Completing Your CBR Gezondheidsverklaring and Medical Follow-up

The Gezondheidsverklaring (Health Declaration) is a mandatory questionnaire issued by the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen - Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing) in the Netherlands. Its purpose is to assess your physical and mental fitness to drive safely. Successfully completing this declaration, and navigating any subsequent medical assessments, is a critical step towards obtaining, renewing, or expanding your Dutch driving licence by securing a Certificate of Fitness (Verklaring van Geschiktheid). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, including how to submit the declaration, what triggers medical follow-up, and how to manage potential delays.

Understanding the Gezondheidsverklaring: Your Gateway to Driving Fitness

The Gezondheidsverklaring is a core component of the Dutch driving licence system, designed to ensure that all road users meet minimum health standards. It's a self-declaration that must be completed truthfully. The CBR uses your answers to determine if you are immediately fit to drive or if further medical investigation is required.

Who Needs to Submit a Gezondheidsverklaring?

Not everyone requires a Gezondheidsverklaring at all times, but it is mandatory in several key situations:

• First-time driving licence application: If you are applying for your first Dutch driving licence (excluding moped category AM).
• Adding a new driving licence category: When upgrading or adding a new category to your existing licence (e.g., from B to C or D), unless it's the AM category.
• Driving licence renewal for specific ages: If your driving licence expires on or after your 75th birthday, you must submit a declaration and undergo a mandatory medical examination. This also applies if your licence expires when you are 70 or older and would expire on or after you turn 75.
• Professional drivers: All drivers holding or applying for Group 2 licence categories (C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E for trucks and buses) must complete a specific health declaration and undergo regular medical examinations, both upon initial application and at each renewal.
• Existing medical conditions: If you have certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, psychiatric issues) that could affect your driving ability, even if your licence is not up for renewal, you may need to submit a declaration to the CBR for reassessment.
• Exchange of foreign licences: In some cases, when exchanging a non-EU/EFTA driving licence for a Dutch one, a Certificate of Fitness (VvG) based on a Gezondheidsverklaring may be required.
• CBR referral: If the CBR (or law enforcement) has doubts about your driving fitness due to an incident or medical report, they may request you submit a Gezondheidsverklaring for assessment.

The Principle of Truthfulness and Its Consequences

It is legally obligatory to complete your Gezondheidsverklaring truthfully. Providing false information or omitting relevant health details can have severe consequences later, including the invalidation of your driving licence, refusal of insurance coverage in case of an accident, and potential legal penalties. The CBR emphasises that this is for your own safety and the safety of other road users. If you have doubts about a question or your health, it is advisable to consult your driving school or family doctor before submitting the declaration.

Navigating the Gezondheidsverklaring Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The most common and recommended way to submit your Gezondheidsverklaring is online via Mijn CBR using your DigiD. This method is faster and less prone to errors than paper submission.

Paper Submission: An Alternative with Potential Delays

While online submission is preferred, paper forms are still available at some municipal (Gemeente) offices. However, choosing this method typically adds 2-4 weeks to the overall processing time due to manual handling and postal delivery. If you opt for a paper declaration, you will need to manually fill out the form, pay the fee (usually via bank transfer), and mail it to the CBR.

Special Cases for the Health Declaration

Certain categories of drivers face additional or specific requirements when completing their Gezondheidsverklaring.

Drivers Age 75 and Older

If your driving licence expires on or after your 75th birthday, a medical examination is mandatory for renewal. The process is as follows:

1. Submit Gezondheidsverklaring: Complete the specific 75+ Health Declaration via Mijn CBR.
2. CBR Referral: The CBR will notify you that you need to make an appointment with a medical examiner (keuringsarts). This notification will include a ZorgDomein code if an online referral is used.
3. Medical Examination: You must undergo an examination by an independent medical examiner (often referred to as a "keuringsarts"). It's crucial to bring all CBR forms and a current Actueel Medicatieoverzicht (AMO), obtained from your pharmacy, to this appointment. The examination must last at least 15-20 minutes.
4. Specialist Referral (if needed): If the initial medical examiner identifies specific concerns (e.g., severe eye conditions, epilepsy, or other complex health issues), you may be referred to a specialist (e.g., ophthalmologist, neurologist).
5. CBR Assessment: The CBR reviews all submitted medical information to determine your fitness to drive.

