A gentle start
A posted speed limit is a maximum. Choose a lower speed when the situation calls for it.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 62 / sign A1
Dutch terms
- maximumsnelheid maximum speed
- bebouwde kom built-up area
The Dutch car theory exam in English: a free study guide
This guide explains the CBR car theory exam for a car licence (category B) in plain English. It gives the 24 rules from the Drive Town lessons and 115 Dutch exam terms with their English meaning.
Read the facts first. Then practise the rules in the free Drive Town game.
Drive Town is an independent project. It is not made by or linked to CBR.
The exam at a glance
| Item | Fact | Source (CBR) |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 50 questions that count, plus 2 test questions that do not count | Hoe gaat het theorie-examen auto? |
| Time | 30 minutes (45 minutes with extra time or an individual exam) | Hoe gaat het theorie-examen auto? |
| To pass | At least 44 of 50 correct | Hoe gaat het theorie-examen auto? |
| Topics | 8 | Onderwerpen en onderdelen van het theorie-examen |
| Question types | 6 | Wat voor vragen krijg je tijdens je theorie-examen auto? |
| Animations | Some questions show a short animation without sound | Vernieuwd theorie-examen B-rijbewijs vanaf 7 april |
| Result | You see it at once | Hoe gaat het theorie-examen auto? |
What changed on 7 April 2025
Before 7 April 2025, the exam had 65 questions in three parts: hazard perception (25 questions), knowledge (12 questions) and insight (28 questions).
Now the exam has 50 questions, and you get one result for the whole exam.
The separate photo-based hazard-perception part is gone. Animations are now part of the questions.
CBR says that the level and the content of the exam stay the same.
Source: Vernieuwd theorie-examen B-rijbewijs vanaf 7 april (CBR)
Taking the exam in English
CBR offers the car theory exam in Dutch and in English. You can also take each of them with extra time.
Six terms stay in Dutch in the English exam:
- APK (vehicle test)
- autoweg (road for motor vehicles)
- brommobiel
- erf
- snorfiets (light moped)
- speed pedelec
For another language, you book and pay an official interpreter yourself. Do this at least 14 days before the exam.
Sources: Welk theorie-examen voor de auto past bij jou? (CBR); Theorie-examenplan voor de auto (CBR)
Age, booking, price and validity
- Age
You can take the theory exam from age 16. You can take driving lessons from age 16.5 and the practical exam from age 17.
Source: Hoe oud moet ik zijn voor ik rijles mag nemen en rijexamen mag doen voor mijn autorijbewijs? (Rijksoverheid)
- Booking
Book the exam in Mijn CBR. You log in with DigiD. Without DigiD, use the paper form.
Your driving school can book the exam for you after you authorise it in Mijn CBR. Bring a valid ID to the exam.
Source: Je theorie-examen auto aanvragen (CBR)
- Price
In 2026, the exam costs EUR 50.50 in Dutch and EUR 57.00 in English. Extra time costs EUR 13.50 more.
CBR has announced the 2027 prices: EUR 52.20 in Dutch and EUR 59.00 in English, subject to change.
Sources: Tarieven 2026 (CBR); Tarieven 2027 (CBR)
- Validity
Your practical exam must be within 1.5 years of your theory pass. Check the date in Mijn CBR.
Source: Reglement rijbewijzen, artikel 67d (wetten.overheid.nl)
The 8 exam topics
The topic names come from CBR (in Dutch). CBR does not give a number of questions for each topic. The numbers show the questions of the Drive Town practice bank: 193 in total.
| CBR topic (Dutch) | English | Drive Town questions |
|---|---|---|
| Gebruik van de weg | Road use | 36 |
| Voorrang en voor laten gaan | Priority | 38 |
| Bijzondere wegen, weggedeelten, weggebruikers en manoeuvres | Special roads and manoeuvres | 37 |
| Veilig rijden met het voertuig en reageren in noodsituaties | Safe driving and emergencies | 12 |
| Verkeerstekens en aanwijzingen | Signs and instructions | 40 |
| Verantwoorde verkeersdeelname en milieubewust rijden | Responsible and economical driving | 14 |
| Wetgeving | Law | 8 |
| Voertuigkennis | Vehicle knowledge | 8 |
| Total | 193 |
Sources: Onderwerpen en onderdelen van het theorie-examen (CBR); Theorie-examenplan voor de auto (CBR)
24 rules to know, in 7 chapters
Each Drive Town lesson practises one rule. The reference gives the article of the RVV 1990 (the Dutch traffic rules) or another source. The Dutch terms link to the list of terms below.
