Introduction
Every person living in the Netherlands for 12 months or more must have a valid license. For EU members and member states, you are only allowed to use your foreign (or home country) license for a period of 10 years from the date of issue. After that time you are required to obtain a Dutch license. Dutch law states that all licenses must be renewed every 10 years.
EU citizens (coming from all EU countries and including Andorra, Aruba, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, Isle of Man, State of Jersey and Switzerland) no longer have to register their foreign license with local municipalities after a ruling was made by the European Court as unconstitutional. Some official websites may not have updated their information on this change however. The change came into force in July 2003.
Foreign nationals from non-EU countries are not included in the above rule however, the limitation is 185 of continuous stay in the Netherlands before you are required to sit both theory and practical exam to obtain a Dutch license.
There are different methods for obtaining your license; exchange using 30% tax ruling, diplomatic or military exemption, and sitting exams. For further general driving information a good place to contact is the ANWB. This is the national organisation in the field of traffic and tourism. Or the CBR (Driving Test Organisation) are the statutory body responsible for administering driving tests.
Cars and children
As in the United Kingdom, in March 2006, the Netherlands changed how your children must be restrained whilst travelling in a car. The rule changes for children accompanying you in your car are as follows.
- Children up to and including the age of 12 or smaller than 1.35 metres must be in an approved child seat,
- Children up to and including the age of 12, or smaller than 1.35 metres are not permitted in the front passenger seat,
- Car seats must comply with the ECE 44/03 or 44/04 regulation, universal 9-18 kg or universal 18-36 kg,
- Exceptions to this rule are taxis and buses (below).
Types of child seat
Please note that the weight and height of your child are better indicators than the age
- Children less than 13 kg must sit in a rear facing infant seat - Group 0, (babyautostoeltje)
- Children between 9 and 18 kg can face front but with 3-point harness or belt for taller child - Group 1, (kinderautostoeltje)
- Children between 15 and 36 kg can sit in a high back or booster seat (zittingverhoger) using the car belt - Group 2 and 3.
- High back seats can be used for children 4-11 years, but a booster seat is also permitted.
- Children more than 36 kg and taller than 1.35 metres, can use seatbelt without a booster.
Exceptions to the rule
Transport of other children
If you are collecting another child that is not your own, for example carpooling, and you can't either fit (or don't possess) another seat, the child is able to travel on the seat with a seatbelt. This is only permitted on short distances or emergencies and the child must be over three years of age.
Public transport
In situations such as buses where seats are not available, children can sit without a child seat. This is only for children over three years of age. However, children under three years of age are not permitted to sit on the seat, use a stroller if possible. For travel in taxis, for short distances a child over three can sit using a seat belt next to an adult. You are not permitted to sit the child on your lap. If you plan to take a taxi, check when booking whether the company can provide a suitable seat.
Parking options
There are strict rules relating to parking around Rotterdam. Parking wardens are extremely vigilant and unforgiving, they also like to make their monthly quotas. Keep an eye on your time. There several methods to make payment in on-street parking. There are no coin operated on-street parking meters in the central city, they operate by digital, chip or credit card.
Pre-paid Chipknip & credit card payment
All meters take the pre-paid chipknip, which is available on your cash/pin card. Remember to keep it topped up as you will most likely not find a chip machine close to parking meters. You can also pay at many machines using your credit card, the types of cards accepted will be displayed on the meter.
Parking cards
Cash parking cards (Pre-paid Chipknip) are available for purchase if you don't have a pin card or are visiting the city. You can buy these at various tabac & gift stores and service stations around Rotterdam, follow this link for a complete list. They are available in €5, €10, €15, €20 and €50 amounts, with various expiry dates.
Park & Ride (P+R)
If you don't wish to pay for your parking and want to take the public transport, you can use P+R facilities. Here you park, receive your parking ticket and when leaving, show it to the attendant and your parking is free. P+R's that have this free parking are at Alexander, Capelsebrug, Kralingse Zoom, Hoogvliet, Noorderhelling and Slinge.
Parking with mobile phone
Using digital technology provided by Park-line, you can pay for on-street, garage and park-line parking using your mobile phone. You will need to register and subscribe with the Park-line company online to do this but once you have, it saves a lot of fiddling around. You will receive a "transponder card", which you place on your windshield. You dial a special number at beginning and end of your stay to secure your park. Payment will be deducted monthly from your bank account or credit card. Parking wardens simply scan the card on the windshield, which identifies your mobile number and car. This service covers central Rotterdam and all municipalities outside of the centrum.
