you’ll follow these steps:

Step 1 — Theory Exam (CBR)

You must pass the theory exam before practical. The exam tests Dutch traffic rules and road signs.

Step 2 — Health Declaration

You must fill out a health form (gezondheidsverklaring). This assesses if you’re medically fit to drive.

Step 3 — Driving Lessons

You’re not legally required to take lessons, but almost everyone does. Lessons help prepare for the practical exam.

Step 4 — Practical Exam (CBR)

After passing theory and gathering enough practice, you take the practical exam — usually with your driving school.

Step 5 — Licence Application

Once you pass both exams, you apply for your Dutch licence at your municipality.

How Much Does It Cost (2026 Prices)

The cost of obtaining a Dutch driver’s licence can vary widely, especially if you’re starting from scratch.

1. Exchanging a Foreign Licence

If your licence can be exchanged:

Application fee for the Dutch licence card: typically around €53.65 (may vary slightly by municipality).

This is much cheaper than taking exams.

2. Getting a Dutch Licence from Scratch

Costs below are 2026 estimates based on official and industry data:

Driving Lessons

Most students take many driving lessons. Prices average €45-€65 per hour.

Theory Exam

Around €50-€55 per attempt at CBR.

Health Declaration

Around €46.90 (CBR declaration fee).

Practical Exam

Around €143.50 per attempt.

Driving Licence Card

Municipality application fee: ~€53.65.

Total Cost Range

If you learn to drive from scratch and take an average number of lessons (e.g., 40+ hours), plus exams and application fees, the total cost generally ranges between €2,000 and €3,500 for an autorijbewijs (car licence).

That makes the Netherlands one of the more expensive countries in Europe for getting a driver’s licence — partly because of high lesson and exam costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Driver’s License in the Netherlands

Can I drive in the Netherlands with my foreign driver’s license?

Yes, but it depends on where your license was issued. If you have a license from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can usually drive in the Netherlands until your license expires. If your license is from outside the EU/EEA, you can typically use it for up to 185 days after registering as a resident in the Netherlands.

What happens after the 185 days if I have a non-EU license?

After 185 days, you are no longer allowed to drive with your foreign license. At that point, you must either have exchanged it for a Dutch driver’s license (if eligible) or passed the Dutch theory and practical exams to get a new one.

Do international students have to exchange their driver’s license?

Not always. Exchanging your license is optional for EU/EEA licenses but mandatory for non-EU licenses if you want to keep driving after the 185-day period. Whether exchange is possible depends on the country that issued your license and your personal situation.

Which foreign driver’s licenses can be exchanged in the Netherlands?

Licenses from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can always be exchanged. Some non-EU countries also have exchange agreements with the Netherlands, but this depends on the country and license category. If your country is not on the approved list, you must take the Dutch driving exams.

Can I exchange my driver’s license as a student?

Yes. Being a student does not automatically disqualify you from exchanging your license. What matters is your country of origin, residency status, and how long you have been registered in the Netherlands.

Do I need an international driving permit (IDP)?

An international driving permit is not a license, but a translation of your existing one. It can be useful if your license is not in English or Dutch, but it does not extend the 185-day limit and cannot be exchanged for a Dutch license.

Do I need to take driving lessons in the Netherlands?

If you are exchanging your license, no lessons or exams are required. If you are getting a Dutch license from scratch, lessons are not legally mandatory — but in practice, almost everyone takes them to prepare for the Dutch driving exam, which is known for being strict.

Is the Dutch driving exam difficult?

Many international students find the Dutch driving exam challenging because of strict rules, road awareness expectations, and exam standards. Preparation and professional lessons significantly increase your chances of passing on the first try.

How much does it cost to get a Dutch driver’s license in 2026?

Exchanging a license: around €50–€60, depending on the municipality
Getting a license from scratch: usually €2,000 to €3,500, including lessons, exams, and application fees

Costs vary depending on how many lessons and exam attempts you need.

How long does it take to get a Dutch driver’s license?

Exchange: usually a few weeks after applying at the municipality
From scratch: anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on lesson availability, exam waiting times, and how quickly you progress

Can I drive while waiting for my Dutch driver’s license?

In most cases, no. Once you hand in your foreign license for exchange, or once your 185-day period has expired, you generally cannot drive until you receive your Dutch license.

Is it worth getting a driver’s license as a student in the Netherlands?

That depends on your lifestyle. In large cities, public transport and cycling are often enough. But if you live outside major cities, commute to work or internships, or travel frequently, having a license can be very useful.

Tips for International Students

Start early — if you plan to exchange your foreign licence, book the appointment early within the 185-day window for non-EU/EEA residents.
Practice theory before booking the exam — failing multiple times adds costs.
Compare driving schools — prices and quality differ, and some offer packages.
If your licence isn’t exchangeable, consider taking a few lessons at home or before arrival so you might need fewer lessons in the Netherlands.

Summary

Scenario	Can You Drive	Need to Exchange?	Need to Take Dutch Licence Exams?	Approx. Cost
EU/EEA/Swiss licence	Yes, long-term	Optional	No	Exchange fee only (~€50)
Non-EU/EEA licence (eligible)	Yes (185 days)	Yes	No	Exchange fee only (~€50)
Non-EU/EEA licence (not eligible)	Yes (185 days)	—	Yes	€2,000-€3,500

Conclusion

Driving in the Netherlands as an international student is possible whether you bring your own licence or need to obtain a Dutch one. Knowing the rules, deadlines, and costs can save you time and money. Make sure you plan ahead, register properly in the BRP, and check early whether your foreign licence can be exchanged — oftentimes the simplest and cheapest route.

Ultimate Guide for International Students: Driving Licence in the Netherlands (2026)