Chapter 01: Bakery run
Someone on your right
At an equal-priority junction, yield to drivers approaching from your right. Signs and specific exceptions can change this.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 15
People come first
Let pedestrians who are crossing, or clearly about to cross, a zebra crossing go first.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 49
Dutch terms
- zebrapad zebra crossing
- voor laten gaan let go first
One last look
When turning, yield to traffic continuing on the same road beside or close behind you. Indicate your turn.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 18 and 55
Dutch terms
- afslaan turn
- richtingaanwijzer indicator
- voor laten gaan let go first
Made it to the bakery
During a special manoeuvre such as parking, yield to all other traffic.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 54
Dutch terms
- parkeerhaven parking bay
- richtingaanwijzer indicator
Chapter 02: Signs & signals
A light to listen to
Red means stop. Green permits you to continue; check that you can proceed safely without blocking the junction.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 68 and 14
Dutch terms
- verkeerslicht traffic light
- stopstreep stop line
A proper full stop
At sign B7, stop and give priority to drivers on the crossing road. Stopping alone does not give you priority.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 62 / sign B7
Dutch terms
- stopstreep stop line
- voorrang verlenen give way
The triangle has a say
The B6 yield sign and white triangular road markings (shark teeth) require you to give priority to drivers on the crossing road. Unlike STOP, they do not always require a full stop.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 62, 80 / sign B6
Dutch terms
- haaientanden shark teeth
- voorrang verlenen give way
- kruispunt junction
A quieter street ahead
A1 sets the maximum speed. Reach a lower posted limit by its sign, and choose an even lower speed when conditions require it.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 62 / sign A1
Dutch terms
- maximumsnelheid maximum speed
- bebouwde kom built-up area
Chapter 03: Sharing the road
Room for the bus
Inside a built-up area, drivers must give a bus room to leave its stop when its indicator shows that intention. Keep checking the road before following.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 56
Dutch terms
- bushalte bus stop
- bebouwde kom built-up area
One car at a time
At F5, give priority to oncoming traffic. F6 is the blue sign granting priority over oncoming vehicles; either sign still requires a safe, clear passage.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 62 / signs F5 and F6
Dutch terms
- tegemoetkomende bestuurders oncoming drivers
- voor laten gaan let go first
Wait beyond the train
Wait at flashing red railway lights and closed or moving barriers. Give trains priority; enter only when you can clear the whole crossing immediately.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 15a, 71 / ProRail (ProRail guidance, not law)
Dutch terms
- overweg level crossing
Chapter 04: Roundabouts
Traffic on the roundabout first
Most Dutch roundabouts have a give-way sign and shark teeth on each entry: traffic already on the roundabout has priority. Without signs or markings, the general rule applies and traffic from the right goes first.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 15, 62 and 80 / signs B6 and D1
Dutch terms
- rotonde roundabout
- haaientanden shark teeth
- voorrang verlenen give way
Say where you are going
Leaving a roundabout is a change of direction: signal right in good time before you exit. Going straight on, no signal is needed on entry.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 55
Dutch terms
- rotonde roundabout
- richtingaanwijzer indicator
Cyclists around the roundabout
A cycle path close around a roundabout counts as part of it: drivers leaving give way to cyclists on it. Shark teeth or signs on the cycle path can change this, so read them.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 18 and 55 · ANWB roundabout guidance (ANWB guidance, not law)
Dutch terms
- rotonde roundabout
- fietspad cycle path
- voorrang verlenen give way
Chapter 05: Merging
Take turns
When two lanes become one, drivers in the ending lane drive on and merge near the end. A driver in the continuing lane may let one car in. This is courtesy, not a duty of the law. The CBR examiner expects you to give merging traffic the chance when a road narrows. The driver who changes lane lets other traffic go first (Article 54).