General license information
EU nationals
If your home country license is older than this 10 year maximum period (regardless if it is a lifetime license) or expires during your stay, you must apply for a Dutch license. However, if you have resided in your home country for a minimum of 185 days continuously before applying for a replacement, it will be valid in Netherlands.
Non EU nationals
Non-EU nationals who are in the Netherlands for 185 days or more are required to obtain a Dutch license. You may only use your foreign license for this maximum period. There are penalties for not doing so. You will be required to sit both theory and practical tests, it is quite a lengthy and expensive process, so it is best to begin ahead. The Accelerated Driving Test has been discontinued.
International license holders
An international license is only valid for a maximum period of 12 months and is not exchangeable with a Dutch one. You will be required to go through the Dutch license process if you will be staying longer than this.
Diplomatic or Consular staff
For those in the Netherlands on Diplomatic or Consular appointments, different regulations apply. This also extends to members of the family. If you are covered by this diplomatic rule, you do not need to apply for a Dutch license. See your embassy or consulate for more information.
30 percent tax ruling
If you are entitled to benefit from the 30% tax ruling, you and the other members of your family can simply exchange your license, no matter where you are from. To obtain this ruling, you must make a request to the tax office with the appropriate paperwork from your organisation. Generally, this has to be done within the first four months of taking up your position.
To establish whether you are eligible for this ruling, discuss with your employer or HR department.
Exchanging your licence with 30% tax ruling
There is a substantial amount of paperwork and footwork in order to do this simple exchange. Perversely, this would be the most straight forward way to get your Dutch license.
Proof of identity |
€15,00 (Uittreksel bevolkingsregister), valid |
Health form |
€15,00 |
30% Tax Certificate |
n/c (30% Regeling) |
DL application form |
€45,35 (Rijbewijs omwisselen) |
Step 1
Purchase a health form (in Dutch) and a Proof of identity certificate from the Stadhuis. If you check any box on the health form "Yes/Ja", then it must be signed by your Doctor. This must be sent along with your Proof of identity form to the CBR office; you will have received an envelope. Your "Certificate of Fitness" will be sent to the Stadhuis where you applied and the Uittreksel Bevolkingsregister returned to you in the post.
Note: If you checked yes to any of the conditions on the medical form, you may receive a letter from the CBR requesting that you see a specialist for further review/approval (at your cost).
Note: The belastingdienst have a blanket policy of not accepting calls, queries or conversations in any other language but Dutch.
Step 2
Your next step is to return to the Stadhuis with:
Proof of identity |
Valid |
30% Tax certificate |
Original certificate or letter |
Certificate of Fitness |
Stadhuis should have received this directly and advised you by mail |
Two passport photos |
Note: They are very specific about the size of the face and background colour: face must centred, facing front, not showing teeth and with a mid grey background. Dimensions: length (crown to chin) 26-30mm, Width 16-20mm. Must not exceed these dimensions. |
Driver's licence |
Your home country license |
NL Identity card |
Verblijfsdocument |
All going well, you should be able to move smoothly to Step 3 at this time, completing the process.
Step 3
You will be required to pay for the Driver's license form at the Stadhuis, they will send your application to the RDW for processing and decision. If approved, your new Dutch license will be sent to the Stadhuis for collection. This processing can take up to six weeks but generally within three, you may or may not receive a letter from the RDW to advise that it has been sent. Call and check with the RDW.
Caution: You will forfeit your foreign license for the new Dutch one. It will either be sent to your embassy in Netherlands (of your home country) or to the transport office at your country of origin. In Rotterdam, the RDW rule that your license will not be returned to you, despite their suggesting you write a letter to request it.
In the meantime, remember to keep a copy of your license and the receipt with you until the processing is complete.
Getting your Dutch license
Non-EU nationals who are not eligible for the 30% ruling, exchanges or inclusions, you will have to sit the theory and practical exam. It is an expensive process.
Step 1
Call the RDW (0900 0739, calls cost 0,10c/minute) to order your Traffic Manual and test questions English supplement, the manual is also available in English at a cost of €42,50 (073 551 4726, cost payable to the postman).
Step 2
You will be taking the practical exam with a driving school and have to contact one directly to arrange the practical examination process (see below). From all accounts, the exams are difficult and many (including Dutch) fail it the first time.
