What is the Educational Measure Behaviour and Traffic (EMG)?

The Educatieve Maatregel Gedrag en verkeer (EMG), translated as Educational Measure Behaviour and Traffic, is a crucial intervention by the Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen (CBR) in the Netherlands. It is a compulsory re-education course for drivers who have demonstrated severely dangerous, aggressive, or antisocial behaviour in traffic. The primary goal of the EMG is to confront these drivers with the serious consequences of their actions, educate them on the principles of safe and responsible traffic participation, and ultimately prevent them from repeating such hazardous conduct. This measure underscores the importance of adhering to Dutch driving rules and contributing to overall road safety.

What Dangerous Behaviours Trigger an EMG?

The EMG is not imposed for minor infractions but for significant violations that pose a direct threat to road safety. The CBR specifically targets behaviours that are deemed extremely irresponsible or antisocial. Common triggers for an EMG in the Netherlands include:

• Excessive Speeding: Driving 60 km/h or more above the posted speed limit, or 50 km/h or more in a roadworks zone. This level of speeding is considered exceptionally dangerous.
• Aggressive Driving: Actions such as severe tailgating, deliberately cutting off other vehicles, or making sudden, dangerous manoeuvres in reaction to other road users.
• Running Red Lights: Deliberately ignoring traffic signals and driving through a red light, which significantly increases the risk of collisions, especially at intersections.
• Other Serious Violations: Any behaviour that falls under Article 5 of the Dutch Road Traffic Act (Wegenverkeerswet), which prohibits causing danger or hindrance on public roads. This can encompass a wide range of reckless actions.

Unlike the Light Educational Measure Behaviour and Traffic (LEMG) which targets slightly less severe speeding, the EMG addresses a pattern or single instance of profoundly dangerous conduct.

Why is the EMG Important for Your Driving Theory Exam?

For anyone preparing for the Dutch driving theory exam, understanding the EMG is essential. The exam assesses not only your knowledge of traffic rules and signs but also your insight into safe driving behaviour and the consequences of violating traffic laws. Questions related to the EMG can appear as part of the section on 'Responsible traffic participation' or 'Traffic insight'. Knowing what actions can lead to such a serious measure reinforces the importance of defensive and social driving. It demonstrates your awareness of what constitutes dangerous behaviour and how the Dutch system aims to correct it, which is a core component of becoming a responsible driver.

Consequences of Being Imposed an EMG

If the CBR determines that a driver must undergo an EMG, the consequences are significant and mandatory:

• Compulsory Course: The driver is legally obligated to participate in and successfully complete the entire educational course.
• Financial Cost: The driver is responsible for all costs associated with the EMG course, which can be substantial.
• Driving Licence at Risk: Failure to attend, complete, or pass the EMG course, or to pay for it, will result in the invalidation of your Dutch driving licence. This means you would lose your driving privileges and would need to re-take exams to regain them.

The EMG is designed to be a deterrent and a corrective measure. It aims to make drivers reflect on their behaviour, understand the risks they pose, and learn to drive more safely and considerately. Successful completion is a prerequisite for maintaining driving privileges after such serious infractions.