ISBN/EAN: 978-90-805104-1-8

Titel : DrivingRight
Subtitle : all you need to know about the Dutch driving test
Author : Davidson, M.J.

About The CBR Theory Tests

Please note that any (Pre) Driving Test can only be taken with a valid CBR Theory Certificate which you
will receive after you have passed your CBR Theory Test and a valid form of identification; also remember
that you must be registered with your municipality + have a BSN to be able to apply for this test.. Foreign
theory certificates are not valid.

For the Theory Test you will need a valid form of ID:
Click here to review the ID requirements : http://www.driveright.nl/IDRequirements.pdf

The Two Types of the CBR Theory Tests

This test is set-up as a computerized and pictorial test, which can be taken as:

Type A: a class test

Type B; an individual test

The class test is the standard which must normally be taken first before applying for an individual test.

Type A: The Class Theory Test

This Class Theory Test can be taken for the

● car licence (category B) : in English, Dutch or Turkish
● motorcycle licence (category A) : in Dutch only
● (light) moped licence (category AM) : in Dutch only
● brommobiel (mobility–car) licence (category AM) : in Dutch only

but strictly without a translator. If you don’t have a good enough command of the languages in which you
need to take this test, you can apply for the individual theory test (see below) directly.

Class Reservations in Amsterdam for the car licence B

For the class CBR Theory Test in English in Amsterdam for the car licence B, our school has pre-paid & pre-reserved
time slots, at the CBR Amsterdam Theory Test Centre; these are generally for different days of the month.
You can reserve & pre-pay these slots through this link:
http://www.driveright.nl/theorytestasd.htm

Class Reservations outside Amsterdam - Nationwide for the car licence B

For the class Theory Test in English outside Amsterdam for the car licence B, our school will purchase a slot
according to your preferences. You can reserve & pre-pay these slots through this link:
http://www.driveright.nl/theorytest.htm

Type B: The Individual Theory Test

The individual Theory Test can be to your advantage if you find it difficult to understand the language or
the essence of the questions properly or to cope with set time limits per question. This test can only be
taken in the Dutch language, with or without your own translator, whom can then translate the questions
from Dutch to the language that you understand best.
This Individual Theory Test can be taken for the following types of categories:
● car licence (category B) : in Dutch only
● motorcycle licence (category A) : in Dutch only
● (light) moped licence (category AM) : in Dutch only
● brommobiel (mobility–car) licence (category AM) : in Dutch only

Individual Reservations Nationwide for the car, moped & motor-cycle licences
For these theory tests our school will purchase a slot according to your preferences. You can reserve & pre-pay these
slots through this link: http://www.driveright.nl/theorytest.htm

The Theory Test Questions

The CBR Theory Test for the car licence is divided into TWO parts, which are separated by an interlude,
and covers the following three topics:

Part 1: 25 hazard perception questions, of which you must have answered TWELVE questions correctly

Part 2: 30 questions about the traffic regulations/rules

10 questions relating to insight
of which you must have answered a total of THIRTY FIVE questions correctly
To pass you must have scored sufficiently for both parts, otherwise the complete test will have to be taken again.

These topics are presented to you on several monitors throughout the examination room, showing the relevant picture
and the accompanying question + answer text blocks, in the language in which you requested to take this test.

The CBR Theory Test for the:

● (light) moped
● scooter-moped
● spartamet
● brommobiel
● motorcycle

licences consists of 50 questions about the traffic rules and regulations of which you must have
answered a total of FOURTY FOUR correctly.

Part 1: The Hazard Perception Theory Test Questions

Your theory test starts with these 25 photographic questions relating to hazard perception and the
recognition of dangers; these questions and answers are not read out.
Each photograph shows you looking through the front windscreen of the car you are driving in a certain
traffic situation; study the photo carefully and thoroughly for possible dangers.

You will also be able to see:

● the speed at which you are driving, displayed on your dashboard

● whether a direction indicator warning light is on
● possible traffic behind you through the rear view mirror

The question will require you to indicate - within 8 seconds - which, out of THREE, actions you would
undertake:

A: to BRAKE
Drastically reduce your speed or even stop. This might be necessary to avoid a dangerous situation or even an
accident. Braking might also be necessary to maintain a safe distance from a preceding vehicle.

B: to RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR

You can release the accelerator to reduce your speed gradually, e.g. to obtain a better overview of a traffic situation,
to pass another road user in a safe manner or to slightly increase the distance to a preceding vehicle. Releasing the
accelerator wiil only give you a slight speed reduction at first, where as if the pedal is released for a longer period of
time the reduction of your speed will be much more noticeable.

