Driving lessons in Haarlem: What about exams for English speaking students?

It is possible to take your driving theory and practical exams in English. So, what are things you need to consider when you are learning to drive a car in the Netherlands, especially when it comes taking exams?

Driving theory exam

Driving theory tests are administrated in Dutch and English at several driving theory examination centres across the Netherlands. To partake in the test, you need to be 16 years of age.

The test consists of three sections. Hazard perception consists of 25 questions, of which you must answer 13 correctly. Traffic regulation consists of 28 questions of which 25 need to be answered correctly. Finally, traffic awareness consists of 12 questions of which 10 need to be answered correctly. The test takes 45 minutes. You have to pass this test in order to take a practical exam.

Theory exams are available in English. You can study the theory yourself with a theory book, available from (online) bookstores and publishers of traffic resources. It is also possible to take a course online, there are several websites that offer courses (nationaltheorycentre.nl).

To arrange an appointment for your theory exam, log in at Mijn CBR with your DigiD and:

• Choose ‘Theorie-examen reserveren’
• Choose the vehicle, time, place and language for your test
• Pay via iDEAL

You will receive your confirmation by email. Make sure you have an ID and are registered with your municipality before you book your exam. If necessary you can later change the date via Mijn CBR. Your theory exam is valid for 18 months, within this timeframe you should pass your practical test.

Driving practical exam

Before you can take your practical examination, you will need to purchase and fill in an ‘gezondheidsverklaring’ (health declaration), which can be found at Mijn CBR . This is to determine if you are healthy enough to undertake a practical examination.

The practical examination takes about an hour and is held at one of the practical exam centres across the Netherlands. Only driving schools are able to book you in for a practical exam, so you will need to find a suitable driving school and arrange it with them.

The exam can be conducted in any language. If you want your exam conducted in another language than Dutch or English you need to arrange for an (official) interpreter. You must take the practical exam within 18 months after passing your theory test and you need to be at least 17 years old.

Documents necessary for the practical exam include:

• ID or passport
• ‘Zelfreflectie’ (self-reflection) form, which you will discuss with your examiner after the exam (at RijVrij we provide this form)

If you are especially anxious about taking exams, it is possible to request a “faalangstexamen”. This is a longer exam with an examiner who is specially trained in helping people with anxiety.

If successful, your results will be automatically sent to your municipality. There, you can make an appointment to receive your new drivers’ license! Depending on the municipality this takes a week and sometimes longer. Remember; without your pass you are not allowed to drive!

Driving school in Haarlem

Hopefully this information will help you along the road of obtaining your drivers’ license! If you have any questions about how to go about your driving exams or lessons, feel free to ask us! For high quality driving lessons (with a smile!) in Haarlem you can always contact us for a trial lesson free of any obligations!