Learner drivers in Gelderland and Brabant now have access to the 'tussentijdse toets,' an intermediate assessment by a CBR examiner. This article clarifies what this means for your driving test preparation, highlighting the significant advantage of potentially being exempted from performing special maneuvers like parallel parking during your final practical exam. Understanding this reintroduction is key to navigating your driving education effectively in these provinces.
Article content overview
The Dutch driving landscape is dynamic, and recent developments at the Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen (CBR) present a significant opportunity for learner drivers in Gelderland and Brabant. Effective from January 8, 2026, the 'tussentijdse toets,' or intermediate driving test, has been reinstated in these provinces. This reintroduction, occurring earlier than initially projected, is a direct result of the stable and manageable reservation periods for the main B-category practical driving exam, which has consistently remained well under the eight-week mark. For learners preparing for their practical assessment, understanding the implications of the 'tussentijdse toets' is crucial for optimizing their preparation and potentially streamlining their final exam.
The CBR had previously brought back the intermediate test in other regions, including Limburg, Zeeland, Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, and Overijssel. Its return to Gelderland and Brabant marks another step in normalizing the examination process across the Netherlands. The primary function of the 'tussentijdse toets' is to serve as a comprehensive practice assessment, allowing an official CBR examiner to evaluate a candidate's driving skills and readiness for the ultimate practical test. This provides invaluable feedback for both the learner and their driving instructor, highlighting areas that may require further attention or refinement before the final examination.
One of the most compelling advantages for candidates successfully completing the 'tussentijdse toets' is the potential exemption from performing certain special maneuvers during their final practical driving exam. Specifically, if a learner driver demonstrates proficiency in executing maneuvers such as parallel parking, a U-turn in a confined space, or reversing around a corner during the intermediate test, they will be excused from repeating these specific tasks in their definitive practical exam. This exemption can significantly alleviate pressure and anxiety for many learners, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of safe driving during their official CBR test.
This particular benefit is a direct outcome of the examiner's assessment during the intermediate test. The CBR has designed the 'tussentijdse toets' to mimic the conditions and evaluation criteria of the final practical exam, albeit in a lower-stakes environment. By performing well on these specific skills during the intermediate test, learners prove their competence, and the CBR acknowledges this by waiving the requirement for them to be re-evaluated on these maneuvers in the final assessment.
For learners in Gelderland and Brabant, proactively preparing for and aiming to pass the 'tussentijdse toets' can offer a distinct strategic advantage in their overall driving exam journey.
The 'tussentijdse toets' is conducted by a CBR examiner at designated CBR test locations within Gelderland and Brabant. Driving instructors in these provinces can now actively book these intermediate tests on behalf of their students. The test itself is structured to mirror the practical driving exam, focusing on safe driving behaviour, traffic rule adherence, and the execution of various driving techniques. The examiner will observe the learner's ability to navigate different traffic situations, interact with other road users, and demonstrate control over the vehicle.
The decision to reintroduce the intermediate test was made with careful consideration by the CBR. Pascal van Sluijs, divisional manager of Driving Skills at the CBR, has expressed satisfaction with its return, emphasizing that its previous suspension was a necessary emergency measure that proved effective. The CBR is committed to managing this reintroduction strategically to prevent any recurrence of extended reservation periods. This approach includes carefully monitoring examiner availability and capacity, not only for car theory and practical exams but also for other vehicle categories such as mopeds, motorcycles, and trailers, ensuring a balanced and efficient examination system for all.
To make the most of the 'tussentijdse toets,' learners should treat it with the same seriousness and preparation as their final practical exam. This involves working closely with their driving instructor to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to specifically practice the maneuvers that are subject to exemption. Familiarity with various road signs and Dutch traffic rules is paramount, as these will be continuously assessed throughout the test.
The CBR has a structured approach to evaluating driving skills, and the 'tussentijdse toets' is a key component of this. It provides a realistic preview of what to expect, allowing learners to gain experience with an examiner and the testing environment. This can significantly boost confidence and reduce exam jitters when the time comes for the final practical assessment.
Learners should be aware that while the 'tussentijdse toets' offers the potential for maneuver exemption, it does not guarantee a pass. The focus remains on overall safe and competent driving.
With the 'tussentijdse toets' now available, learner drivers in Gelderland and Brabant are encouraged to discuss its benefits and their readiness with their driving instructors. Booking an appointment can be done through the driving school, which will require the learner's authorization. This proactive step can lead to a more efficient and potentially less stressful path to obtaining a Dutch driving license. The CBR's commitment to managing the reintroduction suggests a stable testing environment for those preparing for their driving exams in these regions.
The CBR aims to have the 'tussentijdse toets' fully reinstated across all remaining provinces – Utrecht, Flevoland, North Holland, and South Holland – by April 1. This phased reintroduction is part of a broader commitment to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the driving industry, ensuring the emergency measure does not extend beyond its intended duration. For the most current information on reservation periods and exam updates, consulting the CBR's official resources, such as their 'Reservation Periods' dossier, is highly recommended.
