Start your driving lessons with Çakmak Driving School.

What does driving lessons actually mean?

Driving lessons are the practical training that gets you behind the wheel and ready for the Dutch category B (car) driving test. The full route consists of a theory exam, practical lessons with a recognised driving school, an optional interim test, and the CBR practical exam. Once you pass, you collect your licence at your local town hall.

The B licence in a nutshell

Before you start lessons it helps to know the basic rules and age limits around the B licence. The framework below applies to anyone going for a Dutch car licence.

• From 16 you can sit the B theory exam. The theory certificate is then valid for 1.5 years.
• From 16.5 you can start practical lessons with a recognised driving school.
• From 17 you can take the practical test under the 2toDrive scheme; until 18 you drive with a registered coach next to you.
• You can already take lessons without a theory certificate, but you can only apply for the exam once you have passed your theory.
• The CBR runs all three exams: theory, interim test and practical.
• For an exam or interim test you fill in a Health Declaration and authorise your school through mijn.cbr.nl.

Your route to a B licence

Getting your Dutch car licence follows five clear stages. Each one has its own goal, so you build up step by step until you are driving on your own in traffic.

1. Theory exam: traffic rules, hazard perception and insight. More on the theory.
2. Practical lessons: a progressive programme from car control to independent driving.
3. Interim test (TTT): a check-in to see where you stand. Read more.
4. Practical exam at the CBR, around 55 minutes of driving with an examiner.
5. Pick up your licence at the town hall once you pass.

What do you learn in driving lessons?

Practical training in the Netherlands is built around the CBR exam requirements, often delivered using the Driving in Steps method (RIS). During your course you will work on:

• Car control: starting, steering, gear changes and braking.
• Scanning and hazard perception in traffic.
• Special manoeuvres such as parking and turning around.
• Joining traffic in town and on rural roads.
• Motorway driving, merging, exiting and following a route.
• Eco-friendly and independent driving, without prompts from your instructor.

Manual or automatic lessons

The default in the Netherlands is a manual car, but you can also choose to learn in an automatic. The upside of an automatic is fewer things to do at once, so you can spend more attention on the traffic around you. Pass in a manual and you can drive both. Pass in an automatic and you get licence code 78, which means automatics only. Find out more on our automatic driving lessons page.

The B theory exam

The theory exam is set by the CBR and has three parts, each with its own pass mark. You need to pass all three to get your theory certificate.

• Hazard perception: 25 questions, minimum 13 correct.
• Knowledge: 12 questions, minimum 10 correct.
• Insight: 28 questions, minimum 25 correct.

Once you pass, the theory certificate is valid for 1.5 years. Many learners study at home using an online course or app; a classroom theory course can help if you want to pass faster or struggle with self-study. Read more on our theory page.

How theory and practical fit together

You need to pass the theory exam before you can sit the practical. Practical lessons themselves can run alongside your theory study. Many learners book an interim test halfway through to check their level, and only once both instructor and learner feel ready does the school book the practical exam. If exam stress is an issue, dedicated exam anxiety coaching is available.

The CBR exam in short

The CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen) runs every driving test in the Netherlands. The B practical exam takes around 55 minutes and includes a vehicle check, around 35 minutes of driving and one or more special manoeuvres. The examiner looks at car control, scanning, speed and your ability to drive on your own. For more on pass rates see our pass rate page or visit cbr.nl .

Interim test (TTT)

The interim test is a mock exam run by a CBR examiner. It is not compulsory and you cannot fail it. After the test you get feedback on what to work on, which lifts your chances of passing the real practical. You can also get an exemption for the special manoeuvres at the interim test, so you skip them on exam day. More on our interim test page.

Intensive course: licence in a few weeks

An intensive course packs your training into a few weeks. It only works if you are fully flexible and happy with a tight schedule. A few ground rules:

• You need a valid theory certificate and an approved Health Declaration.
• You must be available several weekdays during office hours.
• The CBR exam waiting list sets the minimum total duration.
• You stick to the plan your instructor builds after your trial lesson.

More options on our intensive course page.

2toDrive: licence from 17

The Dutch 2toDrive scheme lets you start practical lessons from 16.5 and take the practical exam from 17. Pass and you get a full licence, but until you turn 18 you can only drive with a registered coach next to you. Background and full conditions on 2todrive.nl .

Driving lessons with exam nerves

Exam nerves and test anxiety are common, and very manageable. Specially trained instructors use a calm, step-by-step approach that builds your confidence on the road and on exam day. The CBR also runs a dedicated anxiety exam, where the examiner takes more time and talks you through what is happening. If you already have your licence but no longer feel confident behind the wheel, or the CBR has asked you to do a driving assessment for age or medical reasons, a school with this expertise can help. Read more on our exam anxiety coaching page.

How your lessons run at Çakmak

A lot of learners ask what an average lesson day looks like. At Çakmak we work to a few simple principles, so you know what to expect.

We pick you up where it suits you. Our instructors cover all of North Holland, from Amsterdam and Haarlem to Beverwijk and Hoofddorp. You get picked up at an agreed spot near you and dropped off again at the end.

Evenings and weekends, no problem. Wide planning windows mean lessons fit around school, uni or work.

60-minute lessons. Long enough to build up calmly. On request we plan two lessons back-to-back so you can practise more traffic situations in one go.

Clear pricing, flexible payment. Pay lesson by lesson or save with a package. Pay in one go or in instalments. Have a look at our current prices.

Driving lessons across North Holland

Practical exams in our region run at CBR Haarlem and CBR Amsterdam. A local school knows the test routes and the traffic situations that come up time and time again. Çakmak teaches across the whole region with a free pick-up service from an agreed spot. Use the checker above to see if your town is in our service area, or browse all our driving school locations.