Apply for a driving licence for the first time
A driving licence is proof that you are permitted to operate a motor vehicle or motorbike (moped). It is also an identity document which you can use to identify yourself in many cases. A driving licence is valid for a maximum of 10 years.
How it works
Check the conditions
Make an appointment
Go to the appointment
Pick up your driving licence
Conditions
- You passed your driving test.
- You are registered in The Hague.
- You have been registered in the Netherlands for at least 185 days in a row. This is a half year plus 5 days.
- You have the citizenship (nationality) of 1 of the Begin external link: EU countries(External link), end external link., Begin external link: EEA countries(External link), end external link. or Switzerland. Or you have a valid residence permit.
1 new passport photo which meets all requirements
There are strict requirements for passport photos. Read these requirements on the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link..
A valid form of identification
For example, a passport, identity card or foreign nationals document.
A bank card
You will pay at the municipal counter when you apply. You can pay with your bank card. You can also pay in cash at City Hall Spui. You cannot pay with a credit card.
If you are a foreign student: proof of enrolment
You must have proof that you are enrolled at a school or university.
If you are younger than 18 years: a supervisor pass
Apply for the pass (begeleiderspas) on the Begin external link: website of the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW)(External link), end external link.. You can then apply for a driving licence. The municipality will check if you have the pass. You do not need to take the pass to your appointment.
Apply for your driving licence
Make an appointment at the municipality to apply for a driving licence.
Need a driving licence quickly?
- Indicate this during your appointment at the municipal counter.
- Are you applying before 14.00 hrs.? Then your driving licence will be ready after 2 working days. For example: if you apply Monday before 14.00 hrs., you can collect it Wednesday.
- You will pay an extra fee for this.
- Regular
- € 52.10
- Expedited (at a municipal counter)
- € 91.75 (€ 39.65 extra)
- Regular
- 5 working days. The pick-up receipt will state when you can collect the driving licence.
- Expedited
- 2 working days
- Pick up your driving licence yourself. Nobody else is allowed to do this for you.
- You can pick up your driving licence at City Hall Spui or the Leyweg City Office.
- You can walk in anytime during the opening hours. You do not need an appointment.
- Take your pick-up receipt and a valid form of identification with you.
Begin link: Look at the opening hours for the city district offices, end link.
As of 16.5 years you are allowed to take your practical exam for the Category B (car) licence. If you pass, you can apply for a driving licence. Until you turn 18 you are only allowed to drive under the supervision of a coach. For more information go to the Begin external link: website of the RDW(External link), end external link..
Did you pass the practical exam? Then the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (CBR) will draw up:
- a certificate of driving proficiency (verklaring van rijvaardigheid)
- a certificate of fitness (verklaring van geschiktheid)
This usually takes 1 working day. After that you can apply for your driving licence.
Are you only applying for a Category AM (moped) licence? Then you do not need a certificate of fitness.
The Begin link: health certificate, end link. is a form containing questions about your health. You need the certificate if you are going to take a driving test. You can buy the certificate at the Begin external link: CBR(External link), end external link. or your driving school.
Do you already have a driving licence? If so, make an appointment and take your current driving licence with you. Later you will get a new driving licence with an extra catgory.
For more information see Begin link: Add extra driving licence categories, end link. .