Happy kandidate who passed

Who is Arrive & Drive™ for?

Arrive & Drive™ is for expats and internationals in the Netherlands who:

  • Have a driver’s license from a (non-EU) country
  • Want to obtain a Dutch driver’s license
  • Prefer to save time and follow a structured, efficient route to success (really!)
  • For 30%-ruling expats seeking more confidence and safety on Dutch roads

The steps of Arrive & drive™

Prepare

Dutch theory

You can only participate in the Arrive & Drive program if you have passed the theoretical driving exam

Haven’t passed yet? We’re happy to help you get ready!

More information

Step 1

Take a 60-minute intake test

Sign up for Arrive & Drive™, take a 60-minute Intake test that replicates the Dutch practical exam, and pass your CBR theory exam.

After your intake, you’ll receive a personalized assessment highlighting the skills and driving habits you’ll need to improve during your practical lessons.

Sign up for Intake test

Step 2

One-day driving training course

A one-day driving training at our location, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, focused on aligning your driving skills and awareness with Dutch standards.

We’ll help you sharpen your car control and eliminate common mistakes that often lead to failing.
Many expats shift gears too often, brake unnecessarily, steer with one hand, or ride the clutch through corners. Other frequent issues include cutting left turns, accelerating too slowly, or rushing into unclear situations, and missing mirror or blind spot checks.

Step 3

Complete at least 3 driving lessons

Follow at least 3 driving lessons in the exam area to fine-tune your technique and get comfortable with the Dutch road system.

Based on your intake results, additional lessons may be recommended.
If needed, we’ll schedule them as efficiently as possible to match your availability.

Step 4

Take your practical driving exam

Take your practical driving exam and get your license!

Your exam can be scheduled immediately after your final driving lesson on public roads, so everything is still fresh in your mind. This way, you go straight from practice to performance with minimal stress and maximum focus.

FAQ & Tips

FAQ

Who is the Arrive & Drive™ program suitable for?

If you are going to live (temporary) in the Netherlands as an non-EU expat/international, you can continue to drive with your foreign driver's license for another 185 days.
You then need a Dutch driver's license. For this you will have to take both a theory and a practical exam at the CBR. For this you need registration in the Population Register of Persons (BRP).

Exeptions

In some cases, you may immediately exchange your foreign driver's license for a Dutch driver's license, without taking the driving test again. You can find more information about exchanging foreign driving licenses on the RDW website.


I've been living in the Netherlands for a while. Can I still join Arrive & Drive™?

Yes — even if you've lived in the Netherlands for over 185 days and haven’t driven since, you’re welcome to join. Our program helps you refresh your skills and get exam-ready, step by step.

Note: If you haven’t driven for several years, don’t expect to pass within one week. During the Intake test, we assess whether the Arrive & Drive™ program is suitable for you.

I haven't driven a car in a while. Is this crash course also for me?

Yes. But keep in mind that you will probably need (a few) more driving lessons on Dutch public roads.

The minimum requirement is that your vehicle control is fully automated — in other words, your steering, shifting and use of pedals must be smooth and natural.

Any habits that may have developed over time — like taking corners with the clutch pressed — will be corrected during the program.

I've already taken a practical driving exam with another driving school. Is the Arrive & Drive™ crash course still suitable for me?

Absolutely.

If your previous instructor scheduled your exam prematurely—or if you insisted on taking it before you were fully prepared—we'll offer you a fresh start if needed.

Our focus is on rebuilding your confidence and ensuring you clearly understand what's expected during the CBR practical exam. This time, you'll be thoroughly prepared.

Can every expat/international from any country succeed with the Arrive & Drive™ program?

Expats/internationals with sufficient driving experience in countries with a similar infrastructure (and mentality!) as The Netherlands can almost always complete the program in as little as one week. An additional advantage is if you have used (most) the first 185 days to get used to Dutch traffic and infrastructure.

Sometimes, if you have sufficient driving experience but have a foreign driver's license from a country that is not comparable in terms of infrastructure to The Netherlands, you may need additional lessons and a CBR mock exam.

This way you can still pass the practical exam the first time in the short term.

NOTE!
Knowing and applying priority rules is the most underestimated factor when it comes to quickly obtaining your Dutch driving license.

Are there big differences in driving levels between expats and internationals?

Yes, absolutely. Driving levels vary greatly depending on the country where the foreign license was obtained.