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 54, 55 and 77
Dutch terms
- ritsen zipper merge
- einde rijstrook end of lane
- voor laten gaan let go first
Join the road
Traffic on the main road goes first. Use the lane to match its speed. Signal, then merge in one smooth move. To merge before the lane ends is a safe-driving habit from the CBR driving procedure, not an article.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 1, 54 and 55
Dutch terms
- invoegstrook acceleration lane
- invoegen merge
- voor laten gaan let go first
Make room
A merging driver lets you go first (Article 54). A careful driver still slows down early to help a merger who cannot merge. This is a safe-driving habit, not a rule of the law. If the driver can merge, keep your lane and speed.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 54
Dutch terms
- invoegstrook acceleration lane
- voor laten gaan let go first
Chapter 06: Lights & sirens
The light turns amber
Amber means stop, unless you can no longer stop in a safe way. The law word is redelijkerwijs: in a reasonable way. Your speed and the distance to the stop line decide this.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 68
Dutch terms
- geel licht amber light
- verkeerslicht traffic light
- stopstreep stop line
Make way
A priority vehicle uses a blue flashing light and a two-tone horn. All road users let its driver go first (Article 50). Article 50 names no exception for a green light.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Article 50
Dutch terms
- voorrangsvoertuig priority vehicle
- voor laten gaan let go first
- tweetonige hoorn two-tone horn
Who ranks first?
An instruction from a police officer ranks above signs, lights and rules (Articles 82 and 84). A traffic light ranks above a priority sign (Article 64).
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 64, 82 and 84
Dutch terms
- aanwijzing instruction
- rangorde order of rank
- verkeerslicht traffic light
Chapter 07: Trams & bikes
Trams and passengers
A tram has priority at a junction. You give way to it, also when it comes from the left (Article 15). When a tram stands at a stop, give the passengers the chance to get on and off (Article 52). You may pass a tram on the right (Article 11).
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 15 and 52
Dutch terms
- tram tram
- tramhalte tram stop
- voorrang verlenen give way
Cyclists and the strip
A cycle strip with a solid line is for cyclists, light mopeds and disabled-person vehicles (Article 10 paragraph 2 and Article 2b). Do not let your car stand still on a cycle strip (Article 23). Two cyclists may ride side by side (Article 3 paragraph 2). A snorfiets may not.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 10 and 23
Dutch terms
- fietsstrook cycle strip
- bromfiets moped
- snorfiets light moped
Overtaking
Overtake on the left (Article 11). Do not overtake just before or on a zebra crossing (Article 12). Do not cross a solid line between lanes (Article 76 paragraph 1). A broken line on your side may be crossed (Article 76 paragraph 2 part b). Be able to stop within the distance that is free (Article 19). An oncoming car takes that distance. Show your indicator before you move out (Article 55). Sign F1 bans motor vehicles from passing each other. A cyclist is not a motor vehicle, so you may pass it if the other rules allow.
Reference: RVV 1990 · Articles 11, 12, 19, 55 and 76
Dutch terms
- inhalen overtake
- doorgetrokken streep solid line
- zebrapad zebra crossing
Hazard practice (former CBR format)
Drive Town has 61 short hazard clips. One hazard test shows 25 of them. For each clip, you choose Brake, Release accelerator or Do nothing.
The clips follow the format of the former CBR hazard-perception part (gevaarherkenning), which CBR used until 6 April 2025. They are original 3D scenes, not CBR material. The exam today has no separate hazard part, but the animation questions also test what you expect to happen next.
How to practise with Drive Town
- Guided mode gives you prompts from a driving coach. Independent mode changes the traffic timing and gives no safety prompts until you ask for a hint.
- The mock exam has 50 questions in 30 minutes, with a pass at 44. It uses 193 original questions of 6 question types.
- The result shows your weak topics. Choose "Practise lessons" to practise the lessons of a weak topic, or "Drill: 10 questions" to drill one topic.
- Your progress stays only in your browser.
- The questions are original. They are not CBR exam questions.
- A practice result does not predict your result in the real exam.
