Driving lessons for expats in The Hague
The Hague is home to more than 200 international organisations, dozens of embassies and one of the largest expat communities in the Netherlands. Whether you have just arrived, are studying at a Dutch university or have lived here for years, getting a Dutch driving licence is one of the most practical steps towards full independence in your new country.
English driving lessons in The Hague
At Rijschool Denhaag we teach in English, Dutch and Turkish. For expats, English-medium instruction means you can focus entirely on learning to drive — without spending energy on translating technical explanations in your head. Once you are comfortable with the practical skills, we gradually introduce the Dutch traffic terms you will need for the CBR practical exam.
Our English-speaking instructors are familiar with the questions expats typically have: Which traffic rules differ from my home country? What does a shark-tooth marking mean? Who has right of way at an uncontrolled junction? We answer these questions as they arise, in plain English, so you build a solid understanding of the Dutch system from day one.
Lessons can be booked flexibly around your working hours. Early morning, evening and weekend slots are available — we know that expat schedules are rarely nine to five.
- Full instruction in English
- Dutch traffic terminology introduced gradually
- Flexible lesson times including evenings and weekends
- Pick-up from home, office or The Hague Central Station
Converting a foreign driving licence to a Dutch licence
The Netherlands has exchange agreements with a number of countries. If your licence was issued in an EU/EEA country, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan or one of the other designated countries, you may be able to exchange it for a Dutch licence without taking a full practical exam. The process runs through the CBR and requires a valid Dutch residence registration (BRP) and a medical declaration.
If your country is not on the exchange list — for example many countries in Asia, Africa or South America — you will need to sit the full Dutch theory exam and the CBR practical exam. In this case driving lessons are not just useful but essential: Dutch traffic rules and exam expectations differ significantly from many other road systems.
Rijschool Denhaag helps you assess your starting point. If you already have driving experience, we begin with an intake lesson to establish your current level and then tailor the lesson package to what you actually need — rather than selling you a fixed block of lessons.
The CBR exam in the Netherlands — what to expect
The Dutch driving test (rijexamen) consists of two parts: a theory exam (theorie-examen) and a practical exam (praktijkexamen). The theory exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test taken at a CBR location — it is available in Dutch only, so you will need to study the theory material in Dutch or use a translation aid. Many expats use the official CBR theory app, which is available in multiple languages.
The practical exam takes place at the CBR exam centre in Rijswijk, approximately 4 kilometres from The Hague city centre. The examiner gives all instructions in Dutch during the exam. Rijschool Denhaag prepares you for this by systematically teaching you the Dutch commands — "neem de volgende straat rechts" (take the next street on the right), "ga rechtdoor" (go straight on) — so they become automatic before exam day.
The exam lasts approximately 50 minutes and covers a fixed set of traffic situations including urban driving, roundabouts, motorway entry and exit, and independent navigation. Rijschool Denhaag trains on the actual exam routes used in the Rijswijk region.
International students and newcomers
The Hague is home to several international universities and university colleges, including Leiden University's The Hague campus. Many international students want to get their Dutch driving licence during their studies — while they are already living in the Netherlands and have time to prepare.
For students, the practical advantage is clear: a Dutch driving licence is valid across the entire EU and is far easier to obtain here than a licence obtained after returning home. Rijschool Denhaag offers compact intensive packages for students who want to pass in a short period, as well as spread-out lesson plans for those who prefer to take it at a slower pace alongside their studies.
We also regularly teach newcomers who have recently relocated to The Hague for work at one of the international organisations or ministries. Whatever your background, we adapt our approach to your experience level, your schedule and your language preferences.
