Earning a motorcycle licence in the Netherlands involves a clear, staged process managed by the CBR and your local municipality. This page details the requirements for each category (A1, A2, A), the sequence of exams, and the administrative steps needed. Understand how to proceed from theory to practical tests and finally apply for your official driving licence card.
Procedure content overview
Follow the full procedure content for Obtain Dutch motorcycle licence with structured, practical guidance tailored to the Netherlands. This section explains the official process logic, authority touchpoints, and decision flow so learners can complete the task correctly and avoid common administrative mistakes in Dutch driving licence processes.
In the Netherlands, obtaining a motorcycle driving licence involves a structured, staged access system managed by the Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen (CBR) and your local municipality. This comprehensive guide outlines the requirements for each licence category (A1, A2, A), details the mandatory theory and practical examinations, and explains the administrative steps needed to successfully acquire your official driving licence card. Navigating this process effectively requires understanding the specific age requirements, the sequence of exams, and the importance of timely administrative actions, particularly concerning health declarations and final licence application.
The Dutch motorcycle licence system uses a "staged access" model, meaning that access to more powerful motorcycles is generally granted progressively, based on age and riding experience. It is crucial to choose the correct category at the outset, as this determines your eligibility, the type of motorcycle you train on, and the exams you need to take.
The A1 licence is your entry point into motorcycle riding in the Netherlands for riders aged 18 and older. It restricts you to lighter, less powerful motorcycles. This category is ideal for beginners or those who prefer smaller bikes for city commuting.
The A2 licence serves as an intermediate step towards unrestricted riding. You can obtain an A2 licence at a younger age if you've already held an A1 licence for a minimum period, or directly if you meet the age requirement. This category allows for more powerful bikes than A1, but still with specific power limitations.
The A licence allows you to ride any motorcycle, regardless of power or weight. Access to this category is either direct at an older age or through progressive advancement from an A2 licence.
| Category | Minimum Age for Exam | Motorcycle Max. Power | Prerequisites | Progression Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 18 years | 11 kW, 0.1 kW/kg, 125cc | None | Entry-level |
| A2 | 20 years | 35 kW, 0.2 kW/kg | None (direct) OR A1 for 2 years | From A1: AVD only |
| A | 24 years | Unlimited | None (direct) OR A2 for 2 years | From A2: AVD only; 21-24 years: Code 80 restriction |
Before embarking on your motorcycle licence journey, ensure you meet the fundamental eligibility criteria and have the necessary digital tools and awareness of key administrative steps.
While self-study for the theory exam is possible, taking practical riding lessons with an accredited driving school is virtually mandatory and highly recommended. Driving schools provide the necessary training vehicle, an instructor, and handle the booking of your practical exams with the CBR. They are essential partners throughout the process.
For most interactions with the CBR, including booking exams and submitting your Health Declaration, you will need a DigiD. DigiD (Digitale Identiteit) is your personal digital identification for government services in the Netherlands. Ensure you have an active DigiD account, preferably with SMS verification or the DigiD app, as it's required for secure login to Mijn CBR, the CBR's online portal.
DigiD (Digitale Identiteit) is a personal digital identification system that allows Dutch residents to securely access online services from government agencies, healthcare providers, and other public service organizations in the Netherlands. It is essential for interacting with the CBR's online portal (Mijn CBR).
The Gezondheidsverklaring is a critical step that should be initiated early, especially if you have any medical conditions. This declaration informs the CBR about your physical and mental fitness to drive.
Start Your Health Declaration Early! If you answer "yes" to any questions on the Gezondheidsverklaring regarding medical conditions (e.g., ADHD, autism, vision impairment, heart conditions, diabetes), the CBR may require further assessment by a medical specialist. This process can add several weeks or even months to your timeline. Do not wait until you're ready for practical exams to submit this.
Obtaining your Dutch motorcycle licence involves a clear sequence of steps, from choosing your category to the final issuance of your licence card.
As detailed above, the first crucial decision is which motorcycle category you intend to pursue: A1, A2, or A. This choice impacts the minimum age you can start training, the type of motorcycle you'll ride for lessons and exams, and the overall progression. Consider your long-term riding goals and age carefully.