C: to do NOTHING
This means that you will continue to drive on at the same speed. When you perform such an action you will not have to
break or to release the accelerator.
Part 2: The Standard Theory Test Questions

After a short interlude you will start with part 2 of this theory test, which will cover 30 questions about
the traffic regulations/rules and 10 questions relating to insight regarding traffic situations. These
questions and answers are read out.
These questions are divided into three different types:

● questions that can simply be answered by pushing the “YES” or “NO” buttons
● questions offering you a multiple choice, whereby you push the buttons marked A-D
● questions of the open type, meaning that you will need to key-in a certain number yourself

The time given for answering these questions – a photo, a picture or a drawing - will depend on the type
of question and the choices of answers given; this will vary from 8 to 15 seconds, and starts after you
have heard the whole question with the possible answers read out. Remember that only the visible road-
users, traffic lights, traffic signs and road markings are relevant to the answer!

The Categories of the CBR Theory Test Questions

The fifty questions of the CBR Theory Test are divided into 25 categories, which are marked by a letter from “A”
through to “Z”.
Below you will find a chart explaining to which category a specific letter belongs.
After your CBR Theory Test, you will receive the test result sheet from the examiner.
On this sheet you can find the respective categories in which you either:
● answered wrongly
● answered too late
● answered not at all

These are the categories which will require an extra attention, while preparing for your next test!

Letter Category of questions to which the letter relates

A General rules of the RTA (Road Traffic Act)

B Regulations regarding driving entitlements and driving licenses
C Vehicle equipment, & the loading and towing of the vehicles
D Technical aspects , maintaining & checking of the vehicle
E Use of seat belts & helmets and the seating of passengers
F Environmentally friendly & fuel efficient driving
G Risks related to the condition of the driver
(tiredness, proficiency, physical and mental condition, alcohol and medications)
H Risks related to the vehicle’s characteristics and condition
J Risks related to the presence & behavior of other road-users
JG Risks related to the presence & behavior of other road-users in the hazard perception questions
K Risks related to road conditions, visibility & weather circumstances
KG Risks related to road conditions, visibility & weather circumstances in the hazard perception
questions
L Behavior at the scene of accidents & breakdowns en-route
M Giving way at crossroads/junctions (perpendicular priority)
N Giving way (a free-passage) when deviating (parallel priority)
O Giving way to the blind, the handicapped & other pedestrians
P Giving way to the emergency services, military convoys & trams
Q Performing special manoeuvres & giving way during this performance
R Road placement & positioning
S Speed
T Overtaking
U Stopping and parking
V Giving signs and signals
W The use of lights
X Traffic signs
Y Traffic lights & indications
Z Road markings
 The International Driving School of The Netherlands

Department Theory training Michael J. Davidson

Contact Christie Davidson Gaaistraat 14A
1171 HX Badhoevedorp
Mobile direct 06 53 81 76 95
Office (020) 449 04 97
Fax (087) 784 34 40
Email [email protected]
Web www.driveright.nl

Study Advice

If you have ordered Option 5 from our website, this means that you will have all the latest books, then the best way to
study for the CBR Theory Test is as follows:

Step 1 → read & study the Verjo “Traffic Manual”

Step 2 → read & study the Veka Best “Learning to Drivel”
Step 3 → read the “Safe in Tunnels” brochure
Step 4 → read the:

► “Ecodriving as a policy“
► “Het Nieuwe Rijden” leaflet (Dutch only)

Step 5 → test yourself on the questions in the Verjo “Examentraining” book + the accompanying (white leaflet) English
text translation with 535 questions (including the new additional 100 extra hazard perception questions)
Step 6 → go online to do the 15 hours of training with your own personal theory tutor:

Login as follows:

Step 1 → Go to this link: http://www.theorie-leren.nl

Step 2 → Click on: Klik hier om Theorie-Leren te starten

Step 3 → Enter your Login code as mentioned on the inside cover of the yellow card In “Eerste keer aanmelden ”
Note: Don’t forget the “. “ between the letters or figures and don’t mistake an i for a 1

Step 4 → Click on “Login “

Step 5 → Insert your own made “gebruikersnaam “ = user name + your password “wachtwoord “ = password
Note: Don’t forget to write these down on the inside of the card as you will need these when you log-off
and login the next time.

If you experience problems logging in, call the Veka Best Help Desk on 040-214 00 80 for a walk through.

......and off you go.

Good Luck!!