Professional Drivers (Categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1, D1E)

Drivers of trucks, buses, and other large vehicles (Group 2 licences) are subject to stricter and more frequent medical assessments due to the higher safety risks associated with these vehicles.

1. Specific Gezondheidsverklaring: Professional drivers must complete a specialized "Health Declaration for a Large Driving Licence." This form, also available on Mijn CBR, contains 14 questions tailored to conditions relevant to professional driving tasks.
2. Mandatory Medical Examination: You must always undergo a medical examination, typically conducted by a company doctor or a certified occupational health service (bedrijfsarts of arbodienst).
3. Medical Report: The doctor completes a medical report based on your declaration and examination, which is then submitted to the CBR.
4. CBR Assessment: A CBR medical advisor assesses your driving suitability for professional categories. If approved, the CBR issues the Certificate of Fitness.

You can find the specific questions for professional drivers on the official CBR website: CBR Professional Drivers Gezondheidsverklaring.

Deciphering Your Health Declaration Answers: What Triggers Follow-Up

The questions in the Gezondheidsverklaring are designed to identify potential health risks that could impair your driving ability. Answering "yes" to any of these questions typically triggers a more in-depth assessment by the CBR.

Common Health Areas Assessed

The questionnaire covers various aspects of physical and mental health. While the exact wording may vary, common areas include:

• Physical Limitations: Use of arms, hands, fingers, legs, or feet; presence of prosthetic limbs.
• Neurological Conditions: Epilepsy, fainting spells, severe dizziness, stroke (TIA/CVA), Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Heart conditions, pacemakers, ICDs, high blood pressure.
• Vision and Hearing: Significant vision impairment (even with corrective lenses), glaucoma, macular degeneration, hearing loss requiring specific aids for driving.
• Mental and Psychiatric Conditions: Severe depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe anxiety, ADHD (historically), autism (historically), alcohol or drug abuse.
• Sleep Disorders: Severe sleep apnea.
• Diabetes: Insulin-dependent or with complications affecting vision/sensation.

What Happens When "Yes" is Answered?

If you answer "yes" to one or more questions, the CBR will likely issue a Verwijsbrief (referral letter) to you. This letter instructs you to visit a doctor or medical specialist for an examination and to submit a report to the CBR. The referral will often include a ZorgDomein code, allowing the medical professional to access the necessary digital forms and submit their findings directly to the CBR's secure portal.

The Medical Assessment Hierarchy: From GP to Specialist

Understanding which medical professional to consult is crucial to avoid delays. The CBR has a structured approach to medical assessments.

Who Can Perform Your Medical Examination?

The type of doctor you need to see depends on your specific health situation and driving licence category.

Doctor Type	Role & Scope	Limitations / Notes
Huisarts (General Practitioner)	Can perform basic 75+ age-related examinations and some basic C/D category examinations. Can also fill out some ZorgDomein reports for less complex issues if they feel competent.	Most GPs refuse to examine their own patients due to a conflict of interest. It's often better to seek an independent "keuringsarts" instead.
Keuringsarts (Independent Medical Examiner)	A doctor specialized in conducting driving fitness examinations who is not your regular GP. Often used for 75+ renewals and initial Group 2 licence applications where no specific specialist is mandated.	Not all keuringsartsen are specialists. For specific conditions (e.g., epilepsy), they will refer you to the appropriate specialist. You can find one via Regelhulp.nl.
Medisch Specialist (Medical Specialist)	Required for specific, complex conditions. This includes: - Cardiologist: Heart conditions, arrhythmias, ICD/Pacemaker. - Neurologist: TIA/Stroke, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS. - Ophthalmologist (Oogarts): Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, field of vision issues. - Psychiatrist: Alcohol/Drug abuse history, severe depression, bipolar disorder.	You typically need a referral (Verwijsbrief) from the CBR to see a specialist, and they will usually complete their report via ZorgDomein. Specialist waiting lists can be very long.
Bedrijfsarts / Arbodienst (Company Doctor / Occupational Health Service)	Mandatory for professional drivers (C/D categories) to conduct their regular medical examinations.	These are specialized in occupational health and driving fitness for professional use.
Diabetesverpleegkundige (Diabetes Nurse)	Can often assist in filling out specific sections of the ZorgDomein report for diabetes patients, potentially reducing the need for an expensive internist visit for routine checks.	Works under supervision of an internist or GP. Confirm with the CBR or your doctor if this is an option for your specific case.

