How do you apply for your theory and practical exam, how do you prepare and what can you expect? To obtain your driving license B, you take the exam in two parts: theory and practice. You take both exams at the CBR.
Theory exam
To be allowed to take the theory exam, you must be at least 16 years old. The exam tests whether you know the traffic rules, have traffic insight and whether you recognize danger.
Register for exam
Your driving instructor can schedule the theory exam for you, or you can do this yourself on the CBR website. To do this, log in with your DigiD and then choose an exam time.
Day of the exam
When you take the theory exam, take these two documents with you:
- A valid ID
- Your reservation number (you will receive it by email)
Tip: Ensure your arrival is fifteen minutes ahead of your exam commencement.
Once you arrive at the CBR exam location, you register at the registration kiosk using your reservation number. Only your ID document is allowed in the examination room. Your other belongings, including your phone, must be placed in a locker in the CBR waiting area. Your reservation number will then appear on the screen indicating you can proceed for the exam.
The standard theory exam lasts for 30 minutes and comprises three sections:
- Recognizing hazards: each question permits you an 8-second window to provide an answer. Once this period expires, answer amendments are not permissible
- Traffic rules knowledge (*): allows you 8 minutes to answer all questions
- Traffic perception (*): grants you 16 minutes.
* During these tests, you can navigate between questions and alter answers as needed.
Pass 🙌 or Fail 😭?
You receive the results immediately after taking the test.
CBR Theory Exam Video
CBR has produced a brief video providing a step-by-step guide for taking your theory exam. You can watch this video at www.cbr.
Good preparation: The Edudrive chapter tests allow you to practice with questions that mirror those posed by the CBR. It’s advisable to take multiple practice exams beforehand. This ensures you familiarize yourself with potential questions, facilitating maximum preparedness for the exam.
Practical Test
To be eligible to take the practical test, you must:
- Be a minimum of 17 years old
- Pass your theory test
- Possess a valid health declaration
Health declaration: You can complete this on mijncbr.nl. The questions in the statement test whether you are healthy enough to participate in traffic safely. After completing the form, you will receive a confirmation of receipt and you will usually be told within a week whether you are fit to drive. If more research is needed, the CBR aims to give you a definitive answer within 4 weeks.
Exam Registration
Your driving instructor will submit the practical test request for you. To do this, you need to authorize your instructor via mijcbr.nl (also requiring a DigiD).
Day of the exam
When you take the practical test, bring the following documents:
- A valid identification
- Your summons for the practical test
- A completed self-reflection form
The Test
The practical test lasts around 45 minutes and includes:
- Meeting the examiner
- Preliminary checks in the parking lot (eye test, vehicle inspection/preparation)
- The test drive (approximately 35 minutes)
- Review of results.
Most important tip: your examiner mainly wants to see that you drive independently and safely. This doesn’t mean you can’t make a mistake.
Test Drive
During the test, you drive in urban and non-urban areas as well as on highways. You will follow the examiner’s instructions and also drive independently.
The examiner primarily assesses your driving in terms of safety and independence. This includes vehicle control, observational skills, and giving way. You will also perform special maneuvers, unless you have an exemption from your interim test.
Pass 🙌 or Fail 😭?
The examiner provides the results at the examination center after the test.
Afterward, there’s a discussion of the results. If you fail, it’s advisable to take the examiner’s feedback into consideration for your next test.
If successful, you are eligible to apply for your driving license at your local municipality the next day.
CBR Practical Test Video
A helpful video about the practical test process can be viewed on www.cbr.nl.
Interim test
In the run-up to your practical exam, you can take a kind of trial exam: the interim test. Your driving instructor will request this for you from the CBR. You go through the same parts as during the real exam and also perform special maneuvers. If you pass this during the interim test, you will no longer have to do this part during your exam.