1 Book your exam in advance: Once you book the exam, you’ll have a clear idea of how much time you have to prepare. This helps you set realistic goals and effectively manage your study time.

2 Start studying early: It’s important to start studying well in advance so you have enough time to understand and practice all the topics.

3 Practice with mock exams: Do as many mock exams as possible to get familiar with the question format and exam structure. This also helps improve your time management.

4 Learn traffic rules and signs: Pay special attention to traffic rules and signs, as they make up a large part of the exam. Make sure you understand and can apply them.

5 Focus on understanding rather than memorization: Try to understand the concepts and principles behind traffic rules rather than just memorizing them. This helps you apply the rules in different situations.

6 Address weaknesses: Identify the topics you struggle with and spend extra time understanding and practicing them. Don’t just focus on the topics you already know well.

7 Take enough breaks: Take regular breaks during study sessions to keep your mind fresh and prevent fatigue. Taking short breaks also helps you process information better.

8 Simulate exam conditions: Practice under conditions similar to the real exam, such as practicing with a time limit and in a quiet environment without distractions.

9 Stay calm on exam day: Make sure you’re well-rested and arrive on time for the exam. Try to stay calm and trust the knowledge you’ve gained during your preparation.

10 Read questions carefully: Take the time to carefully read each question and consider all choices before answering. Sometimes questions may seem similar, but the answers are subtly different.

By following these tips and consistently practicing, you’ll increase your chances of success on the CBR theory exam. Here’s to seeing that green thumbs-up on your screen! Good luck!

Comparing driving schools

Compare different driving schools to find the one that best suits you. An important aspect to consider is the passing rate of the driving school. A passing rate of over 50% indicates that many students pass their driving exam on the first attempt. Do you want to compare driving schools and make an informed choice? Then make use of the CBR’s Driving School Finder. Here you will find clear overviews of the passing rates of all driving schools in your area, as well as their contact information and website for more information about the lessons offered.

Various teaching methods

The teaching method should also suit you well. Driving schools can offer different packages, for example, including theory lessons or, conversely, individual driving lessons, with or without intermediate tests. Offering a specific method is not necessarily better than another, but it should align with your needs.

A lesson package does not guarantee that no extra lessons will be necessary. Generally, you need about 42 hours of driving lessons to obtain your driver’s license, which is more than what most lesson packages offer. A package with driving lessons may be more cost-effective than individual lessons, but it’s important to understand exactly what is included in the package. Therefore, make sure to clarify all terms with the driving school in advance to avoid surprises regarding the package price.

Consult others for advice

Driving lessons are personal. Everyone has different needs, and both the driving school and the instructor should align well with your preferences. Therefore, it’s wise to inquire about the experiences of others. It’s valuable to hear from friends or acquaintances where they took driving lessons and what their experiences were. This can help you make an informed decision.

How do you recognize a good driving school?

Below are some characteristics that indicate a driving school is good.

• The driving school has a high passing rate. Use the CBR’s Driving School Finder to check the passing rate of the driving school.
• The driving school uses a lesson card, which clearly shows your progress in your training.
• Explanations are provided about the benefits of taking an interim test at the CBR.
• You are only sent for the exam when you can drive safely and independently.
• Your instructor accompanies you during the interim test, so they can better support you in the continuation of your driving education.
• The driving school only employs instructors who are legally authorized to give driving lessons, which is indicated by their WRM authorization card.
• Always check if the name of the driving school matches the name on the car and the name under which the driving school is registered with the CBR. This prevents surprises during the exam, as the CBR requires and verifies this.
• Clear agreements are made in case of a cancellation.

As a theory school, we closely collaborate with various driving schools in Amsterdam and surrounding areas. Have you already attended a theory course with us or are you considering attending one, but have not yet found a driving school? Let us know, and we would be happy to assist you in finding a suitable driving school.

What does the car theory exam look like?

The CBR car theory exam consists of three different parts: hazard perception, knowledge, and insight. To pass, you must pass each of these sections separately, and within each part, you are allowed to make a limited number of mistakes.

The first part, called “Hazard Perception,” consists of a total of 25 questions. To pass this part, you must answer at least 13 questions correctly. This means you can make a maximum of 12 mistakes.

The second part, “Knowledge,” comprises a total of 12 questions. If you answer at least 10 questions correctly, you demonstrate that you are a true expert on the road. In this part, you are allowed a maximum of 2 mistakes.

The third and final part is “Insight.” Here, you will be presented with a whopping 28 questions. To pass this part, you must answer at least 25 questions correctly and demonstrate your understanding of traffic situations. You are allowed a maximum of 3 mistakes here.

So, you can make a total of 17 mistakes, but these are specifically tied to each of the sections.

Would you like to practice with some CBR exam questions in advance?

Then quickly check out our pre-course video about intersections. Our experienced instructor Kris discusses and explains a variety of CBR questions regarding intersections.

Looking for even more CBR practice questions for the car theory exam?

Then sign up here for one of our English theory courses at our location where you’ll do plenty of practice exams guided by the best instructors around.

When it comes to driving in the Netherlands new residents can retain the use of their foreign driving license for a specific period after their arrival. The length of license validity can vary widely, ranging from six months to 15 years depending on the country and date of issue. To determine the applicable period for you, continue reading.

How long can I use my foreign driver’s license in the Netherlands?

If you’re planning to reside in the Netherlands and possess a foreign driving license, you can continue to utilize it for a period. The duration varies based on the country of issuance for your driving license and when you obtained your license.

License form the EU or EFTA

Residents of the Netherlands with a driving license in the category A(motor or moped) and B(car) issued by the European Union (EU) countries or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries are allowed to drive with it in the Netherlands for 15 years from the date of issue of the foreign driving license. There is one conditions though your foreign license must still be valid.

