Overview
The CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen) runs the driving exams in the Netherlands. This page covers the theory exam for the car licence, category B. It is a computer exam and is taken before the practical driving exam. The CBR pages used here are in Dutch.
Since 7 April 2025 the B theory exam has been a renewed single exam. It replaced the earlier set of separate knowledge, insight and hazard-recognition parts with one continuous exam, and the photo-based hazard test was dropped. The CBR says the new exam is neither easier nor harder than the old one, and that the content to study is the same.
Exam pattern
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions that count | 50, as one continuous exam |
| Extra questions | 2 test questions that do not count towards your result, so you answer 52 in total |
| Time | 30 minutes (standard) |
| Pass mark | At least 44 of the 50 correct (a maximum of 6 mistakes) |
| Question types | Includes short silent animation clips of real traffic situations that test how well you notice and predict hazards |
Two practice questions come before the exam to help you get used to the system.
Variants
Extra time exam: 45 minutes.
Individually guided exam: 45 minutes.
Exam with an interpreter, and an English-language car exam, are also offered.
Syllabus
The exam covers eight topics:
Using the road: position on the road, lane choice, overtaking, speed limits, stopping and parking.
Right of way and giving way.
Special roads, road sections, road users and manoeuvres, including motorways.
Driving the vehicle safely and reacting in emergencies.
Traffic signs and instructions, including signs, traffic lights, road markings and instructions from officers.
Responsible traffic participation and eco-driving.
Traffic law and vehicle documents.
Vehicle knowledge, including dashboard symbols and mirror use.
Marking and results
Results are shown straight after you finish. You receive one result for the whole exam.
Fees
For 2026 the CBR lists these theory exam fees:
| Exam | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Standard theory exam | 50.50 |
| With extra time | 64.00 (50.50 plus a 13.50 surcharge; the surcharge can be reclaimed within 14 days of the exam with a dyslexia statement) |
| In English | 57.00 |
| Individually guided exam, or exam with an interpreter | 118.50 each (interpreter costs are arranged and paid separately) |
The CBR lists the practical exam for the car at EUR 143.50 for 2026. Driving schools may charge their own extra fees.
How to apply
Reserve the exam yourself in Mijn CBR with a DigiD. You can also have your driving instructor reserve it after you authorise them.
Without a DigiD, you can send in a paper application form and wait for the CBR to confirm your exam date by email, which the CBR says can take up to three weeks.
The exam cannot be reserved by phone.
You can hold only one reservation for the same exam.
On exam day bring a valid identity document whose details match the municipal registry, and your reservation number. Arrive 15 minutes early. There is a security check and an ID check at the counter, and your belongings go in a locker.
After the exam
A pass is valid for 18 months from the day you pass. If you cannot finish the practical exam within that time, you must take the theory exam again. You may retake it from 3 months before your result expires.
Preparation tips
Study the eight topics and practise with animation-style hazard questions, because the exam now tests hazard perception inside the main exam.
Practise keeping to 30 minutes for 52 questions.
If you need extra time, ask for the variant when you reserve.
How many questions do I need to get right?
You need at least 44 of the 50 counted questions correct. The 2 test questions do not affect your result.
How long is my theory result valid?
18 months, starting on the day you pass.