There are specific rules on driver’s licences that apply to people who live or work in the Netherlands.
If you have a driver’s licence from an EU or EEA country or from Switzerland, you can drive in the Netherlands with that driver’s licence as long as it is still valid. If you move to the Netherlands, you can usually exchange your foreign driver’s licence for a Dutch driver's licence. You can do that at the municipality in which you live. You will have to hand in your old driver’s licence and you will be given your new Dutch driver’s licence later.
If you do not come from an EU or EEA country or from Switzerland, you are normally only allowed to drive with your foreign driver’s licence for a short period of time. This period usually ends 185 days after you came to live in the Netherlands. You will then need a Dutch driver's licence. In some cases you can exchange your foreign driver's licence, depending on which country you are from. If you are not able to do this, you will have to pass theory and practical tests set by CBR in order to get a Dutch driver’s licence.
If you want to exchange your driver’s licence or apply for a new driver's licence, follow these steps:
You must have a valid driver’s licence whenever you drive in the Netherlands. If your driver’s licence is not exchanged in accordance with the rules, you will not be allowed to drive. Your car insurance might also be invalid. Make sure you arrange your new driver’s licence on time so that you can avoid problems and drive safely in the Netherlands.
No. When you exchange your foreign driver's licence, you must hand in your old driver's licence to the municipality. It will not be returned to you. This is compulsory. In the Netherlands you are only allowed to have one valid driver’s licence.
In that case, you must get a Dutch driver’s licence. In order to do this, you must pass the theory and practical tests set by CBR. You can still drive temporarily until then, so long as your foreign driver’s licence is still valid and the 185-day period has not ended.
Make sure you apply on time for a new driver’s licence at the municipality in which you live. If you do not live in the Netherlands and you are working here temporarily, you can usually continue to drive with your foreign driver’s licence while it is valid.
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