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 you obtained it. 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.
- Drive Dutch is also a resource that helps international students navigate getting a Dutch driver’s license with guides, tips, and resources.
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. After this, you will have to take driving classes and a driving test. Check the RDW website for more information about driver’s licences in the Netherlands.