If you are new to motorcycling, most start with A1. If you are already 24 or older, you can opt for direct access to the unrestricted A licence. If you are between 21 and 24, you can take the A exam but will receive a Code 80 restriction, limiting you to A1/A2 power levels until you are 24 or have held a relevant licence for two years.
Consult with a driving school; they can provide tailored advice based on your age and aspirations.
The motorcycle theory exam is a mandatory requirement for all initial motorcycle licence categories (A1, A2, A direct access). Even if you hold a Dutch car (B) licence, you must pass the motorcycle-specific theory exam.
The CBR motorcycle theory exam is a computer-based test conducted in a CBR exam centre. It typically lasts about 45 minutes and covers:
You must pass all three sections to obtain your theory certificate. The exam is available in Dutch and English (English exams may be slightly more expensive).
You can take the motorcycle theory exam from the age of 17. Passing it early allows you to focus on practical training afterwards.
There are two primary ways to book your CBR theory exam:
Self-Booking via Mijn CBR:
Booking through Your Driving School:
Upon passing, your motorcycle theory certificate is valid for 1.5 years (18 months). This means you must pass both your practical exams (AVB and AVD) within this period. If your theory certificate expires before you pass both practical exams, you will need to retake and pass the theory exam again.
The CBR has strict rules regarding rescheduling and cancelling theory exams:
Always Check Official CBR Reschedule Rules: For the most up-to-date and specific rescheduling rules, especially concerning the 7-day window and acceptable reasons for cancellation, refer directly to the CBR's official website or consult your driving school.
The Gezondheidsverklaring (Health Declaration) is a questionnaire about your physical and mental health. The CBR uses this to assess whether you are medically fit to drive safely. It is a mandatory step for obtaining a motorcycle licence.
Participating in traffic requires mental and physical fitness. The Gezondheidsverklaring ensures that drivers are aware of any conditions that might affect their driving ability and allows the CBR to determine if further medical assessment is needed. Providing truthful information is legally required; omissions or false statements can have serious consequences.
You must complete and submit your Health Declaration online via Mijn CBR yourself. Driving schools cannot do this for you due to privacy regulations.
The Gezondheidsverklaring is a mandatory health declaration submitted to the CBR by individuals applying for a driving licence. It's a questionnaire about one's physical and mental health, used by the CBR to assess driving fitness and determine if further medical examination is required.
If You Have Medical Conditions, Plan Ahead: Due to potential delays from specialist assessments, it is highly advisable to submit your Gezondheidsverklaring even before you start practical lessons, especially if you anticipate answering "yes" to any health-related questions. Waiting until your practical exams are near can significantly postpone your licence acquisition.
The first practical motorcycle exam you'll take is the Afzonderlijke Voertuigbeheersing (AVB), or Vehicle Control exam. This exam focuses on your ability to handle the motorcycle in various situations, testing specific manoeuvres on a closed-off practice terrain.
The AVB exam assesses your mastery of fundamental motorcycle handling skills at different speeds, without the complexities of other traffic. It ensures you can safely control the motorcycle before you venture onto public roads for the AVD exam.
Before you can take the AVB exam, you must have:
The AVB exam lasts approximately 20 minutes. There are 12 possible exercises in total, divided into four clusters:
During your exam, the examiner will select 7 of these 12 exercises. To pass, you must successfully complete at least 5 of the 7 exercises, with at least one exercise passed from each of the four clusters.
For your own safety and to meet CBR requirements, you must wear appropriate protective motorcycle gear during the AVB exam:
The CBR fee portion for the AVB exam is approximately €75.00 - €120.00. Your driving school will add costs for the use of the motorcycle, instructor, and any administrative fees, which will vary.
The AVB, or Vehicle Control exam, is the first practical motorcycle exam in the Netherlands. It assesses a rider's ability to perform specific manoeuvres (e.g., slow slalom, emergency stop, figure eight) on a closed course, demonstrating control of the motorcycle at various speeds.
Once you've passed the AVB exam and demonstrated sufficient bike control, you move on to the Algemene Verkeersdeelname (AVD), or Traffic Participation exam. This is the real-world riding test where your ability to safely and independently participate in traffic is assessed.
