Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in the Netherlands: 185-Day Rule, 30% Ruling Route and CBR Tests

Last updated: October 2, 2026

THE HAGUE – October 1, 2026 | The Dutch Daily

Exchange driving licence Netherlands: if you move to the Netherlands with a driving licence from outside the EU/EFTA, you can drive on it for only 185 days after you relocate. After that you need a Dutch licence. Some licences can be exchanged directly at your municipality; if you have the 30% ruling, you can exchange a licence from any country. Everyone else has to pass the CBR theory and practical tests. EU/EFTA licences remain valid much longer. This guide explains every route, based on the rules of the RDW.

1. EU and EFTA driving licences

A valid driving licence from an EU or EFTA country (the EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) can be used in the Netherlands for a long time:

• Categories AM, A1, A2, A, B and BE (mopeds, motorcycles, cars): valid for another 15 years from the date of issue of the licence.
• Categories C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E and DE (trucks and buses): valid for at most 5 years from the date of issue.
• Older licences: if your licence was issued more than 15 years ago and has not expired, you may use it for another 2 years after the date you relocated to the Netherlands.

You can always exchange a valid EU/EFTA licence for a Dutch one if you prefer, for example when it is about to expire or when you want a licence in Dutch format.

2. Non-EU licences: the 185-day rule

If your licence was issued in a country outside the EU/EFTA, you may continue to use it for the first 185 days after you relocated to the Netherlands. After that, you are only allowed to drive in the Netherlands with a Dutch driving licence.

That means you need to act quickly. Booking CBR exams can take time, so if you are not eligible for an exchange, start planning lessons and exams early. Driving after the 185 days without a valid Dutch licence means you are driving without a valid licence, with consequences for fines and your insurance.

3. Who can exchange a foreign licence?

According to the RDW, you can exchange your licence if:

• it is a valid licence from an EU/EFTA country; or
• it was issued in a country with which the Netherlands has an agreement for (certain categories of) driving licences; or
• you work in the Netherlands as a highly skilled employee and the 30% ruling (expat scheme) applies to you: you can then exchange a licence from any country; or
• you held a valid Dutch licence before (issued after 30 June 1985).

The RDW lists, among others, the following non-EU/EFTA countries and territories with an exchange agreement: Andorra, the Canadian provinces Alberta and Québec, Gibraltar, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Monaco, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the former Netherlands Antilles (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten). Agreements can be limited to certain categories, so always check the current list for your licence on the RDW website.

For a Ukrainian driving licence, the RDW states that an exchange is possible with a 30% ruling decision.

4. Conditions for an exchange

• Your licence is valid.
• You are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at a Dutch address. See our first 30 days checklist.
• For non-EU/EFTA licences: you lived in the issuing country for at least 185 days in the year you obtained the licence.
• For non-EU/EFTA nationals: you have a residence permit (temporary or permanent) or another qualifying status.
• For non-EU/EFTA licences: you submit a health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring) via the CBR and are found medically fit.

5. The 30% ruling route

The 30% ruling makes the exchange possible for licences from any country. To use it, you need a valid decision from the Belastingdienst on the 30% facility. The RDW refers to it as the decision on the evidence rule (beschikking bewijsregel). Bring it to your municipality with your application.

Important: the decision must still be valid when you apply. If your 30% ruling is about to end, apply in time. Our 30% ruling checklist explains who qualifies and what changes in 2027.

6. How to exchange: step by step

1. Health declaration (if needed): for non-EU/EFTA licences, submit a Gezondheidsverklaring to the CBR online and wait for the decision. This can take several weeks, so start early.
2. Make an appointment at your municipality (gemeente).
3. Bring: a colour passport photo that meets the requirements, your foreign driving licence (with a translation if necessary), your ID or residence document and, if applicable, your 30% ruling decision.
4. Pay the fee. The fee varies per municipality.
5. Wait for the letter. You will receive a letter within 15 working days, after which you can collect your Dutch licence at the municipality.

Your foreign licence is not returned. If you need a licence for driving abroad later, check whether you need an international driving permit with your Dutch licence.

7. Not eligible? Taking the Dutch driving test

If you cannot exchange your licence, you need to obtain a Dutch licence by passing:

• the theory exam at the CBR; and
• the practical exam at the CBR, usually after lessons with a driving school.

Lessons with a Dutch driving school can help you learn Dutch road rules and what the examiner expects, such as right of way at junctions, cyclists and roundabouts.

8. Practical tips

• Mark the 185-day date in your calendar on the day you arrive.
• Check your car insurance: insurers may ask for a valid Dutch or EU licence.
• If you lose your foreign licence, the RDW explains what to do on its “lost or stolen” page.
• Most daily travel in Dutch cities is easier by bike or public transport; see our transport guide.

9. Dutch road rules newcomers often miss

• Speed on motorways: between 06:00 and 19:00 the limit is 100 km/h on nearly all motorways (some stretches have 80 or 130 km/h). In the evening and at night it can be 100, 120 or 130 km/h. Always follow the signs.
• Alcohol: the limit is 0.5 promille for experienced drivers and 0.2 promille for novice drivers in their first five years.
• Cyclists: there are bike lanes and cyclists everywhere. When turning right, check your mirror and blind spot for cyclists going straight on.
• Right of way: at equal junctions, traffic from the right has priority, and that includes cyclists coming from the right.
• Phone: holding a phone while driving is not allowed.

10. Key takeaways

• Non-EU/EFTA licences are valid for 185 days after you move here.
• EU/EFTA car licences stay valid for 15 years from the date of issue.
• With a valid 30% ruling decision you can exchange a licence from any country.
• Apply at your municipality; you receive a letter within 15 working days.
• Otherwise you need to pass the CBR theory and practical exams.

11. FAQ

How long can I drive in the Netherlands with a foreign licence?

A non-EU/EFTA licence: 185 days after you relocate. An EU/EFTA car licence: 15 years from its date of issue.

Can I exchange a US or Indian driving licence?

Only if you have a valid 30% ruling decision (or held a Dutch licence before). Otherwise you need to pass the CBR tests. Check the RDW country list for your situation.

Can I exchange a UK driving licence?

Great Britain and Northern Ireland are on the RDW list of countries with an agreement. Check the conditions for your category.

How long does the exchange take?

You receive a letter within 15 working days after applying at your municipality, plus the time needed for a CBR health declaration if required.

🇳🇱 Dutch Corner

Sources

• RDW: driving with a foreign driving licence (EU/EFTA validity periods; 185 days for non-EU/EFTA licences).
• RDW: exchanging a foreign driving licence (who can exchange, country list, 30% ruling, conditions, documents, letter within 15 working days, fee varies per municipality, licence not returned).
• Rijksoverheid: maximumsnelheid op de snelweg (100 km/h on nearly all motorways from 06:00 to 19:00).
• Rijksoverheid: met hoeveel alcohol mag ik deelnemen aan het verkeer (0.5 promille; 0.2 promille for novice drivers in their first 5 years).

More in our guide: Transport in the Netherlands: trains, driving and bikes

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