Please also visit this link if you would like to train yourself on more practice test questions:
http://www.traffictrainer.nl/versie_5/llg_engelskeuze.asp

Christie & Michael Davidson

for all further info visit our website on: http://www.driveright.nl

or call our direct line on 06 53 81 76 95

Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam 34068344 VAT no. : NL07800825B01

About The CBR Driving Tests

The driving tests are divided into TWO official types:

Type 1: preliminary driving tests

Type 2: final driving tests

These tests can ONLY be taken in the English or Dutch languages. If you don’t have a sufficient
command of English or Dutch, you can use the services of our translators, which you can book through
this link: http://www.driveright.nl/translators.htm

IMPORTANT NOTE
Please note that any (Pre-) Driving Test can only be taken with a valid CBR Theory Certificate which you will receive
after you have passed your CBR Theory Test and a valid form of identification; also remember that you must be
registered with your municipality + have a BSN to be able to apply for this test.. Click on this link to review this:
http://www.driveright.nl/IDRequirements.pdf

Type 1: The Preliminary Driving Test

Why is a preliminary driving test important?

Traffic in the Netherlands demands a lot of all participants, of course the CBR Driving test standards are
geared into this.

Because only candidates who are adequately prepared pass the driving test for the first time, the CBR
offers learner drivers the opportunity to take a preliminary driving test to assess your proficiency and
skills and to verify that you are on the right track and to give you some idea of what to expect during the
final driving test.

What exactly is the preliminary driving test?

The preliminary driving test is a driving test, conducted just like the final driving test (see below); a CBR
examiner will determine how competent you are.

During the test, all the elements included in the final driving test will be examined according to official
test guidelines. Your instructor will also accompany you during this test which lasts as long as the final
driving test, namely 55 minutes.

The advice

After this test the examiner will discuss his findings and the results with you and your instructor after
which you will be presented with a written Advisory Report - identical to the one issued after the final
driving test - but in this case as an advice, giving you his opinion about every part of the test.

The benefits

These are numerous. Firstly becoming familiar with the test centre, the test procedures and the
mannerisms of examiners has a very positive effect on the learner drivers. You become familiar with the
way in which the test is conducted, but you also come to realize which behaviours are and are not
expected of you.
Secondly, the examiner’s feedback is very instructive and informative, enhancing your self-confidence
and your chances of passing for the first time!

Experience has shown that this preliminary test greatly enhances your chances of passing the final
driving test for the very first time! In fact, our pass rate for first time driving tests after such a preliminary
driving test is one of the highest in our region!
The exemption to be gained

You can also receive an exemption for all the special manoeuvres; this is only valid for the very next
actual driving test; to achieve this not all parts of the special manoeuvres need to be performed
perfectly, but they need to be executed in a safe and satisfactorily manner.

When should this test be taken?

After having passed your theory test and in general this is best taken after you have completed about 2/3
of your course.

The Theory & Driving Test for Foreign Driving Licence Holders

Those holding a full valid foreign driving licence, which is not exchangeable for a Dutch driving licence, can possibly
qualify for our Exchange Course program, which is a shorter driving course; the amount of practical training can then
be limited to a few driving lessons only. In this instance it will still be required to take the following tests:

1: the CBR Theory Test

2: the CBR Preliminary Driving Test
3: the Final CBR Driving Test

Type 2: The CBR Driving Test

The CBR Driving Test is the standard driving test in The Netherlands that has to be taken in order to
apply for a Dutch driving licence. This test is taken in the car, with automatic or manual transmission, in
which you had your lessons, starting from and finishing at the relevant CBR Driving Test Centre.

This test consists of the following three parts:

Part 1: The driving instructions

Part 2: The completely independent driving
Part 3: The special manoeuvres

The Procedure

The test starts with an introductory briefing whereby the examiner will check your documents, after
which there will be a simple outside eye test: you will be required to read the number plate of a specific
vehicle at a distance of about 25 metres.

After having reached the car the examiner will incidentally check the working of the:

● headlights
● front fog lights
● rear fog light
● brake lights
● direction indicators

Furthermore you will be asked some questions about: the engine, identifying the fluids and their
functions, the tyres, the lighting system and the ancillary controls of the car (the buttons, knobs, levers,
sliders, stalks, switches)

Immediately following this you will take the practical part of the test, which comprises driving inside and
outside the built-up areas, negotiating roundabouts, driving on motor-roads & motorways etc..
Part 1: The Driving Instructions

The examiner will instruct you by giving plain directions, e.g. turn left, leave the roundabout at the
second exit, follow the Ring A10 to The Hague etc...

When no instruction is given, you will drive straight on; when approaching the signs indicating a priority
bend or a through road you will be expected to follow that by yourself.

Part 2: The completely independent driving

During about 15-20 minutes of your test you will be expected to be able to drive without receiving any
instructions from the examiner: this is the so called independent driving part of this test.