The AVD exam evaluates your ability to apply traffic rules, anticipate hazards, ride defensively, and integrate smoothly with other road users. It covers aspects such as positioning, speed, observation, and communication (signalling).
To take the AVD exam, you must have:
The AVD exam typically lasts about 35 minutes, including an eye test and some preliminary questions about the motorcycle. You will ride on public roads, with the examiner following you in a car (with your instructor often present in the car as well). The examiner will give directions via a radio connection to an earpiece in your helmet.
During the exam, you will be expected to:
Making minor mistakes is not an immediate fail, as long as they do not create unsafe situations. However, any intervention by the examiner for safety reasons will result in a failed exam.
The same protective gear requirements as the AVB exam apply to the AVD exam: an approved helmet, motorcycle gloves, high footwear protecting ankles, and protective jacket and trousers with CE armour. As of 2026, instructors must ensure students wearing spectacles for AVD training use "shatterproof" lenses.
The CBR fee portion for the AVD exam is approximately €143.50 - €150.00. Similar to the AVB, your driving school will add costs for motorcycle use, instructor time, and administrative fees.
The AVD, or Traffic Participation exam, is the second practical motorcycle exam in the Netherlands. It is a real-world riding test on public roads, assessing a rider's ability to safely and independently apply traffic rules, anticipate hazards, and interact with other road users.
Congratulations! Once you have passed both your AVB and AVD practical exams, the most challenging part is over. The CBR automatically registers your "Verklaring van rijvaardigheid" (Certificate of Driving Proficiency) and "Verklaring van geschiktheid" (Certificate of Fitness) with the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority). The final step is to apply for your physical driving licence card at your local municipality.
You must apply for your driving licence in person at the town hall or district office of your municipality. It is advisable to make an appointment in advance, as some municipalities require this.
When you go to your municipality to apply, bring the following:
You Cannot Drive Without the Physical Licence Card! Even after passing all your exams, you are NOT legally allowed to drive a motorcycle until you are in possession of your physical driving licence card. Driving without a valid, issued licence is a serious offence.
Make sure you have these items ready when you visit your municipality:
The Dutch staged access system allows riders to progress to higher motorcycle categories without repeating all exams, provided they meet certain experience criteria. This process is often referred to as "getrapt."
If you have held your A1 motorcycle licence for at least two years and are at least 20 years old, you can upgrade to an A2 licence.
If you have held your A2 motorcycle licence for at least two years and are at least 22 years old, you can upgrade to an unrestricted A licence.
Code 78 for Automatic Motorcycles: If you take an AVD upgrade exam (e.g., A1 to A2, or A2 to A) on a motorcycle with an automatic transmission (e.g., scooter), your upgraded licence category will be issued with Code 78. This code restricts you to riding only automatic motorcycles within that specific category, even if your previous licence allowed manual. To avoid this, ensure you take your upgrade exam on a manual transmission motorcycle.
Obtaining a motorcycle licence in the Netherlands involves various costs, including CBR exam fees, driving school lesson fees, and municipal application fees. The total cost can vary significantly based on the number of lessons required and your chosen driving school.
These are the direct fees paid to the CBR:
Driving school fees constitute the largest portion of the total cost. These typically include:
Considering all components, the total estimated cost for obtaining a new motorcycle licence (including lessons, gear, and all exams) in the Netherlands typically ranges from €1,800 to €2,600. This is a broad estimate; individual costs may be higher or lower.
Budgeting for Success: When budgeting, always factor in potential re-exam fees if you don't pass on your first attempt, and the cost of quality protective gear (helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, boots) if you don't already own it. Choose a reputable driving school with clear pricing and good pass rates.
Navigating the motorcycle licence process can sometimes encounter unforeseen roadblocks. Being aware of common issues can help you avoid unnecessary delays and frustrations.
Once you've successfully passed your AVD practical exam, the CBR registers your achievement. This is a significant milestone, but it's important to understand the final administrative steps and what to expect.
