Dutch Driving License
Holders of a foreign driving licence issued by an EU country may drive in the Netherlands for a period of 10 years or (if the licence expires on an earlier date) until the expiry date of the licence. When the foreign driving licence expires, it can be exchanged for a Dutch licence at the Town Hall.
Driving License from outside the EU
If you hold a driving licence which was issued in a country outside the EU, you are required to exchange this licence for a Dutch one within six months after registering in the Netherlands. For holders of driving licences from certain countries it is compulsory to take a driving test before they receive a Dutch driving licence. Read more about it on the RDW website.
Next Step: Don’t Forget Car Insurance
Once you have (or exchange) your Dutch driving licence, the next step is arranging car insurance. In the Netherlands, having at least WA liability insurance is mandatory for every car owner.
Read our full guide to Car Insurance in the Netherlands — including types of coverage (WA, WA+Casco, Allrisk), average costs, and what expats need to know about applying with a foreign licence.