Are driving lessons compulsory? When planning to get a driving license in the Netherlands, one of the most common questions learners ask is: Are driving lessons compulsory to get a license in the Netherlands?

Are driving lessons compulsory?

The answer is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no. While Dutch law does not strictly mandate driving lessons, the practical reality makes them almost unavoidable for most learners.

Understanding how the Dutch licensing system works will help clarify why driving lessons are strongly recommended and, in many cases, essential.

To obtain a car driving license (category B) in the Netherlands, candidates must pass two exams administered by the CBR (Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing).

These are the theory test and the practical driving test. The system is designed to ensure that drivers meet high safety and skill standards, which directly influences whether driving lessons are compulsory in practice.

Legally speaking, you are allowed to prepare for both exams on your own. There is no written law stating that you must attend a driving school before applying for a driving test.

However, the structure, expectations, and difficulty level of the exams mean that professional instruction is often the most realistic route to success.

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Are Driving Lessons Compulsory by Law?

From a legal standpoint, driving lessons are not compulsory in the Netherlands. Anyone can register for the theory test independently, study using books or online resources, and take the exam without attending formal classes. The same applies to the practical test: you may book a driving exam without proof of completed driving lessons.

That said, while driving lessons are not mandatory by law, they are functionally essential for most learners. The practical driving test requires a level of skill, road awareness, and procedural knowledge that is extremely difficult to acquire without professional guidance.

The Netherlands has one of the strictest driving exams in Europe. Examiners assess not just basic vehicle control, but also hazard perception, decision-making, traffic insight, and adherence to complex traffic rules. Many of these elements are best learned through structured driving lessons.

Driving schools train students specifically according to CBR standards. Instructors know what examiners look for, how common mistakes are judged, and how to prepare learners for real test scenarios.

Without driving lessons, candidates often struggle with exam techniques, even if they can technically drive.

You may practice driving on private property or abroad, or learn with help from experienced drivers. However, practicing on public roads in the Netherlands requires the supervising driver to meet strict conditions, and the learner must still meet Dutch traffic expectations.

Unlike some countries, the Netherlands does not allow informal learner driving on public roads with just any adult supervisor. This significantly limits self-taught driving practice and makes professional lessons the most practical option.

The Role of the Practical Driving Test

The Role of the Practical Driving Test

The practical driving exam is the biggest reason why people ask if driving lessons are compulsory. During the test, candidates are evaluated on:

  • Vehicle control and smooth operation

  • Observation and anticipation of traffic

  • Correct application of traffic rules

  • Safe and confident driving behavior

  • Independent navigation and decision-making

These skills are developed gradually through structured driving lessons. Most learners need dozens of lessons to reach exam-ready level. Attempting the practical exam without lessons often leads to repeated failures, higher costs, and frustration.

Special Exams That Require Driving Lessons

Although standard driving lessons are not legally required, some exam pathways effectively make them compulsory. For example, the intermediate test and certain anxiety or adapted exams usually require involvement from a recognized driving instructor.

Additionally, special licenses or medical assessments often require certification from a driving school.

This creates a situation where driving lessons may not be compulsory on paper, but they become unavoidable depending on your circumstances.

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Theory Test Preparation Without Lessons

The theory test is the only part of the process where self-study is more realistic. Many candidates pass the theory exam without attending classes by using study guides, mock exams, and online materials. However, even here, theory lessons can be helpful, especially for non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with Dutch traffic rules.

Understanding the theory deeply also supports better performance during driving lessons and the practical exam.

Some learners try to avoid driving lessons to reduce costs. However, failing the practical exam multiple times due to lack of preparation often ends up being more expensive than taking lessons from the start. Driving schools help optimize the number of attempts needed to pass, saving time and money in the long run.

Theory Test Preparation Without Lessons

Driving lessons also help learners build confidence, which is a key factor during the exam. Nervous or unprepared candidates are more likely to make critical mistakes.

For people exchanging or converting a foreign driving license, the rules differ. In some cases, no test or lessons are required at all. However, if you must take the Dutch practical exam, driving lessons are strongly advised to adjust to local driving habits and examiner expectations.

Foreign drivers often underestimate the strictness of the Dutch test, which makes lessons particularly valuable.