The 'tussentijdse toets' is an intermediate practical driving test offered by the CBR that has returned to Gelderland and Brabant as of January 8, 2026. Successfully completing this assessment can exempt you from performing special maneuvers such as parallel parking, U-turns, and reversing around corners during your final practical exam. To benefit from this exemption, you must perform these maneuvers proficiently during the intermediate test, and your driving instructor can book the appointment on your behalf. While this provides a strategic advantage, it does not reduce other assessment requirements in the final exam, and passing the intermediate test does not guarantee success in the definitive practical assessment.
A short set of high-value points that capture the most important ideas from this article.
Passing the 'tussentijdse toets' in Gelderland or Brabant can exempt you from performing parallel parking, U-turns, and reversing around corners in your final practical exam
The intermediate test must be booked through your driving instructor, who can schedule it at designated CBR test locations in these provinces
Treating the 'tussentijdse toets' with the same seriousness as the final exam maximizes your chances of both passing and earning the maneuver exemption
The exemption only covers the specific maneuvers you demonstrated during the intermediate test; other aspects of the final exam still require full evaluation
This reintroduction applies specifically to Gelderland and Brabant as of January 8, 2026, with other provinces expected to follow by April 1
The 'tussentijdse toets' mirrors the conditions and evaluation criteria of the final practical exam, providing authentic practice experience
Performing maneuvers well during the intermediate test earns you an exemption, but poor performance does not affect your final exam eligibility
Your driving instructor must book the test on your behalf and requires your authorization before scheduling
The CBR will continue monitoring reservation periods to maintain manageable waiting times alongside the reintroduction
The exemption benefit applies specifically to special maneuvers only; safe driving behavior and traffic rule adherence are still assessed in both tests
Assuming that passing the 'tussentijdse toets' means the final practical exam will be easier overall, when only maneuver requirements are reduced
Believing the intermediate test is optional or less important than the final exam, leading to insufficient preparation
Overlooking the need to practice all driving skills comprehensively, not just the maneuvers that could be exempted
Assuming the exemption automatically applies to all maneuvers without verifying which specific tasks were assessed and passed
Neglecting to coordinate with your driving instructor early enough to schedule the intermediate test before your planned final exam date
Article content overview
A short set of high-value points that capture the most important ideas from this article.
Passing the 'tussentijdse toets' in Gelderland or Brabant can exempt you from performing parallel parking, U-turns, and reversing around corners in your final practical exam
The intermediate test must be booked through your driving instructor, who can schedule it at designated CBR test locations in these provinces
Treating the 'tussentijdse toets' with the same seriousness as the final exam maximizes your chances of both passing and earning the maneuver exemption
The exemption only covers the specific maneuvers you demonstrated during the intermediate test; other aspects of the final exam still require full evaluation
This reintroduction applies specifically to Gelderland and Brabant as of January 8, 2026, with other provinces expected to follow by April 1
The 'tussentijdse toets' mirrors the conditions and evaluation criteria of the final practical exam, providing authentic practice experience
Performing maneuvers well during the intermediate test earns you an exemption, but poor performance does not affect your final exam eligibility
Your driving instructor must book the test on your behalf and requires your authorization before scheduling
The CBR will continue monitoring reservation periods to maintain manageable waiting times alongside the reintroduction
The exemption benefit applies specifically to special maneuvers only; safe driving behavior and traffic rule adherence are still assessed in both tests
Assuming that passing the 'tussentijdse toets' means the final practical exam will be easier overall, when only maneuver requirements are reduced
Believing the intermediate test is optional or less important than the final exam, leading to insufficient preparation
Overlooking the need to practice all driving skills comprehensively, not just the maneuvers that could be exempted
Assuming the exemption automatically applies to all maneuvers without verifying which specific tasks were assessed and passed
Neglecting to coordinate with your driving instructor early enough to schedule the intermediate test before your planned final exam date
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Find clear and practical answers to common questions learners often have about Intermediate Test Returns NL. This section helps explain difficult points, remove confusion, and reinforce the key driving theory concepts that matter for learners in the Netherlands.
The 'tussentijdse toets' is an intermediate driving test administered by the CBR, serving as a practice assessment for your final practical driving exam. It's conducted by a CBR examiner and covers parts of the practical exam.
The primary benefit is that if you successfully complete the special maneuvers during the 'tussentijdse toets', you will be exempt from performing them during your final practical driving exam.
The 'tussentijdse toets' returned to Gelderland and Brabant on January 8, 2026.
Yes, learner drivers whose driving schools are located in or can book at specific CBR locations within Gelderland and Brabant can book the 'tussentijdse toets'.
No, the 'tussentijdse toets' is a practice assessment to gauge readiness and offers an exemption for special maneuvers if passed. It does not guarantee passing the final practical exam, which assesses overall driving competence.
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