To drive in the Netherlands you must be at least 18-years-old. In addition to a valid drivers licence you should always carry your insurance and vehicle documents with you as well as a valid identification or passport. Driving in the Netherlands is fairly easy with short distances and well-maintained highways connecting all of the major cities. The Dutch drive on the right-side of the road as is the case with the majority of the European countries.
Maastricht’s city policy is focused on a car-free city centre meaning that many streets in the city are not accessible by car. This makes biking much more efficient for students.
Driver’s licence
- You need a valid driver’s licence to drive in the Netherlands. Whether your foreign driver’s licence is valid, depends on where and when your driver’s licence. Check the RDW-website for information on driving with a foreign driving licence. You may first drive temporarily in the Netherlands. After that, you must exchange the driving licence through your municipality or pass your driving exams in the Netherlands.
Check the conditions for exchanging your driver’s licence
- First check the conditions for exchanging a driver’s licence issued outside the Netherlands
- If you do meet the conditions for exchanging a driver’s licence issued outside of the Netherlands, make an appointment (select ‘Buitenlands rijbewijs omzetten’) and apply for the exchange of your driver’s licence at the municipal service desk.
- If you don’t meet the conditions for exchanging a driver’s licence issued outside the Netherlands, you must take the driving theory and practical exams through the CBR (in Dutch).
If you do not have a driver’s licence at all, it is possible to take driving lessons at a driving school. First, you need to pass a theory test. It takes around 40 driving lessons before you can take the driving test. Check the RDW website for more information about driver’s licences in the Netherlands.
