Dutch Driving Theory Exam in English: How It Works
Can you take the Dutch driving theory exam in English? Yes, for cars. Cost, how to book, useful Dutch road words and tips for expats and students.
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Moving to the Netherlands and need a Dutch driving licence? You don’t have to pass the theory exam in Dutch. Here is how the English exam works and how to prepare for it.
Is the English exam the same as the Dutch one?
Yes. The CBR car theory exam in English has the same content, format and pass mark as the Dutch one: you answer 52 questions in 30 minutes, consisting of 50 scored questions and 2 unscored test questions. You need at least 44 of the 50 scored questions correct to pass. See the full exam guide for details.
Only the car (category B) exam can be taken in English without an interpreter. For other languages, or for motorcycle and moped exams, you need to book an exam with an interpreter.
What does it cost?
In 2026 the standard theory exam costs €50.50 and the English car exam costs €57.00. An exam with an interpreter costs €118.50, plus the interpreter’s fee. Check the CBR’s current fee information before booking.
How to book the English exam
- Get a DigiD. You need it to book through Mijn CBR. Request it early, because it can take several days.
- Log in to Mijn CBR and reserve a theory exam for the passenger car.
- Choose English as the exam language when you select the exam type.
- Pick a date and location and pay with iDEAL.
If you’d prefer, a driving school can book the exam for you after you authorise them. They may charge a small extra fee.
Do I need to exchange my foreign licence instead?
Depending on where your current licence was issued, you may be able to exchange it for a Dutch one without taking the exams. The rules depend on the country, so check this on the CBR and RDW websites before booking.
Dutch words worth learning
Even in the English exam, you will see real Dutch road signs and panels in the images. These words appear often:
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| voorrang | priority, right of way |
| kruispunt | intersection |
| rotonde | roundabout |
| fietspad | cycle path |
| bebouwde kom | built-up area |
| inhalen | to overtake |
| parkeren | to park |
| uitgezonderd | except |
| einde | end |
| verboden | prohibited |
Study tips for English speakers
- Learn the signs first. Most Dutch signs follow European conventions, but several are specific to the Netherlands. Our road signs guide covers the main groups.
- Take extra care with priority. The right-hand rule and Dutch markings such as shark teeth are very different from the UK or the US. Start with Dutch priority rules explained.
- Study cyclists and roundabouts. They’re everyday situations in the Netherlands and appear a lot on the exam. See driving around cyclists.
- Practise in the language you’ll sit the exam in. Use English practice questions so the wording is familiar on exam day.
Ready to start? Try the practice questions on Passing Theory.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the Dutch car theory exam in English?
Yes. The CBR car (category B) theory exam can be taken in English without an interpreter. The content is the same as the Dutch exam.
How much extra does the English theory exam cost?
The English exam has a surcharge of roughly 6.50 euros on top of the standard fee, which brings it to about 57 euros in 2026. Check cbr.nl for the current price.
Can I take the moped or motorcycle theory exam in English?
Only the car theory exam can be taken in English without an interpreter. For other categories or languages you need to book an exam with an interpreter, which costs more.
Do I need a DigiD to book the exam?
To book yourself through Mijn CBR you need a DigiD. Alternatively, a driving school can book it for you if you authorise them.