Dutch exam terms in English (115)
All 115 Dutch terms of Drive Town, A to Z, with the English word. The last column shows the lessons that use a term. "Mock exam" means that no lesson uses it, but mock exam questions ask about it. "Word list only" means that no lesson or question uses it yet.
| Dutch | English | Used in |
|---|---|---|
| aanhangwagen | trailer | Mock exam |
| aanwijzing | instruction | |
| achterlicht | rear light | Mock exam |
| adviessnelheid | advised speed | Mock exam |
| afleiding | distraction | Mock exam |
| afslaan | turn | |
| airbag | airbag | Mock exam |
| antiblokkeersysteem | anti-lock braking system (ABS) | Mock exam |
| APK | vehicle test | Mock exam |
| autosnelweg | motorway | Mock exam |
| autoweg | road for motor vehicles | Mock exam |
| bebouwde kom | built-up area | |
| begeleiderspas | coach pass | Mock exam |
| beginnend bestuurder | beginning driver | Mock exam |
| blokmarkering | block marking | Word list only |
| bromfiets | moped | |
| buitenspiegel | outside mirror | Mock exam |
| bushalte | bus stop | |
| claxon | horn | Mock exam |
| cruisecontrole | cruise control | Mock exam |
| dimlicht | dipped headlights | Mock exam |
| doorgetrokken streep | solid line | |
| einde inhaalverbod | end of overtaking ban | Mock exam |
| einde rijstrook | end of lane | |
| einde voorrangsweg | end of priority road | Mock exam |
| fietsers en bromfietsers | cyclists and moped riders | Mock exam |
| fietspad | cycle path | |
| fietsstrook | cycle strip | |
| Gas loslaten | release the accelerator | Mock exam |
| geel licht | amber light | |
| gehandicaptenvoertuig | disabled-person vehicle | Mock exam |
| gesloten in deze richting | closed in this direction | Mock exam |
| gesloten voor fietsen | closed to bicycles | Mock exam |
| gesloten voor motorvoertuigen | closed to motor vehicles | Mock exam |
| gesloten voor voertuigen | closed to vehicles | Mock exam |
| gesloten voor voetgangers | closed to pedestrians | Mock exam |
| gevaarherkenning | hazard perception | Word list only |
| gevarendriehoek | warning triangle | Mock exam |
| grootlicht | main beam | Mock exam |
| haaientanden | shark teeth | |
| inhaalverbod | overtaking ban | Mock exam |
| inhalen | overtake | |
| invoegen | merge | |
| invoegstrook | acceleration lane | |
| ja | yes | Mock exam |
| kenteken | registration number | Mock exam |
| kentekenbewijs | registration document | Mock exam |
| kinderbeveiligingssysteem | child restraint system | Mock exam |
| kruispunt | junction | |
| kwetsbare weggebruikers | vulnerable road users | Mock exam |
| lading | load | Mock exam |
| maximumsnelheid | maximum speed | |
| medicijnen | medicines | Mock exam |
| milieubewust rijden | environment-aware driving | Mock exam |
| mistachterlicht | rear fog lamp | Mock exam |
| mistlamp | fog lamp | Word list only |
| mobiel elektronisch apparaat | mobile electronic device | Mock exam |
| nee | no | Mock exam |
| nullimiet | zero limit | Mock exam |
| onderbroken streep | broken line | Mock exam |
| ongeval | accident | Mock exam |
| onnodig geluid | unnecessary noise | Mock exam |
| onverplicht fietspad | optional cycle path | Mock exam |
| overweg | level crossing | |
| parkeerhaven | parking bay | |
| parkeerverbod | no parking | Mock exam |
| profieldiepte | tread depth | Mock exam |
| promille | per mille | Mock exam |
| rangorde | order of rank | |
| rechts houden | keep right | Mock exam |
| Remmen | brake | Mock exam |
| richtingaanwijzer | indicator | |
| rijbaanversmalling | road narrows | Mock exam |
| rijbewijs | driving licence | Mock exam |
| rijhulpsysteem | driver assistance system | Mock exam |
| rijstrook | lane | Mock exam |
| ritsen | zipper merge | |
| rood licht | red light | Word list only |
| rotonde | roundabout | |
| ruimtekussen | space cushion | Mock exam |
| slepen | tow | Mock exam |
| slippen | skid | Mock exam |
| snorfiets | light moped | |
| stop | stop and give way | Mock exam |
| stopstreep | stop line | |
| stopverbod | no stopping | Mock exam |