This independent driving can be performed by using only ONE of the following THREE techniques:

Technique 1: completely independent driving to or from a variable point of orientation

Technique 2: presenting the instructions as a cluster: a group of instructions at once
Technique 3: asking you to use the navigation system to drive to an indicated venue

Either at the start or during the driving test the examiner will determine in which manner you should
demonstrate your skills at driving independently and you will be informed as to which of these above
mentioned three techniques will be used.

Technique 1: The variable points of orientation

The test can start by driving from the CBR Test Centre to a variable point of orientation; this can be a tall
visible building or object within your immediate vicinity or a point that you are familiar with.

You can also be asked to find your own way back to the CBR Driving Test Centre - at which you started
from - if you area already relatively close to the end of your driving test.

During the independent driving you may make use of the ANWB & other route direction signposts; if
necessary you are allowed to ask for further indications during this part of the driving test (you may stop
your vehicle for this purpose, but that is not a requirement).

If you don’t have a sufficient knowledge of the driving test area and the immediate surroundings, you can
use our service of downloading the routes to various variable point of orientation through this link:
http://www.driveright.nl/orientationpoints.htm

Technique 2: Presenting the instructions as a cluster

When presenting the driving instructions as a cluster, the examiner will give you three to five specific
direction indications at one time. This can be done when your vehicle is stationary or when in motion;
these will be repeated once or several times to make sure that you understand the instructions correctly.
You will then repeat these verbally, execute these instructions and then wait for further instructions.

Each cluster will be given in relation to a certain part of the driving test’s route only, covering a short
distance and containing at least three and at the most five instructions at once.

This is in fact a simulation of you as a driver asking the way to a passer-by, subsequently receiving the
instructions as to how to reach a certain destination.

Technique 3: Using the navigation system

Making use of the car’s navigation system to reach a certain destination within the driving test area can
be practiced at basically any moment during the test.

You may select the language in which you would like to receive the spoken instructions from this system
and you can follow the route you are driving on the coloured monitor.
The examiner will determine the route options, e.g. the shortest or fastest route, with/without motorways
etc.
Part 3: The Special Manoeuvres

Your test will also include TWO special manoeuvres out of the following THREE :

Manoeuvre 1: the turning round manoeuvre

Manoeuvre 2: the parking manoeuvre
Manoeuvre 3: the stopping manoeuvre

In principle this manoeuvre should start in the street in which the instruction is given; the manner in
which you execute these special manoeuvres will not be specified any further, meaning that you are
allowed to execute this exercise the way you want to.

The examiner will judge you on this by the practical and safe manner in which you perform the
manoeuvre.

Important to remember is that one of these two exercises must include an element of reversing; which
one you choose & how you execute this is totally up to you: you must demonstrate your independency!

Manoeuvre 1: The Turning Round Manoeuvre

Whilst driving you will be instructed to turn the car round and continue in the opposite direction. You
must choose a sensible, suitable and a safe place for pulling over and coming to a standstill.

For turning your car round you can choose from:

● reversing round a corner & continuing forwards

● a 3-point turn
● a U-turn

You will have to show the examiner that, based on the situation at hand, you made a correct evaluation
and were able to perform this exercise adequately.

Manoeuvre 2: The Parking Manoeuvre

The examiner can choose to let you park your vehicle either on the road, in a car park or parking lot.
You will be asked to park as close to a certain location as possible, e.g. the entrance to a shopping
centre/mall, a paid parking meter, a lamp post, a litter bin etc..

For parking you can choose from:

● reverse or forwards parking in a parallel (vertical) line

● reverse or forwards parking in an horizontal space
● reverse or forwards diagonal parking

Manoeuvre 3: The Stopping Manoeuvre

This is really just a stop-and-go exercise. For stopping you will have to bring your vehicle to a standstill
as close as possible behind another stationary vehicle or static object, after which you will have to
immediately pull away again into the flow of the traffic by driving forwards; this must be executed
without having the need to reverse and without any instructions.

This stopping can be performed on either the right or the left side of the carriageway; it is important that
you can judge the length of the nose of the car adequately to execute this exercise properly.

Bear in mind that stopping on the right is the preferred procedure as stopping on the left – in a two-way
street – will mean crossing another lane of approaching traffic, which also makes departing from that
side of the road possibly more dangerous and difficult.
The Optional Hill Start

Furthermore, an incidental hill start with or without the use of the handbrake can also be asked of you on
top of the two special manoeuvres.

Situation Analysis

After having performed a certain action in a given traffic situation the examiner will ask you to explain &
motivate your decisions and course of action taken; this is done to establish how you analysed what you
were confronted with and what made decide the course of action taken in that particular situation, e.g.:

What did you see at the crossing/junction?