The Role of ZorgDomein

ZorgDomein is a secure digital platform used by the CBR and medical professionals to facilitate referrals and exchange medical reports. When the CBR issues a digital referral, it often comes with a ZorgDomein code. This code allows your doctor to:

1. Access the specific CBR forms and questions relevant to your case.
2. Input their medical findings directly into the system.
3. Securely send the completed medical report to the CBR.

You can often check the status of your ZorgDomein referral at ZorgDomein's patient portal.

The Driving Fitness Test (Rijtest): When and Why

Sometimes, a medical examination alone is not sufficient, or a physical condition might require an on-road assessment to fully determine driving fitness. This is where the Rijtest comes in.

Purpose and Triggers of a Rijtest

A Rijtest is not a traditional driving exam designed to test your driving skills for a licence. Instead, it is a functional assessment to determine:

• Adaptation to physical disabilities: How well you can operate a vehicle with physical limitations, potentially with modifications (e.g., hand controls, adapted steering).
• Impact of medical conditions: How a specific medical condition (e.g., vision loss in one eye, cognitive decline, certain neurological conditions) affects your ability to safely control a vehicle in real-world traffic.
• Need for vehicle modifications: To determine if specific vehicle adaptations are necessary for you to drive safely.

The Rijtest is typically triggered by:

• Physical disabilities or missing limbs.
• Significant vision impairments (even with corrective lenses).
• Certain neurological conditions or cognitive impairments (e.g., early-stage dementia, mild cognitive impairment).

What to Expect During a Rijtest

• Vehicle: The test can be done in your own car (if you already have a licence and it's deemed suitable), or in a driving school car. If you require specific modifications, these must be present in the vehicle used.
• Examiner: You will drive alongside a specially trained CBR examiner who focuses on your functional driving ability, compensatory strategies, and overall safety, rather than minor driving errors.
• Outcome: Based on the Rijtest, the CBR will decide on your driving fitness. This may result in:
  • A Certificate of Fitness with no restrictions (Code 100).
  • A Certificate of Fitness with specific restriction codes (e.g., Code 40 for modified steering, Code 42 for adapted mirrors) that will be printed on your driving licence.
  • A declaration of unfitness to drive if significant safety concerns cannot be mitigated.

Key Considerations for a Smooth Process

Navigating the Gezondheidsverklaring and medical follow-up can be time-consuming and complex. Careful planning and attention to detail are essential to minimise delays.

Costs and Fees Associated with the Gezondheidsverklaring

Understanding the financial aspects is important, as several fees may apply.

Item	Cost (2026)	Notes
CBR Gezondheidsverklaring Fee	€46.90	Mandatory fee paid to the CBR for processing your declaration. Does not include doctor fees.
General Practitioner (Huisarts) Exam	Varies, NZa regulated	Most GPs charge a fee for a medical examination. Many refuse to examine their own patients.
Independent Medical Examiner (Keuringsarts) Exam	Varies, NZa regulated	Fees can vary but are regulated by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa). Check rates beforehand.
Medical Specialist Examination	Varies, NZa regulated	Specialist fees can be significantly higher, depending on the type of specialist and complexity of the exam.
Rijtest (Practical Fitness Test)	Varies, CBR fee	If a Rijtest is required, the CBR charges a separate fee for this assessment.
Driving School Car for Rijtest	Varies by driving school	If you use a driving school car for your Rijtest, you will pay the driving school for its use.

