My Dutch Driving License Journey – From Failing Once to Finally Passing

If you’ve ever gone through the Dutch driving exam, you know it’s not easy. I learned that the hard way. I failed my first attempt, and honestly, it shook me.

I needed the license not just for convenience, but also for my travel plans within Europe. Failing again meant more delays, extra costs, and wasted time. So when I booked my second attempt, I promised myself: this time I’ll do it differently.

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The Real Challenge: Switching to the Dutch Driving Mindset

The hardest part for me wasn’t handling the car—it was adjusting to the Dutch driving style.

Back home, I used to drive in a reactive way: watching traffic, adjusting speed, and often assuming others might break rules. In the Netherlands, driving is predictive: you assume people will follow rules, and you’re expected to anticipate situations before they happen.

That mental shift was tough for me, and I think many expats face the same issue.

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How I Prepared for My Second Attempt

Here’s exactly what I changed, and I hope it helps if you’re in the same boat:

1. Visualize Before You Drive
   At home, I’d picture myself on the road—thinking through different scenarios, traffic signs, and rules. Then, in my next lesson, I’d practice those exact cases.
   👉 Tip: Visualization really works. Your brain feels like it has already “seen” the situation before you face it in real life.
2. Work on Your Weak Spots
   Everyone has areas they struggle with—mine were giving priority and merging on highways. Instead of just driving randomly, I spent most of my time fixing these weaknesses.
   👉 Tip: Don’t just drive to “collect hours.” Drive with a purpose. Fix what makes you fail.
3. Get the Right Instructor (Game Changer!)
   My first instructor wasn’t bad, but I always felt he wasn’t invested in whether I passed or failed. That bothered me. So, I searched on the CBR website for schools with high pass rates and found Rij(be)wijs. My new instructor didn’t speak much English, but he explained things by drawing on paper. More importantly, he cared about me passing. That made a world of difference. 👉 Tip: If your instructor isn’t right for you—change. A good instructor can make or break your exam.
4. Learn the Exam Routes
   I watched YouTube videos of common exam routes in my area. That gave me confidence—I knew most of the roads, signs, and tricky spots beforehand.
   👉 Tip: Search “[Your City] CBR exam routes” on YouTube. It’s free and extremely helpful.
5. Control the Exam Day Environment
   • I decided not to talk during the exam—less distraction, more focus. My instructor spoke with the examiner instead.
   • I trained myself at home to keep checking mirrors constantly. Examiners love it when you look, look, and look again.
   • I ate a good breakfast so I wouldn’t feel low on energy.

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Exam Day: From Doubt to Success

On the big day, I woke up early, had a solid breakfast, and went for a warm-up lesson. And guess what? I totally messed up the warm-up. I was nervous and felt like I wasn’t ready at all.

But my instructor stayed calm and told me, “You’re ready. Trust yourself.” That gave me some confidence back.

Right before the exam, he shared one last useful tip: the Dutch Reach (using your far hand to open the car door so you automatically look for cyclists). Small details like this really matter.

When the examiner came, he gave me three simple instructions:

1. Drive safely
2. Don’t drive unnecessarily slow (if the limit is 100, drive 100–102, not 97)
3. Be independent

The exam lasted about 35 minutes. On the highway, I had one moment where I thought I failed because I had to make a quick steering adjustment. But I stayed calm and kept driving.

When we returned, the examiner smiled and said:
“You’ve passed.”

I couldn’t believe it. After all the stress, I had finally done it.

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My Best Suggestions for You

• Don’t panic if you fail once—it’s common, and it makes you sharper for the next attempt.
• Change instructors if you feel yours isn’t helping enough. Passing rate and teaching style matter.
• Watch YouTube exam route videos for your city. Familiarity reduces nervousness.
• Train yourself to look everywhere. Rearview every 20–30 seconds, side mirrors often, and keep scanning the road.
• Treat exam day like an athlete treats game day: sleep well, eat well, stay calm.
• Focus on driving the Dutch way: predictive, rule-following, and safe.

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Final Thoughts

Failing once was disappointing, but it was also the turning point. It forced me to prepare smarter, not just harder.

If you’re preparing for your Dutch driving exam, remember: it’s not just about driving skills—it’s about mindset, preparation, and having the right support.

And when you finally hear those words—“You’ve passed”—all the effort feels worth it. 🚗💨