How do you get a Dutch driving license as a refugee?

Do you want to get a driver's license in the Netherlands? Then you follow driving lessons and do a theory and practical exam. On this page you can read how that works and what you need to do for it.

Welcome to Driving School VAN DER EIJK! We help refugees in the Netherlands to obtain their driving license. Whether you have just arrived in the Netherlands or have been living here for a while, we offer driving lessons in multiple languages ​​and support you during every step of the process. You can also contact us for theory books and online theory courses, so that you are optimally prepared for your theory exam.

How does it work?

1. To register: Please contact us to make an initial appointment. This can be done via the whatsapp, e-mail or the contact form on our website. We discuss your wishes, your language preference and plan an intake lesson.

2. Intake: After your first introduction by phone, Cherren will schedule an intake driving lesson with you. They will ensure that an interpreter is present during the lessons if necessary, so that you can understand everything well. During the intake you will meet your instructor, drive a car and discuss your wishes.

3. Taking practical lessons: During these lessons you will learn the basic skills of driving, such as shifting, steering and parking. But also how to participate safely in traffic. You will be guided by a driving instructor who sits next to you in the car.
   
   
4. Theory exam: This exam tests your knowledge of traffic signs, rules and situations, and your ability to assess dangerous situations. You usually take the exam after you have started your practical lessons. View our theory products here.
   
   

   It is not possible to take the theory exam for the driving license in a language other than Dutch. Do you have difficulty with the Dutch language? Then you can take the theory exam with an interpreter. During the exam you will be in a separate room together with an employee of the CBR and an interpreter.

   For the use of an interpreter, you pay the costs directly to the interpreting service. In addition, you pay extra for the individually supervised exam at the CBR. Arrange an interpreter here via the CBR.

5. Interim test: An interim test is a kind of mock exam. The test lasts as long as a driving test and you do the same things. This way you can get used to the exam situation. Afterwards you will receive tips from a CBR examiner.
   
   NB: From April 1, 2025, it is temporarily not possible to take an interim test for the car. This is necessary to reduce waiting times for practical exams. This way we ensure that you can take your exam faster. From July 2025 we will assess whether it is possible to take an interim test in some places.
   
6. Practical exam: If your driving instructor thinks you can drive well enough and you have passed your theory exam, given your authorization and filled in the health declaration, you can take the practical exam. The exam is requested by our driving school. This exam is administered by the Central Bureau for Driving Licences (CBR) in Leeuwarden. After the exam, you will be told immediately whether you have passed. After a positive result, you can apply for your driving license at the municipality.
   
   
7. Applying for a driving license:

   After you have passed, you will receive a result form from the CBR. This form states that you have passed and that you can apply for a driver's license. With the result form, you go to the town hall of the municipality where you are registered. There you apply for your driver's license. You need the following documents for the application:

   • A valid ID, such as a passport or identity card

   • A recent passport photo that complies with the official regulations

   • The result form of your practical exam. Usually the CBR sends this digitally to the driving school.

   After the application it usually takes 5 working days before your driver's license is ready. A driver's license costs money. How much you have to pay depends on the municipality, but costs about €50,-.
   

   What We Offer:
   • Experience with Refugees: We have experience working with refugees and know how to best tailor our services to different cultural backgrounds and language needs.
     
     
   • Personal Approach: We understand that learning a new skill like driving is not always easy, especially if you are in a different country, have experience driving but have learned different rules or don’t speak the language. Our instructors are patient, experienced and willing to work with you in a way that works for you.
   • Customized lesson packages: Whether you are a beginner or already have some driving experience, we will put together a lesson package that suits your learning needs and speed.
   • Flexible driving lessons: We understand that you may have a busy schedule. That is why we offer flexible lesson times that fit your situation. Driving lessons are given in Leeuwarden, Dokkum and surroundings.
   • Fast Flow: We ensure that you can obtain your driver's license in a smooth and efficient manner, so that you can quickly start driving in the Netherlands.
   Contact Us!Are you ready to start your driving lessons? Or do you have questions about how we can help you? Don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help you and make sure that you get the driving license that you need for a new start in the Netherlands!