Moving to the Netherlands and need a driver's license? Or wondering if your foreign license is valid here? You're not alone — every year, hundreds of expats in Haarlem, Hoofddorp, and Heemstede go through the same process. At Rijcoach, we teach driving lessons fully in English and guide our international students through every step. Here's everything you need to know in 2026.
Step 1: Can You Exchange Your Foreign License?
The first question to answer is whether you need to take a Dutch driving test at all. There are three scenarios:
- EU/EEA license: You can drive in the Netherlands until it expires. No test needed.
- 30% ruling (kennismigranten): If your employer has granted you the 30% tax facility, you can exchange any valid foreign license for a Dutch one — regardless of which country issued it.
- Exchange agreement countries: The Netherlands has bilateral agreements with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Israel, and certain Canadian provinces (Alberta and Québec). Check the full list at rdw.nl.
- All other countries (USA, UK post-Brexit, India, Turkey, Morocco, etc.): You must pass both the theory and practical exam in the Netherlands.
"Most of our expat students already know how to drive — the challenge is learning Dutch traffic rules and the specific CBR exam requirements. With our English-language lessons, we make that transition as smooth as possible."
Step 2: Pass the CBR Theory Exam (in English!)
Good news: the CBR theory exam can be taken in English. The exam tests your knowledge of Dutch traffic rules, hazard perception, and traffic insight. It consists of 65 questions, and you need to answer at least 53 correctly to pass.
Key topics you must know well for the Dutch exam:
- Roundabout rules: In the Netherlands, cyclists on roundabouts within urban areas usually have priority. This surprises most foreign drivers.
- "Rechts heeft voorrang": At unmarked intersections, the vehicle coming from the right has priority — even without signs.
- Shark's teeth (haaientanden): These triangular road markings indicate you must give way.
- 30 km/h zones: Many residential areas in Haarlem have a 30 km/h limit, expanding each year.
We recommend using the official CBR practice tests or the theorie.nl platform, which offers English content.
Step 3: Practical Driving Lessons with Rijcoach
Once your theory is passed (or you are preparing for both simultaneously), it is time for practical lessons. At Rijcoach, our English-speaking instructors will pick you up at your home in Haarlem, Heemstede, or Hoofddorp and teach you in our modern, comfortable cars.
If you already have driving experience from abroad, we start with a trial lesson to assess your current level. Many experienced drivers need fewer lessons than beginners — but Dutch-specific skills like handling busy roundabouts, interacting with cyclists, and mastering the bijzondere verrichtingen (special manoeuvres like parallel parking and the hill start) take some practice.
View our English pricing page for package details. All packages include the practical exam fee, the interim test (TTT), and your trial lesson.
Step 4: The CBR Practical Exam in Haarlem
The practical exam at the CBR centre in Haarlem (Professor Eijkmanlaan 2-4) lasts approximately 55 minutes. An examiner will accompany you in your driving school's car and assess your ability to drive safely and independently in real traffic.
Specific challenges around the Haarlem exam area that our instructors prepare you for:
- The turbo-roundabouts near the Europaweg (multilane — you must choose the correct lane before entering)
- The Westelijke Randweg (N208) — a fast regional road requiring confident merging at 80 km/h
- Narrow residential streets in Haarlem-Noord with unmarked priority intersections
At Rijcoach, 61% of our students pass on their first attempt — well above the national average. We only schedule your exam when we are confident you are ready.
How Long Does It Take?
It depends on your starting point. Experienced drivers who already know how to handle a car typically need 10 to 25 lessons to learn Dutch-specific rules and pass the exam. Complete beginners typically need 30 to 40 lessons. We give you an honest estimate after your trial lesson.
Ready to Start? Book Your Trial Lesson
Your first step is a trial lesson with one of our English-speaking instructors. We assess your current level, explain the process, and recommend the right package — no pressure. The trial lesson is free when you purchase a package, or € 47 as a standalone session.
We drive in Haarlem, Heemstede, Hoofddorp, Zandvoort, Bloemendaal, and surrounding areas. Your instructor picks you up at home — no need for your own transport.