Step 3
When you have passed your practical test, call the CBR office to make an appointment for your theory test (0900 227 0227).
You will be able to take the theory test in English, in a group class or individually. If you prefer to take the oral theory test, you will be required to provide a translator as it is offered in Dutch only.
How much does it cost?
After you have purchased your theory text book and are feeling confident you know the rules, you must then find a driving school, they are called "rijsschools". If you search in Goudengids with key word "rijsschool" (or online in English, select Union Jack), you will get a listing of all driving schools in the area.
You can only sit your practical exam with a driving school but before you are allowed to take this test, it seems you are required to take lessons. How many you take depends on the instructor. After one lesson, he will decide how many and only then can you sit your practical. During your first lesson, the instructor will assess your driving ability and knowledge of road rules and decide if you need further lessons. You will be expected to pay a car rental cost during the lessons. It is possible just to take the practical exam, but by doing this the examiner might just fail you anyway. Prices vary between driving schools, so it would be worth calling a few before committing.
Cost of sitting practical test with driving school: (information provided by Avanti Driving School, Rotterdam)
**These prices may vary between schools as the schools set their own fees, independent of the CBR.
Individual lessons |
€29,50/ lesson (minimum of one lesson) |
Lesson packages |
€25,00/ lesson (reduced fee for up to 40 lessons) |
Car hire |
€95,00 (compulsory to use instructor car, cannot use your own personal car) |
Pre-exam test |
€50,00 (optional) |
Practical exam |
€200,00 |
Extra practical exams |
€185,00/ exam (this is when you have to re-sit) |
You can take a "theory course" with the school, this prepares you for your theory exam.
Theory course |
€115,00 (does not include practical or test costs) |
To sit your theory exam, you must contact the CBR and make an appointment.
Theory test - Dutch |
€29,80 |
Theory test - English group |
€34,00 |
English language levy |
€4,85 |
Practical exam |
€83,15 |
Certificate of pass |
€NO CHARGE (included in test price, only valid for 6 months from date of issue) |
Then, Stadhuis to apply for the actual license: You must take the following with you:
Certificate of pass |
Issued from CBR |
Proof of residency |
Uittreksel bevolkingsregister |
Valid identification |
Verblijfsdocument, passport |
Your current license |
From your home country |
|
Dimensions as per description above |
Cost of Dutch license |
€45,35 |
Processing times are as per above, during this time you are not allowed to drive.
Road rules in brief
Speed Limits
30 km in a residential area
50 km in built-up areas
80 km on provincial roads
100 km on urban motorway, unless signposted otherwise
120 km on open motorway/autoweg, unless signposted or indicated otherwise.
Be sure to check the small circular signs on the side of some roads, on the top half will indicate what the speed limit is.
Speed cameras
Cameras operate on main roads, motorways and traffic lights. There are fines if you are caught.
On many motorways and autowegs, you will see signs indicating that you are entering a "trajectcontrole" zone. This means that your travel time will be calculated between two points and your actual speed calculated. If your time exceeds the correct time, you should expect to receive something from the traffic police in the mail. The correct speed will be shown on the overhead digital signs.
A "controle" zone is where you will find traditional speed cameras.
Giving way and stopping
You must give way to cars approaching from the right unless they are indicated otherwise.
"Give Way" is indicated by a series of triangles on the road at the junction point. "Stop" is indicated by a row of squares at the junction point.
Also, when you are travelling on a road where you see a large orange diamond outlined in white and posted on a pole, you have the right of way over any traffic from side streets.
Caution: Keep on the lookout when driving along what you would think would be a main road for connecting roads. Most often drivers without Give Way indication and will turn in without so much as checking whether their path is clear. In an accident situation, if they were not instructed to give way, you are in the wrong.
Legal requirements
The legal driving age is 18 years.
You are required to wear seatbelts front and back, at all times.
Children must be restrained in suitable seats until 12 years of age, 36 kg or 1.35 metres. (see Cars and children).
Stop for funeral processions. More often than not however, men in black suits with top-hats will be walking ahead of the motorcade and indicate to you to stop to let the motorcade pass. The speed limit of this procession is 30 km. Be respectful and patient in these circumstances.
You must stop for pedestrians on (zebra) or pedestrian crossings.
Miscellaneous
Running red lights although illegal, seems to be a national past time, so look twice when your light is green to check traffic is clear.
If you run a red light however, and there is either a camera operational or police personnel about, expect a €135,00 fine.