Differences in infrastructure, vehicle control, traffic rules, and overall traffic mentality all influence how many additional driving lessons or a mock exam might be needed before passing the Dutch practical exam.

The Netherlands may be a small country in size, but it has a dense and complex traffic environment with a wide variety of road users. Every day, 8 million vehicles make use of our compact road network. On top of that, we have the longest network of bicycle lanes in the world.

To move everyone safely from A to B(etter), Dutch traffic is highly structured and well-organised. We drive not only for our own safety, but also with consideration for others. Let’s be an example to one another.

At Arrive & Drive™, we believe that if every driver continued to drive the way they were originally taught, at least 80% of traffic accidents every year could be avoided. Unfortunately, that’s not the case — but if no one sets the right example, who will?

What is the success rate of the Arrive & Drive™ program?

83% of all Arrive & Drive™ students pass the CBR practical exam on their first attempt.

When you follow our advice closely, this success rate increases to 96%!

Tips

Why do I have to do an Intake prior to the Arrive & Drive program?

Our intake is comparable to the practical exam at the CBR. All exam components are covered during this ride.

This way we can assess whether you can pass the Dutch practical exam in as little as a week with the help of our program. Or that you need a number of more driving lessons and/or a mock exam at the CBR.

Should I pass the theory exam before doing the Intake test?

Yes, we recommend that you pass the theory exam before taking the Intake test.

A solid understanding of traffic rules and right-of-way principles is essential for effective driving. By completing the theory exam beforehand, you'll be better prepared to apply this knowledge during your practical lessons and the Intake Test.

This approach not only enhances your confidence but also allows us to tailor the Arrive & Drive™ programme more effectively to your needs.

If you'd like assistance in preparing for the theory exam, feel free to ask!


Already passed it?

Great! But double-check that you still know the (priority) rules, it really pays off during your Intake.

Knowing and applying priority rules is the most underestimated factor when it comes to quickly obtaining your Dutch driving license.

What is anticipation/anticipatory driving behavior?

Anticipatory driving behaviour is essential for safe driving—and it's also a key factor in passing your practical exam at the CBR.

Anticipation means proactively assessing traffic situations, predicting potential hazards, and adjusting your driving accordingly. This skill not only enhances safety but also demonstrates to the examiner that you are a competent and responsible driver.

During the CBR practical exam, examiners pay close attention to your ability to anticipate and respond to dynamic traffic conditions. Effective anticipation can make the difference between passing and failing.

Using all mirrors consistantly while driving in car is also free of costs at LesDirect.



What are common mistakes that can lead to failing the practical exam?

During the Intake and mock exam, we often see the following mistakes:

• Braking too often without reason
• ↪️ Taking turns too wide or cutting left corners
• Taking too long to return to the maximum speed
• Approaching unclear situations too quickly
• Poor observation when swerving or performing manoeuvres
• Not yielding correctly in right-of-way situations
• Difficulty applying theory in real traffic
• Inconsistent mirror use and blind spot checks
• Tension while driving, affecting decisions and performance

If I take the CBR Practical Exam in a manual car and pass, can I also drive an automatic car?

Yes that is allowed. If you pass the CBR Practical Exam B in a manual car, you are allowed to drive a manual car, automatic/electric car.

If you pass your driving test in an automatic car, your licence will be restricted to automatic vehicles only (indicated by code 78).
This means you are not permitted to drive a manual (stick-shift) car.

However, you can upgrade your licence to include manual vehicles at any time. To do this, you'll need to take and pass a practical driving test in a manual car. There's no need to retake the theory exam. Once you pass the manual practical test, the restriction will be removed, allowing you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.

This flexibility enables you to start driving sooner with an automatic licence and, if desired, expand your driving capabilities later on.

I have been advised to take a Mock exam following my intake assessment. What is the CBR mock exam — and why is it useful?

The CBR mock exam is a practice driving exam offered by the CBR.

A mock exam is a practical driving exam conducted by a CBR examiner. It mirrors the actual driving test, providing a realistic experience without the pressure of passing or failing. This test is not mandatory but is highly recommended for several reasons:

  • Familiarisation: It helps you become accustomed to the test environment and procedures.

  • Feedback: The examiner provides valuable insights into your driving skills, highlighting areas that need improvement.

  • Exemptions: If you perform special manoeuvres correctly during the TTT, you may be exempted from repeating them in your actual driving test.

Research indicates that taking a TTT can increase your chances of passing the final driving test by up to 20%. 