If your driving license was issued over 15 years ago but has not yet expired, you can still use it for 2 years from the date you moved to the Netherlands.

Once the period that you are allowed to use your license has passed(so either after the 15 or 2 years), you are required to obtain a Dutch driving license. This means you will have to exchange your foreign driving license for a Dutch one. It is very important to apply for the change in time because if you have not exchanged it before the period of 15 or 2 years has passed you will no longer be permitted to drive, even if you have already applied for the exchange. Visit the RDW website for information on how to exchange your license.

License from other countries

If you possess a valid driving license but it was not issued by a EU or EFTA country, you may only utilize it for up to 185 days after relocating to the Netherlands. After this period you will need to pass both the theory and practical exams administered by CBR and obtain a Dutch license.

There are some exceptions to these rules. Certain non EU or EFTA countries have special agreements with the Netherlands for license exchange. The license from these countries may be exchanged for a Dutch license but only if they are still valid and in the mentioned categories.

Below we have listed the countries that have special agreements with the Netherlands for license exchange.

• Andorra – passenger car – Dutch driving licence category B
• Canadian province Québec – Class 5 – Dutch driving licence category B
• Israël – B – passenger car – Dutch driving licence category B
• Japan IB – passenger car en motorcycle with more than 400 cm³ – Dutch driving licence categories A and B
• Singapore – Class 2 – motorcycle with more than 400 cm³ and Class 3 – passenger car – Dutch driving licence categories A and B
• Taiwan – B – passenger car – Dutch driving licence category B

30% Tax Ruling

Another exception is the 30% ruling. If you are working in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant and eligible for the 30% tax ruling you have the option to exchange your driving license from any country. Note that this again is only an option if your foreign driving license is still valid. To exchange your license you must possess a valid Proof of Approval (‘Beschikking Bewijsregel’) from the Dutch tax authorities. Together with your employer you can apply for the Proof of Approval.

So in short there are numerous rules and regulations to bear in mind when driving in the Netherlands with a foreign license. Aside from your license being valid or eligible for exchange the most important thing always is that you are safe on the road. In certain instances, familiarizing yourself with Dutch traffic regulations may be advisable, even if your license remains valid. If you would like to feel more secure and learn about all about the Dutch traffic regulations you can always register for one of our two day English courses at our location Amsterdam.

The CBR car theory exam begins with the section on hazard perception. We understand that many candidates feel tense and nervous during this segment. Hazard perception is all about, as the name suggests, identifying danger and responding appropriately.

This section consists of 25 situations in which you must decide: brake, release the gas, or do nothing. You have the freedom to make up to 12 mistakes, which is almost half of the total number of situations.

The challenge is that you only have 8 seconds to provide an answer. That is a really short timeframe. Our advice? Master the basics so that you can instinctively respond without overthinking.

Let’s take a moment to consider those 8 seconds. The CBR doesn’t do this arbitrarily. No, they do it to ensure that when you actually hit the road and find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, you know exactly what to do and respond appropriately. In real traffic, you don’t have all the time to calmly think. Therefore, it is crucial that all this information is well stored in your memory so that you can react immediately.

As mentioned earlier, you will be presented with 25 situations in which you must continuously choose between: brake, release the gas, or do nothing. But when is it precisely time for each action? We’ll go through the three situations below.

In which situation do you choose the option do nothing?

You do nothing when the situation is clear and manageable, and there is no (immediate) threat. So, you choose to do nothing when a situation is depicted where you can clearly oversee it, and there is no direct danger.

In which situation do you release the gas?

You release the gas when there is potential danger in the distance. Always release the gas when something is happening in the distance. There is no need to brake immediately. Pressing the brake immediately can even be dangerous for a car behind you, so it is wise to do that only when absolutely necessary. For example, if you see a situation depicted where an oncoming vehicle is approaching in the distance or you are approaching a speed bump or a curve in the distance, then you choose to release the gas.

In which situation do you brake?

You brake in the case of immediately impending danger.
For instance, if you see a situation depicted with unclear or sharp bends, a blockage or traffic jam, children, animals, dangerous intersections, or other obstacles, the answer is always to brake.

To master hazard perception, it is crucial to practice numerous situations. You need to understand the logic explained above, and the best way to achieve this is through extensive practice. Therefore, the golden tip for hazard perception is: practice, practice, and practice some more. If you are looking for additional tips or more practice opportunities, sign up for our two day theory course on location.

The first part is “Hazard Perception,” where you will have a total of 25 questions. To pass this part, you need to answer 13 or more questions correctly. So, you are allowed a maximum of 12 mistakes in this section. It’s time to sharpen your traffic hazard detection skills!

The second part is “Knowledge,” with a total of 12 questions. If you answer 10 or more questions correctly here, you prove that you are a true road expert. In this section, you can make a maximum of 2 errors.

The third part is “Insight.” In this section, you will have a whopping 28 questions. To pass this part, you need to answer 25 or more questions correctly and demonstrate a deep understanding of the world of traffic. So, you are allowed a maximum of 3 errors here.

This brings us to a crucial point: you are allowed a total of 17 errors, but they are linked to specific sections.

In the “Knowledge” and “Insight” sections, the CBR will also present two test questions. But don’t underestimate them! These test questions are masters of disguise, as they look exactly like the ‘real’ questions. They can appear at any moment, so sharpen your concentration and reflexes. These two questions do not affect your final score, but they are hidden in the mix. There is no hint to reveal them, so answer each question with the utmost precision. Good luck and happy driving! 🚗💨