Navigating the 2026 CBR Health Declaration: Your Guide to Dutch Driving Licence Fitness

The journey to obtaining or maintaining your Dutch driving licence involves more than just mastering traffic rules and road signs; it requires demonstrating that you are medically fit to drive. A critical component of this process is the Gezondheidsverklaring (Health Declaration), a questionnaire administered by the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen). As of January 1, 2026, significant updates are being introduced to this essential document, aiming to make it more accessible and understandable for everyone. These changes are designed to streamline the process of assessing your fitness to drive, ensuring it remains a fair and effective measure for all road users in the Netherlands. Understanding these upcoming modifications is paramount for both new learners and existing drivers who may need to renew their licence or add new categories.

Understanding the Core Purpose of the Gezondheidsverklaring

The Gezondheidsverklaring serves as a vital screening tool for the CBR to assess whether an individual is physically and mentally capable of driving safely. It is not merely a formality but a crucial step in safeguarding road safety for yourself and others. By providing truthful and accurate information about your health, you enable the CBR to make informed decisions regarding your driving eligibility. This declaration is required when you apply for your first driving licence, when you renew your licence (especially after the age of 65 or for certain professional categories), or when you wish to add a new category to your existing licence, with the notable exception of the moped (AM) licence.

Key Changes to the CBR Health Declaration in 2026

The CBR is implementing a revised Gezondheidsverklaring effective January 1, 2026, with the primary goal of enhancing clarity and ease of use. A significant aspect of this update is the shift to simpler, more accessible language. The questions and associated explanations will be rewritten in plain language, adhering to the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means that complex medical jargon will be replaced with straightforward terms and concise sentences, making the declaration easier to understand for a broader audience. This move towards clearer communication is intended to reduce confusion and potential errors, ensuring that applicants can provide accurate information without undue difficulty.

Furthermore, from April 1, 2026, specific questions pertaining to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASS) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will be removed from the general health declaration. These conditions will no longer be subject to standard reporting within the primary declaration form. This adjustment stems from amendments to the 'Regeling eisen geschiktheid 2000' (Regulation on Fitness Requirements 2000), which reflects evolving understanding and classification of these conditions in relation to driving fitness. While these specific questions are being removed, the overall responsibility of being fit to drive remains with the individual, and the CBR retains the ability to request further information or examinations if deemed necessary based on other answers provided.

Different Versions of the Health Declaration

The updated Gezondheidsverklaring will be available in two versions to cater to different applicant groups. The most common version will consist of 19 questions, covering a comprehensive range of health aspects relevant to driving. However, a shorter version with 14 questions will be available for specific groups. This includes individuals aged 75 and over, for whom regular medical assessments are a standard part of the licensing process, and professional drivers who operate large vehicles. This tailored approach ensures that the health declaration remains relevant and efficient for all categories of drivers, while still maintaining rigorous safety standards.

How to Complete the Health Declaration: A Step-by-Step Process

Completing the Gezondheidsverklaring truthfully and accurately is crucial, as any misrepresentation can lead to significant delays or complications in your driving licence application process. The process is primarily conducted online through the CBR's official platform. You will need a DigiD (Digital Identity) to log in securely. It is highly recommended to consult with your driving school or family doctor if you have any doubts about your health or specific questions on the declaration before submitting it. This proactive approach can prevent errors and ensure you provide the most accurate information possible.

Medical Examinations and the Certificate of Fitness (Verklaring van Geschiktheid)

Depending on your answers to the Gezondheidsverklaring, the CBR may require you to undergo a further medical examination. This could involve consulting with a medical specialist or a company doctor, especially for professional licence categories (C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, or D1E) or for drivers approaching or exceeding a certain age. The purpose of these examinations is to gain a more in-depth understanding of your health condition and its potential impact on your driving ability. The fees for medical examinations are determined by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa).

Successful completion of the health declaration and any subsequent medical assessments will result in the issuance of a Certificate of Fitness (Verklaring van Geschiktheid or VvG). This certificate is your official confirmation from the CBR that you meet the necessary health requirements to drive. It is a prerequisite for obtaining or renewing many types of driving licences and is a testament to your ability to safely participate in traffic. You must always ensure that you continue to meet these requirements throughout your time as a licence holder, as changes in health can affect your fitness to drive.

Driving with Medical Conditions and Medication

Participating in traffic responsibly means continuously adhering to the required fitness standards, and this responsibility lies with you as the driver. If your health changes after obtaining your licence, perhaps due to a new condition, an infection, or starting new medication, it is crucial to consider how this might affect your driving. In such circumstances, it is advisable to discuss your situation with your doctor. They can provide guidance on whether it is safe for you to drive and may recommend a period of rest from driving.

You are obligated to report significant changes in your health to the CBR. This ensures that your driving fitness is re-evaluated if necessary. For instance, conditions like diabetes, which are known to you before obtaining your licence, must be declared on the Gezondheidsverklaring before you can take your practical driving test. The CBR's assessment, based on the information you provide and any subsequent examinations, will ultimately determine the validity of your driving licence. Remaining proactive about your health and its impact on driving is a cornerstone of responsible road use in the Netherlands.

Preparing for Your Driving Theory Test: Health and the Exam

While the Gezondheidsverklaring is a prerequisite for obtaining your practical driving licence, understanding health-related aspects is also indirectly relevant to your theory exam preparation. The theory test assesses your knowledge of traffic rules, safe driving behaviour, and how to handle various road situations. A key element of safe driving is recognising when you or other road users might be impaired, whether by fatigue, illness, or medication. Therefore, a general awareness of how health impacts driving is beneficial. The CBR's emphasis on fitness to drive underscores the broader societal goal of ensuring all road users are as safe as possible, a principle mirrored in the comprehensive nature of the Dutch driving theory curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Health Declaration Updates

Many prospective and current drivers have questions regarding these upcoming changes. A common query revolves around the exact start date for the new declaration, which is January 1, 2026, with the specific removal of ADHD/ASS questions taking effect on April 1, 2026. Another frequent question concerns whether the new B1-level language applies to all parts of the declaration, which it does, aiming for universal comprehension. For those with existing medical conditions, the advice remains consistent: declare them truthfully and consult with healthcare professionals. The CBR website provides comprehensive information, and your driving school is also a valuable resource for clarification on any aspect of the licensing process, including the health declaration.