How do I apply for my first Dutch category B driving licence?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
After passing, apply for your first licence in person at the municipality where you are registered. First check the residence conditions and the validity of both CBR registrations. You may drive only after receiving the licence; extra conditions apply if you are under 18.
On this page
- Choose the first category B licence procedure
- Check residence and registration
- Check both CBR registrations
- At 17, arrange the accompanying driver pass first
- Prepare the appointment and costs
- Receive your licence before driving
- May I drive with my test result or application receipt?
- Documents to prepare
- Sources
1. Choose the first category B licence procedure
This guidance concerns your very first driving licence, category B, after the Dutch practical test. Apply in person at the municipality where you are registered, normally from the day after passing once the registrations are available. RDW’s online renewal procedure cannot be used. If you already hold a licence, such as AM, or need another category, an exchange of a foreign licence, a replacement for a lost licence or action after invalidation, ask the municipality which separate procedure applies.
RDW · Eerste rijbewijs aanvragen en andere procedures ↗
2. Check residence and registration
Registration in the BRP alone is insufficient. Under article 32 of the Driving Licence Regulations, you must live in the Netherlands on the application date and have lived here for at least 184 days in the immediately preceding year, or live here on the application date and have been enrolled for at least six months at a Dutch educational institution covered by that article. RDW summarises the ordinary residence condition as 185 days. It does not require 185 consecutive days of BRP registration. If you recently moved, study or stay abroad, ask the municipality in advance which rule and evidence apply. Also check the residence documents needed for a special immigration status; BRP registration does not establish that all issuance conditions are met.
3. Check both CBR registrations
CBR registers your driving ability and fitness to drive. When you apply, the driving ability registration must be no more than three years old and the fitness registration no more than one year old. Check the dates in Mijn CBR: a valid test result alone is insufficient. If fitness has expired, you need a new Health Declaration; if driving ability has expired, CBR requires new theory and practical tests. Ask CBR in good time what your situation requires. Submit medical information only through the designated CBR procedure.
Reglement rijbewijzen · Artikelen 32, 33 en 34 ↗
4. At 17, arrange the accompanying driver pass first
Are you 17? First have RDW approve your coaches, then complete the application for a begeleiderspas, the accompanying driver pass. You need not wait for the physical pass before applying for the licence, but the municipality must be able to see the required registration. Merely starting an application is insufficient. Until you turn 18, you may drive only in the Netherlands, with a coach listed on the pass beside you and both your licence and physical pass with you. From age 18 this supervision condition ends; you need not apply for another licence to drive alone if your licence remains valid.
Rijksoverheid · Eerste rijbewijs aanvragen ↗
5. Prepare the appointment and costs
Book the municipal appointment and bring a valid original identity document and a colour passport photo meeting the official requirements, no more than six months old. Bring any residence or enrolment evidence requested in advance. Check payment methods and current municipal fees. The licence, photo, accompanying driver pass and any medical assessment have separate costs. For an urgent application, ask about the cut-off time, actual collection date and surcharge. Municipal urgency does not automatically speed up an outstanding CBR assessment.
Rijksoverheid · Eerste rijbewijs aanvragen ↗
Reglement rijbewijzen · Artikelen 32, 33 en 34 ↗
Gemeente Eindhoven · Rijbewijs, documenten en lokale spoedroute ↗
6. Receive your licence before driving
Rijksoverheid normally states five working days, but local collection dates can differ: follow your municipality’s confirmation. Collect the licence personally within three months of applying, with the requested identity document and any collection receipt. If your municipality offers delivery, follow its official instructions. A test result or application receipt does not permit driving. Once received, check the category, validity and restrictions. Ask the municipality about applying or collection, CBR about registrations and RDW about the accompanying driver pass. Use the separate objection procedure to challenge a CBR decision. Our preparation tool organises your own checklist and submits nothing; do not upload identity or medical documents here.
Rijksoverheid · Eerste rijbewijs aanvragen ↗
CBR · Begeleiderspas en rijden vanaf 18 jaar ↗
Gemeente Eindhoven · Rijbewijs, documenten en lokale spoedroute ↗
May I drive with my test result or application receipt?
No. You must first receive your driving licence and meet its conditions. Until you turn 18, a coach listed on your accompanying driver pass must also sit beside you, you must carry both documents and you may drive only in the Netherlands.
Documents to prepare
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Correct procedure: first category B licence; Municipality, residence period and any education or immigration evidence
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- Correct procedure: first category B licence; Municipality, residence period and any education or immigration evidence
- Driving ability and fitness dates in Mijn CBR
- At 17: coaches and registered accompanying pass application
- Valid identity document and recent compliant colour passport photo
- Appointment, payment method, current fees and any urgency conditions
- Collection date and deadline; drive only after receiving the licence
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RDW · Eerste rijbewijs aanvragen en andere procedures ↗RDW · Hoe werkt het halen van een rijbewijs ↗Rijksoverheid · Eerste rijbewijs aanvragen ↗Reglement rijbewijzen · Artikelen 32, 33 en 34 ↗CBR · Hoeveel tijd heb ik om mijn rijbewijs aan te vragen ↗RDW · Begeleid rijden ↗CBR · Begeleiderspas en rijden vanaf 18 jaar ↗Gemeente Eindhoven · Rijbewijs, documenten en lokale spoedroute ↗Gemeente Rotterdam · Eerste rijbewijs aanvragen ↗RDW · Gezondheidsverklaring aanvragen ↗Rijksoverheid · Officiële pasfoto-eisen ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.