My Driving License Struggles in the Netherlands 🚗 Part 1

Have you ever found yourself wanting to explore some of the beautiful hidden spots in the Europe, only to realize they’re not easily accessible by public transport?

That’s exactly where my journey started.

While the Netherlands has one of the most reliable public transportation systems in the world, I began to feel limited by its routes and schedules. I wanted the freedom to travel to remote hiking trails, scenic countryside villages, and late-night getaways with my family. That’s when the idea struck: “It’s time to get my driving license!”

I thought it would be a straightforward journey. Spoiler alert—it wasn’t. If you’re planning to start this journey or are already somewhere along the way, I hope my story gives you clarity, motivation, and a few practical tips.

The Start of the Journey

It was around September 2024 when I seriously started considering getting a driving license in the Netherlands. I don’t come from a driving background, and I didn’t even get a license in India—my home country. That immediately ruled out the “exchange scheme” the Dutch government offers. (If you have a valid Indian license and qualify for the 30% tax ruling, you can exchange your license without taking any exams. Lucky you, if that applies!)

Since I had to start from scratch, I began preparing myself for what would soon become a long and demanding process.

Part 1 – The Theory Exam 📘

To be honest, I initially underestimated this part. I figured I had some general understanding of traffic signs and rules, so I casually booked the exam.

I walked into the exam center feeling confident—and walked out feeling humbled. I failed. And not just once. The Insight section kept tripping me up, often by just one question. It was frustrating!

That’s when I realized I needed a shift in mindset. I started treating the theory exam like a university final. I took notes, memorized situations, and did extensive mock tests. The real game-changer for me was:

TheorieExamen.nl
This YouTube channel: Dutch Theory Prep Playlist

The combination of these two resources gave me the clarity I needed, especially around tricky priority rules and roundabout situations.

Finally, I passed—with just one mistake!

Lesson learned:

Take the theory exam seriously. It’s not just about rules—it’s about Dutch-style driving logic, especially understanding how traffic flow works and the role of cyclists.

Part 2 – Practical Driving Lessons & the CBR Exam 🛻

This is where things got much trickier.

Fueled by my theory exam success, I began searching for a good English-speaking driving school. That’s when reality hit me again. Most instructors were fully booked, and the waiting lists were ridiculously long—some had no availability for 2 months, and even after starting, I’d have to wait another 4-5 months for the actual exam.

Eventually, after a couple of trial lessons, I finalized one instructor who worked under a driving school. I thought this would bring consistency, as I’d always be using the same car and method.

Key things to look for when selecting a driving school:

Instructor availability and schedule commitment
Same car for lessons and exam
Transparent feedback system
Communication (especially if you prefer English)
Trial lesson options before committing

But here’s where the challenges began.

Despite promises, my instructor started missing lessons or delaying them. I’m generally a soft-spoken person, so pushing him to stick to the schedule was hard. And he didn’t seem very invested in helping me finish the full lesson plan before my exam.

By the time my exam date approached, I had only completed 11 lessons—way below the recommended 25–30 for someone new to driving in Europe. Though I tried to learn quickly, it wasn’t enough. I felt underprepared and nervous.

The CBR Exam Experience 🚦

The day of my exam arrived. I was anxious but hopeful. I reached the CBR center well in time. At 8:00 AM, I was called in along with my instructor. We had a short briefing with the examiner, and off we went.

I drove cautiously, maybe too cautiously. I stayed just under the speed limit—like doing 47 in a 50 zone. The examiner tried to lighten the mood with some small talk, but honestly, I was too tense to relax.

After about 35 minutes, we returned to the CBR center.

The result?

“I don’t have very good news for you. You failed,” the examiner said gently. “You were too slow in built-up areas and missed a special maneuver.”

It was disappointing, but not surprising. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t fully ready.

Reflections and What I’ve Learned So Far 💡

Own the process – Your instructor might be juggling other students. You need to take charge of your timeline, progress, and expectations.
Plan your lessons early – Book in bulk if possible and follow up proactively.
Watch videos of real CBR routes – YouTube and TikTok have many helpful walkthroughs and tips.
Mental preparation matters – Driving in the Netherlands is a high-focus task. Practice managing stress on the road.
Be kind to yourself – You’re learning something completely new in a foreign country. It’s okay to take time.

The CBR examiner was very fair in his assessment. If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn’t have passed me either.

What’s Next?

I’m continuing my practice and currently looking for the next available slot to re-take my exam. This time, I’ll ensure I’ve done at least 6–7 more practice lessons and go in feeling fully prepared.

If you’re on a similar path—keep going. It’s tough, but it’s possible.

Will keep you posted on my re-exam attempt. 💪

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