It will reduce stress and boost your confidence.

Or to help you understand what is expected of you during the actual exam.

What can I expect during the mock exam at the CBR?

A CBR examiner will assess your driving skills based on the same criteria as the final exam. Your driving instructor joins you in the car, so you’ll both get a clear picture of what still needs improvement before the real test.

Can I skip certain parts of the real exam if I do well?

es! If you perform the special manoeuvres (such as parking or turning) correctly during your mock exam, you’ll receive an exemption for these parts during your actual practical exam. One less thing to worry about!

If I fail the practical exam. How soon can I take the exam again?

According to the CBR regulations, you can take your first re-examination after at least two weeks. Depending if you have had followed our advise we can schedule your re-take also directly after two weeks.

Otherwise, you will still have to follow our advise first before you may do a re-take as soon as possible.

Which parts are examined during the CBR practical driving test?

The examiner will assess the following 7 key areas:

  1. Moving off

  2. Driving on straight and curved roads

  3. Handling intersections

  4. Merging and exiting

  5. Overtaking and changing lanes

  6. Special road sections such as roundabouts

  7. Special manoeuvres*

*If not already exempted during your mock exam.

Do I take the practical exam at the CBR in the same car as during my course?

Yes, you take the practical exam in the same car that you use during your driving training on public roads.

On your first training day, you'll drive different cars. This helps improve overall vehicle control and, in the case of manual transmission, develop a better feel for clutch control.

What are the minimum requirements to take the practical exam in as little as one week?

A practical exam can be scheduled within approximately one week if:

  1. You have passed the theory exam and your knowledge (especially of priority rules) is fully up to standard;

  2. Your intake test shows that the standard program is sufficient for you;

  3. Your intake test shows that the standard program plus a maximum of 3 to 4 additional driving hours is sufficient;

  4. You are fully available at the exam location where capacity is currently available.

Waiting times are long. How fast can I do my exam after my first training day?

In the fastest scenario, where the standard program meets your needs, we can schedule an exam date within one week after your start date.
If you need a few more lessons and you're flexible, it's still possible to complete the process in about a week.

Note:
If you need more than 7 driving hours after the initial one-day training, expect the process to take a bit longer than one week.

Should I choose manual or automatic when signing up?

Make sure to choose the right category: manual or automatic.
If you haven’t driven a manual car for a while, it's best to choose automatic.

Switching back to manual often takes more time and effort than expected. If you're unsure, automatic may be the smarter and more efficient choice — especially if your goal is to get your Dutch license quickly and with confidence.

Note:
To speed up the process toward your Dutch driving license, you can first pass the practical exam in an automatic car.
After gaining a few weeks or months of driving experience in the Netherlands, you can return for a few manual lessons and retake the exam in a manual  car — allowing you to drive both.

In what type of car can I take the course?

The Arrive & Drive™ program has manual, automatic transmission and electric cars available.


In which cities can I join the Arrive & Drive™ program?

We welcome expats and internationals from all over the Netherlands.
Pickup starts from the central NS stations in Eindhoven, Venlo, or Maastricht.

I do not live in the Eindhoven, Venlo or Maastricht area. Can I still participate in the Arrive & Drive program?

Of course! Expats living throughout the Netherlands know where to find us!

We have a pick-up and delivery service from Eindhoven, Venlo or Maastricht Central Station. We can also arrange an overnight stay if desired.


Where does the one-day driving skills training take place, and how long does it last?

The one-day training focused on driving skills and insight takes place at our RBWE Driving Skills Center, located at the paddock of Motorsport Circuit Raceway, Peelweg 47, Ysselsteyn.
The training runs from 10:00 to 17:00.

  • The session is led by a certified driving ability expert

  • Lunch, drinks, and a positive learning environment are included

If you're arriving by car, you're welcome on site from 10:00 AM.
When you enter the premises, you can park your car about 500 meters further on the right-hand side along the fence.
Our reception area will be on your left-hand side.

Are the lessons (only) in English?

Absolutely! All lessons are conducted in English to ensure clear communication.


I’ve had a license before, can I get a Dutch license in as little as one week?

Not always – it depends on your recent driving experience.
If you haven’t driven regularly for several years — especially while living in the Netherlands — it’s unrealistic to expect to pass your Dutch driving exam in as little as a week.

Even with prior experience, driving in the Netherlands has its own rules and challenges. That’s why we always recommend a proper intake to get you fully prepared and confident.