Getting a Driving License in Netherlands

This post to touch the details about the driving license process in Netherlands. It covers both the normal process and the expats/foreigners coming to Netherlands with the International driving license. First we will look in to the expats who already poses an License from there motherland.
People from International community holds an valid driving license from there country can exchange to the Netherlands driving license based on some criteria.

European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland
If your driver's license was issued in a Member State of the European Union or in Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland, you can use this license in the Netherlands.
Other countries
Are you from another country than the ones mentioned above, than you may continue to use your license for a maximum of 185 days after making residence in the Netherlands, after which you must pass the regular CBR theory and driving tests.

Exchange

Licenses from the following countries can be exchanged, though only if they are valid in the categories mentioned:

* Taiwan - B - passenger car - Dutch driver's license category B
* Israël - B - passenger car - Dutch driver's license category B
* Japan IB - passenger car en motorcycle with more than 400 cm³ - Dutch driver's license categories A and B
* Singapore - Class 2 - motorcycle with more than 400 cm³ and Class 3 - passenger car - Dutch driver's license categories A and B
* Andorra - passenger car - Dutch driver's license category B
* South-Korea - second class ordinary license - Dutch driver's license category B
* Canadian province Québec – Class 5 – Dutch driver's license category B

You can get more info about this on http://www.cbr.nl/317.pp
and http://www.rijbewijs.nl/index.asp?id=6 pages.

For other country poeple can exchange there driving license if they are eligible/got there 30% ruling (See more about 30% ruling here http://www.expatax.nl/30ruling.htm )


Now comes for those not eligible for 30% ruling and don't have the license from there homeland (I am under this category). Getting a driving license in Netherlands is tough process involves lot of time and money. Netherlands is one of the toughest and costliest country to get the driving license. Ministry for Transport and Communication (Ministrie van verkeer en waterstaat), RDW and CBR are responsible for controlling and providing license for the Road users. The process follow like this
1. Theory test
2. Practical test

Theory Test
For this you have to read the rules and regulations of the road and traffic. There will be an exam for 1 hour where you have to answer yes or No or filling the answer to of questions. you have to register for the theory exam and you have to write the exam in designated centers. for this you have to pay €35,80. You can register using the driving school or can be done by individual. Theory test available in 3 languages. by default Netherlands and English and Turkish are two other optional languages. if you want to take test in English then you have to schedule it in advance as it is available only once in a week also only in less number of exam centers. You can register online in this site https://theoriereservering.cbr.nl/index.php .
While Going for the theory test you have carry the valid identification card(valid Passport/Resident permit) and a passport size photo.
CBR changed the theory test pattern lately(starting from 1st of March 2009), which consists
25 questions on awareness
30 questions on traffic
10 questions on traffic and understanding risk.
Once the Test is over you will get the results with in few minutes. You are passed the Exam the Theory certificate is valid for one year. Otherwise it will say the area's you need to concentrate for the next exam.
Practical Test
You can apply for the Practical test only through the registered driving school, the driving school will decide whether you can go ahead with the practical test or you need lessons. Once the Lesson over you can go ahead with the practical exam registration, This will be done by the driving school. the Practical Test consists of 35-45 mins. You have to carry your valid Theory certificate and identification card with you for the practical test. Initially the examiner will ask you read the registration number of the car from 25 meters distance to check your eye sight. He will sit next to you while you are driving and ask you to drive the direction as he suggests. He will note all your responses to the traffic situation and how you are able control the situation and how good you are reading the sign on the road. If you are not making any serious error you will get passed the exam. He will say the results once the exam is over. You can ask your driving school instructor to accompany you, so that he will also note down the strength and points to improve on your driving. If you are passed you can apply for the driving license from the Town Hall and you will get that with in 5 working days. If you are not passed the examiner will give the feedback to you and to your instructor, Also you will get this in your email.

Some points to find a driving school

> Check the pass percentage of the driving school from CBR site.( Slagging Percentage it's in dutch)
> Compare the price of the driving lessons with the other driving school
> Check the English proficiency of the instructor before you go for it.
> Check in the Internet or with the friends or colleagues about the driving school before joining.

I covered most of the part. you can get this details in other site also.

Best of Luck for the driving license.