Applying to collect a driving licence in the Netherlands
Have you passed your practical driving test? You can then collect your driving licence at your municipality. You are not allowed to drive a vehicle until you have collected your driving licence.
In the Netherlands the minimum age to sit a practical driving exam for a car is 17 years. Those who pass are only allowed to drive with a coach (supervisor), until they are 18. If you want to apply for a driving licence as a 17-year old, you must first apply for a begeleiderspas (accompanied driving permit) (in Dutch). You can then select up to 5 supervisors who can register to accompany you while driving. The names of the supervisors you have chosen will be on the accompanied driving permit. These supervisors accompany you while you are driving until your 18th birthday.
This is how it works for you
Here is some information from your municipality.
Applying for a driving licence
Please note: you can only apply for a driving licence if you live in the Netherlands and are registered with a municipality.
The main conditions for applying for a driving license are:
- You lived in the Netherlands for at least 184 days in the past year.
- You apply for your driving license within 3 years after your driving test. Otherwise you will have to retake the exam.
Controleer op CBR.nl of u een Gezondheidsverklaring moet invullen. The CBR will then assess whether you are fit to drive. Sometimes the CBR needs more information. Then you must, for example, be examined by a doctor. Or take a driving test.
Do you want to exchange a foreign driving licence? Then there are extra voorwaarden.
The age at which you can apply for a driving license depends on the type of driving licence.
If you are 17 years old, you can apply for a youth driving licence. You may then drive with a coach next to you. To do this, you can request a companion pass from the Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW).
You apply for your driving licence in person at the municipality where you live and are registered. You must make an appointment to do this.
In some cases you can also apply for your driving licence online. You will then be able to collect the new driving licence from the service desk after just 2 working days. You submit the application via the RDW website. Visit the RDW website to find out how to apply for a driving licence online (in Dutch).
You pay a fee for this service. For more information, contact the municipality.
After around a week, you can collect your driving licence from the municipality in person.
Do you need it sooner than that?
If you need your driving licence urgently, you can make an urgent request. If you apply for the driving licence before 14:00, you will be able to collect it the next working day. You have to pay an extra fee for an urgent request.
How long are driving licences valid?
- Under 65 years of age: valid for 10 years.
- Between 65 and 70 years of age: valid until your 75th birthday.
- Between 70 and 75 years of age: valid for 5 years.
- Over 75 years of age: valid for a maximum of 5 years.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Meerssen