How did you find a the appropriate solution for the encounterd traffic situation?
Which elements did you take into consideration?
Which precautions did you do undertake to enhance traffic safety?
Which measures did you take to preserve the environment?

This part of the test does not have to be announced to you before reaching the traffic situation in
question.

Your answeres can be taken into consideration upon judging the outcome of your driving test and they
can both influence the result in a negative and a positive manner.

Self-Reflection

Before you start your driving test a Self-Reflection Form will have to be completed; this form is a
questionnaire on which you must pass judgement on five topics regarding your driving abilities.

You can complete this form at home or during the driving lessons; at the start of your driving test this
form should be handed over to the examiner.

The examiner will only look at the answers given after you have received the the final result of your
(pre-)driving test and will discuss these with you.

The issue at hand here, is that you not only have have a realistic portrait of your own capabilities but
also of your personal limitations and restrictions as a driver.

The purpose of the self-reflection is to influence the driving behaviours of learner drivers in a positive
manner. Not being a part of the driving proficiency the examiner will not consider this in his judgement.

Environmentally Friendly Behaviour

To enhance a better environment and to save your money, it is important that drivers exercise
environmentally friendly and fuel efficient driving: this means driving according to the principles of the
New Eco-Friendly Driving Rules.

Environmentally friendly driving will be judged as a separate item during your driving test. Special
attention will be paid to the way in which you anticipate the encountered traffic situations, e.g.
maintaining a constant speed, not unnecessarily changing gears and using the vehicle’s momentum.

These mannerisms will not only contribute to reducing the amount of fuel used but also have a positive
influence regarding safe driving.
Further Driving Guidelines & Procedural Information

► The standard rule is that when NO instruction is given, you should drive straight ahead. Remember that
this can mean getting in a different lane well in advance and all by yourself.

► When we talk about a filter traffic light, reference is made to a traffic light with an arrow for the
direction into which you are turning; this means that there should be no traffic approaching you from the
front which is going straight ahead or turning right or from behind with a green light.

There can be oncoming left turning traffic, because as we then turn passenger-to-passenger there will be
no conflict.

►If turning right or left on a filter, opposing traffic could turn into the SAME carriageway as you, but then
there will be separate driving lanes for both streams of traffic for a while.

► Following a priority bend is the default procedure; when either following or leaving such a bend the use
of the direction indicator will be required.

► Alternatively if you are entering such a bend, you are effectively either turning to the right or to the left
and you should use the direction indicator accordingly.

► Following a through carriageway is also the default procedure; as to whether the direction indicator
should be used or not will depend on the specific circumstances; if using this indicator clarifies your
intention and serves a better means of communication with your fellow road users USE IT.

► Roads with a limited access, like no-through roads and roads that you could only follow for a limited
distance, should be avoided, unless you are specifically instructed to enter there.

► Where there is a “STOP“ sign: remember to come to a FULL STOP in front of the accompanying solid
stop line or in front of the crossing, junction or path before continuing on; should you be confronted with
more than one stop sign, you will then have to stop for each of these signs, e.g. just before a cycle
crossing and then again just before the carriageway.

► When queuing keep the crossings, junctions, paths etc. clear: only enter the part of such that you have
in common with the other road users if you can clear it! Remember that this also applies to the so called
“box-junctions“.

► The direction indicator should be used when turning in general; if there is no sign or no open
alternative to the turn, then using the direction indicator can be omitted.

► You will be expected to drive the maximum permitted speed where safe and possible. Drive swiftly and
display self-confidence, self-assertiveness and decisiveness!

When you are required to turn into a certain direction by:

• an authority
• a traffic light
• a traffic sign
• a road marking

the direction indictor should be used as an informative instrument towards (possible) other present road-
users to whom your intententions might not otherwise be totally clear.

► Furthermore, bear in mind that reaching the given destinations is not the most important issue or
purpose of this excersise; driving in an independent, safe, sensible, secure, sound, and social manner
towards your destination is of much more importance and relevance.

This is what the examiner will judge your performance by!

After The Driving Test

After passing this test the CBR examiner will forward your data file to the RDW (= Dutch Driving
Standards Agency) in Veendam; they on their turn will forward your data to your (Local) Council, where
you are Registered. The next week day you can apply for the Dutch Driving Licence at your (Local)
Council. As the data file contains the following two documents:

Document 1: Certificate of Health, valid for 12 months

Document 2: Certificate of Proficiency, valid for 36 months

this must be done within 365 days after having passed this test, to avoid having to apply for a new CBR
Certificate of Health!