| tegemoetkomende bestuurders | oncoming drivers | |
| tram | tram | |
| tramhalte | tram stop | |
| tweetonige hoorn | two-tone horn | |
| uitrit | driveway exit | Mock exam |
| veiligheidsgordel | seat belt | Mock exam |
| verdrijvingsvlak | hatched area | Mock exam |
| verkeersbord | traffic sign | Word list only |
| verkeerslicht | traffic light | |
| verkeersregelaar | traffic controller | Mock exam |
| verleen voorrang | give way | Mock exam |
| vermoeid | tired | Mock exam |
| verplicht fietspad | mandatory cycle path | Mock exam |
| verzekering | insurance | Mock exam |
| vluchtheuvel | traffic island | Word list only |
| vluchtstrook | hard shoulder | Mock exam |
| voetgangersoversteekplaats | pedestrian crossing | Mock exam |
| volgafstand | following distance | Mock exam |
| voor laten gaan | let go first | |
| voorrang | priority (right of way) | |
| voorrang op tegenliggers | priority over oncoming traffic | Mock exam |
| voorrang verlenen | give way | |
| voorrangsvoertuig | priority vehicle | |
| voorrangsweg | priority road | Mock exam |
| voorsorteren | preselect | Mock exam |
| WA-verzekering | liability insurance | Mock exam |
| waarschuwingsknipperlichten | hazard warning lights | Mock exam |
| Wegenverkeerswet | Road Traffic Act | Mock exam |
| zebrapad | zebra crossing |
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the Dutch car theory exam in English?
Yes. CBR offers the car theory exam in English, with the same 30 minutes. Six terms stay in Dutch: APK, autoweg, brommobiel, erf, snorfiets and speed pedelec. For other languages, you book an official interpreter yourself.
Sources: Welk theorie-examen voor de auto past bij jou? (CBR); Theorie-examenplan voor de auto (CBR)
How many questions are there, and how many must I get right?
The exam has 50 questions that count, plus 2 test questions that do not count. You have 30 minutes. You must answer at least 44 correctly.
Source: Hoe gaat het theorie-examen auto? (CBR)
Is there still a separate hazard perception test?
No. Since 7 April 2025, the separate photo-based part is gone. Some questions show a short animation without sound, and you get one result for the whole exam.
Source: Vernieuwd theorie-examen B-rijbewijs vanaf 7 april (CBR)
How much does the theory exam cost?
In 2026, the exam costs EUR 50.50 in Dutch and EUR 57.00 in English. CBR has announced EUR 52.20 and EUR 59.00 for 2027, subject to change.
Sources: Tarieven 2026 (CBR); Tarieven 2027 (CBR)
How old must I be?
You can take the theory exam from age 16.
Source: Hoe oud moet ik zijn voor ik rijles mag nemen en rijexamen mag doen voor mijn autorijbewijs? (Rijksoverheid)
How long is a theory pass valid?
Your practical exam must be within 1.5 years of your theory pass. Check the date in Mijn CBR.
Source: Reglement rijbewijzen, artikel 67d (wetten.overheid.nl)
How do I book the exam?
Log in to Mijn CBR with DigiD. Without DigiD, use the paper form. Your driving school can book it after you authorise it in Mijn CBR. Bring a valid ID.
Source: Je theorie-examen auto aanvragen (CBR)
Does CBR give free practice questions?
CBR shows sample questions on its website, in Dutch only, and does not sell theory books. Drive Town is a free practice game with original questions.
Source: Zo leer en oefen je voor je theorie-examen (CBR)
Sources
- CBR: Hoe gaat het theorie-examen auto?
- CBR: Wat voor vragen krijg je tijdens je theorie-examen auto?
- CBR: Onderwerpen en onderdelen van het theorie-examen
- CBR: Vernieuwd theorie-examen B-rijbewijs vanaf 7 april
- CBR: Welk theorie-examen voor de auto past bij jou?
- CBR: Theorie-examenplan voor de auto
- Rijksoverheid: Hoe oud moet ik zijn voor ik rijles mag nemen en rijexamen mag doen voor mijn autorijbewijs?
- CBR: Je theorie-examen auto aanvragen
- CBR: Tarieven 2026
- CBR: Tarieven 2027
- wetten.overheid.nl: Reglement rijbewijzen, artikel 67d
- CBR: Zo leer en oefen je voor je theorie-examen
- wetten.overheid.nl: Reglement verkeersregels en verkeerstekens 1990 (RVV 1990)