The CBR electronically communicates your passing status to the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer - Netherlands Vehicle Authority). The RDW then registers your newly acquired driving proficiency and fitness in the Central Driving Licence Register. This means you are now entitled to a motorcycle licence.
As outlined in Step 6, your next and final action is to visit your local municipality (gemeente) in person to apply for the physical driving licence card. This card is your legal proof of entitlement to drive and must be carried whenever you are operating a motorcycle. The municipality will verify your status with the RDW.
After applying and paying the municipal fee, your card will typically be ready for collection within 5 working days. Many municipalities offer an expedited service for an extra charge if you need it sooner. You will receive a notification when your card is ready, and you must collect it in person.
For your first driving licence in the Netherlands (including your motorcycle licence), you will be issued a "Beginnersrijbewijs" (Beginner's Driving Licence). This special status applies for a period of 5 to 7 years. During this period, a stricter points system applies: accumulating two serious traffic offences can lead to the revocation of your licence. This system encourages safe driving habits for new licence holders.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding motorcycle licensing in the Netherlands, always refer to the official government and authority websites. These sources are your definitive guide for regulations, fees, and procedures.
Use this operational keyword checklist to quickly identify the most important authority terms, document requirements, eligibility conditions, and process signals that appear in Dutch driving licence procedures in the Netherlands.
Explore related procedure guides connected to Obtain Dutch motorcycle licence. These pages help users in the Netherlands navigate adjacent administrative tasks, alternative eligibility paths, and follow-up actions in official Dutch driving licence processes.
Begin your guided preparation for the CBR driving theory exam today. Explore our comprehensive curriculum and choose a course to systematically learn all essential traffic rules, road signs, and safety protocols for the Netherlands.
Browse Driving Theory CoursesReview high-intent search paths users follow when trying to complete Obtain Dutch motorcycle licence in the Netherlands. These queries reflect real administrative uncertainty around requirements, timing, documents, eligibility, and official process steps in Dutch driving systems.
Procedure content overview
Use this operational keyword checklist to quickly identify the most important authority terms, document requirements, eligibility conditions, and process signals that appear in Dutch driving licence procedures in the Netherlands.
Explore related procedure guides connected to Obtain Dutch motorcycle licence. These pages help users in the Netherlands navigate adjacent administrative tasks, alternative eligibility paths, and follow-up actions in official Dutch driving licence processes.
Begin your guided preparation for the CBR driving theory exam today. Explore our comprehensive curriculum and choose a course to systematically learn all essential traffic rules, road signs, and safety protocols for the Netherlands.
Browse Driving Theory CoursesReview high-intent search paths users follow when trying to complete Obtain Dutch motorcycle licence in the Netherlands. These queries reflect real administrative uncertainty around requirements, timing, documents, eligibility, and official process steps in Dutch driving systems.
Get direct, practical answers to common administrative questions about Obtain Dutch motorcycle licence in the Netherlands. This FAQ focuses on real process blockers, authority expectations, and requirement checks that matter for completing Dutch driving licence procedures correctly.
The Netherlands has three categories: A1 (light), A2 (medium), and A (heavy/unlimited). Your age and experience determine which you can apply for initially.
Yes, a separate motorcycle theory exam is mandatory, even if you already hold a Dutch car (B) driving licence.
Code 80 is a temporary restriction applied if you get your full A licence between ages 21 and 24. It limits you to A1/A2 motorcycles until it expires after two years or when you turn 24.
You typically need to pass two practical exams: the Vehicle Control (AVB) exam and the Traffic Participation (AVD) exam.
The Health Declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring) should be completed early in the process, before your practical exams, as medical assessments can cause delays.
After passing all required CBR exams, you must apply for your driving licence card in person at your local municipality.
After holding an A1 licence for at least two years, you generally only need to pass the Traffic Participation (AVD) practical exam for the A2 category.
Yes, your driving school can book your theory and practical exams on your behalf if you authorize them via Mijn CBR using your DigiD.
You will typically need a valid proof of identity and a compliant colour passport photo. Your passing results are automatically registered.
Ready to test your knowledge and prepare for the CBR theory exam? Dive into hundreds of practice questions, review detailed explanations, and track your progress to ensure you are fully prepared for success on the road.