A Dutch driver’s license is an official document that allows you to drive in the Netherlands and all member states of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). If you want to get a Dutch driving license, you need to meet some requirements at first. So how to obtain a Dutch driver’s license? This passage is going to discuss the major steps to get a Dutch driver’s license. We wish it can help you a lot.
What Should Be Done Before Applying For the Dutch Driving License?
Before you apply for a Dutch driving license, you have to pass the driving test at first. The driving test in Netherlands is composed of two parts: theory exam and practical exam. The theory exam tests your knowledge of the traffic rules, traffic insight and hazard perception. The driving theory test is a little difficult, so please make sure you have been well prepared before taking the exam. Most people need to study the theory for 13 months. You need to make an appointment for the theory exam in advance.
However, in order to pass the whole driving test, you also need to find a driving school to practice driving skills so as to pass the practical exam. There are more than 7000 driving schools in Netherlands. You can carefully choose a driving school. After choosing a proper driving school, you need to learn how to drive a car under the guidance of the driving coach. In this process, you may apply the theoretical rules you have learned to the real situations. Please pay attention to that before you take the practical exam, you have to pass the theory exam.
After passing the theory exam, you can take a practical exam within 18 months. Here you need to pay attention to preparing the health certificate before having practical exam. In Netherlands, only driving schools can book the practical exam. You can ask your instructor to book the exam for you. If you have passed the practical exam, then you can apply for a driver’s license, without which you can’t drive a car in Netherlands. So how to apply for a Dutch driving license in Netherlands? In the next part, we are going to explain in details.
How to Apply for a Dutch Driving License?
Requirements on Applying For a Driving License
After passing the theory and practical test, you can start to prepare to apply for a Dutch driving licence at a City Office. You must be registered as a resident in Amsterdam and registered in the Netherlands for 185 days or more. You must be 18 to get an independent driver’s license in the Netherlands. In Netherlands, you have to apply for the driving license in person instead of applying for it online.
The Materials Needed to Apply For a Driving License
To apply for the driving license, you have to go to the City Office in person with the following documents:
(1) Valid Dutch residence permit
(2) Certificate of driving proficiency, which you get on passing the theory and practical tests
(3) Statement of health
image resource: Road Safety – European Union
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Driving License
To get a diver’s license, you must pay when you apply. A driving licence costs differently. It normally costs €48.15. However, for urgent application, it costs €82.25. The whole application process may take about 5 days long, Then you can get your driver’s license. However, if you submit an urgent application before 14.00 pm, you can pick up the driving licence the next working day after 10.00 am. The Amsterdam city office will then give you a receipt with a date for collecting your license. If you fail to collect your permit within three months of this date, you will need to re-apply the driving license.
Can You Apply For or Renew the Driving License Online?
Actually you can’t apply for the driver’s license online for the first time, you can just renew the driving licence online. If your driver’s license expired or is going to expire, you need to renew it. You can either renew it online or in person. If you choose to renew the passport in person at City Office, you should bring:
(1) A passport photo that complies with the official standards.
(2) Your current Dutch driving licence.
(3) If you are not a national of an EU member state, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland: you need to bring a valid residence permit.
(4) Check the RDW website to see if you need a Certificate of Fitness
However, if you choose to renew it online, you need to have a passport photo taken by an RDW-recognized photographer. They will send your photo and signature to the RDW(official website of the Netherlands Vehicle Authority overseeing driving licenses and vehicle regulations) and within minutes, you’ll receive an email from the RDW stating if you can continue the rest procedures further. The next step is to apply for license renewal by logging in with your DigiD and paying the €44.65 service fee. Within two days, the RDW will inform you when to collect your new license from the local municipal office. You’ll have to hand in your old permit when picking up the new one. Additionally, you may need to submit a CBR-issued statement of health when you’re 75 years or older.
Lost or Stolen Driving Licenses in the Netherlands
What can you do if you accidentally lose your driver’s license or your license is stolen? You must first report it to the RDW. You can do this by logging in with your DigiD. Alternatively, you can go to your local municipal office which will file a report for you. The RDW will then block your existing license.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, if you want to apply for a Dutch driving license, you need to pass the test at first which consists of two parts: theory and practical test and then you can apply for the driving license with supporting materials. You can’t apply for the driving license online. However, you can renew it online. If you your driving license is lost or stolen, you need to contact the RDW as soon as possible. It will help lock you driving license.