Someone coming up behind you flashing their lights means "move aside, let me pass!", if you are waiting for traffic to clear or to turn and someone flashes in front of you, it means "you go first".
Keep your license and car registration papers with you at all times, if someone were to steal your car and the registration papers were inside, this is all the person needs to claim the car as theirs.
Buying a car
When you purchase a car either from a dealer or privately, you must transfer the registration into your name (or company name). This can only be done by you, the new owner. You should receive registration papers with the car at the time of purchase. Part I (Deel I) gives the number and description of the car, Part II (Deel II) is the application for transferring the ownership of the car. The final part (Part III), is your copy and should be kept with the other documents as proof you are the legal owner.
If you haven't bought your car through a dealer (where this registration process can be done at the dealer's), you will need to submit the transfer of registration at the post office. Remember to take with you a valid form of identification such as a valid Dutch driver's license or passport and ID card. Alternatively and if you are here for limited posting, your passport (Diplomatic passports valid also) and residency card. If you take the latter, you will also be required to take a copy (no older than 3 months) of your entry in the poll register. The address in the register must correspond with your current address used in the transfer application.
Non-Dutch military are required to bring passport or military ID card. You must also submit a stationing certificate that is no older than 10 days.
While at the post office, you will be asked what period of road tax you will be paying. Road tax is compulsory. For further information go to the RDW website (see links below) and view their brochure "Your car and motorcycle and its registration".
Importing a car
If you are importing your car or motorcycle, you are requested to apply to Customs for a permit, regardless of your country of origin. If you do not receive a permit, you have to pay import duties. Once you have successfully imported your car, you have to comply with a number of regulations before using it.
- The car/motorcycle must have a Dutch vehicle registration number. In order to obtain this, it has to be approved by the Vehicle Technology and information centre, RDW.
- You will receive a registration certificate within a few weeks. A license plate can be bought at every RDW acknowledged garage.
- You have to pay BPM, which is a national ship tax on motor vehicles (42.2% of the new value of the car, less each year of it's age). In some situations, an exemption is possible.
Rotterdam Customs (Douane)
Visitors - Laan op Zuid 45, Rotterdam
Postal - PO Box 50966, 3007BJ, Rotterdam
Phone - (010) 290 4790 or (O10) 290 4802
Insuring your car
You need to take out legally obligatory third party liability insurance with an insurance. Do shop around as even this basic insurance is costly and not set on the current value of your car.
Selling your car
When you sell your car you have certain legal obligations also. You must ensure that the transfer out of your name takes place. Until this time, you are still legally responsible for everything that happens with the car (including fines) as the registered owner. Ensure that you receive a "Proof of Indemnity" or "Port certificate" (if the purchaser is exporting the car).
If you are selling your car privately to a private individual, the responsibility of the transfer (as in your purchase) is with the buyer. The buyer will need Part II and a copy of Part III (transfer certificate) of the registration papers. When the registration transfer is complete, he will receive a Certificate of Indemnity (Model 3 E 0313), this is for you as the seller. You should also ask for the invalidated Part II of the papers. This Certificate of Indemnity is your only proof that you are no longer the owner of the car.
Registration
If you are resident and own a car privately, you are required to register you car and pay motor vehicle tax to the CBM (Centraal Bureau Motorrijuigenbelasting). Forms for this are available at the post office. Should you need more information about this process, contact the RDW (Department of Road Transport).
Part I of the registration costs €33,25 payable at the time of purchase of your car. Also payable when you import a car into the Netherlands. Having the transfer into your name (Part II) is payable at the post office and costs €9,75.
You are also required to have a valid APK for the vehicle, which is valid for a year. This is done at a RDW testing station and and needs to be renewed annually from the date of expiration, along with any repairs to the car in order to pass the test.
Driving your car with your own registration plates is possible if you are here temporarily. Check with the RDW if you are eligible for this exemption.
Useful Links
CBR - http://rijbewijs.cbr.nl/index.asp?pageid=17 - this is the English link
RDW - http://www.rdw.nl/ - part of the site is in English
ANWB - http://www.anwb.nl - site is in Dutch
Car seat Regulations - http://www.autokinderzitjes.nl/ site is in Dutch
Dutch Customs - http://www.douane.nl/english/bpm-pr.html - site is in English
Park-line - http://www.park-line.nl/en - English translation link but rest of the site and registration is in Dutch