Essential Timeline Management for Medical Assessments

This is where many applicants experience significant delays. Starting early is the most critical piece of advice.

• CBR Recommendation: The CBR strongly recommends starting the Gezondheidsverklaring process at least 5 months before you need your licence or before your current licence expires, especially if you anticipate medical follow-up.
• Specialist Waiting Lists: Appointments with medical specialists (neurologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, psychiatrists) can have waiting lists exceeding 12 weeks. This is a major source of delay.
• Doctor's Report Submission: Once your medical examination is complete, the doctor needs time to write and submit their report to the CBR, especially if it's not done immediately via ZorgDomein.
• CBR Processing Time: After receiving all necessary medical reports, the CBR typically takes up to 4 weeks to review your case and make a decision on your driving fitness. This period can be longer during peak times or for complex cases.
• VvG Validity: Once issued, the Certificate of Fitness (Verklaring van Geschiktheid) is valid for exactly 1 year. If you do not collect your physical driving licence from your municipality within 365 days of the VvG issue date, you must restart the entire Gezondheidsverklaring process, including paying the fee again and potentially undergoing new medical assessments.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Delays

Proactive planning can save you significant time and stress.

Checklist for Smooth Processing

• Apply Early: Submit your Gezondheidsverklaring well in advance (5 months is a good buffer).
• Use DigiD: Always apply online via mijn.cbr.nl with your DigiD (with SMS or app) for faster processing.
• Be Truthful: Answer all questions accurately and completely.
• Consult First (if unsure): If you're unsure about a "yes" answer but believe it might be a misunderstanding (e.g., a condition you no longer have), consult your family doctor before submission to avoid unnecessary referrals.
• Gather Medical History: If you have a known condition, proactively gather relevant medical records, diagnoses, and specialist letters.
• Actueel Medicatieoverzicht (AMO): Always bring a recent AMO from your pharmacy to any medical examination.
• Book Appointments Promptly: As soon as you receive a referral from the CBR, book your medical appointments immediately to get ahead of waiting lists.
• Follow Up: Keep track of your application status via Mijn CBR and confirm with your doctor that they have sent their report to the CBR.
• Inform Driving School: If you are learning to drive, inform your driving school once you have received your Certificate of Fitness, as they may need it for booking practical exams.
• Avoid Intermediaries: Never use third-party websites that charge extra for the Gezondheidsverklaring.

Receiving Your Certificate of Fitness (Verklaring van Geschiktheid)

The ultimate goal of the Gezondheidsverklaring and any subsequent medical assessments is to obtain the Verklaring van Geschiktheid (Certificate of Fitness). This document is the CBR's official confirmation that you are medically fit to drive.

What is the Certificate of Fitness?

The Certificate of Fitness is a digital declaration from the CBR that states you meet the health requirements to drive a motor vehicle safely in the Netherlands. It's not a physical card but an electronic record that is linked to your driving licence application.

What Happens Next?

1. CBR Decision: Once the CBR has reviewed all submitted information (your declaration, medical reports, Rijtest results if applicable), they will make a decision.
2. Notification: You will receive a notification via email (and potentially in Mijn CBR) about the outcome. This could be:
   • Certificate of Fitness issued: The CBR declares you fit to drive, possibly with specific codes for vehicle adaptations or restrictions.
   • Request for more information: The CBR may require further clarification or additional medical reports.
   • Declaration of unfitness: In rare cases, if your health condition is deemed too severe to drive safely, the CBR may declare you unfit.
3. Inform Your Driving School: If you are a student, notify your driving school as soon as you receive your Certificate of Fitness. This document is essential for them to book your practical driving exam.
4. Applying for Your Licence (if applicable): With a valid Certificate of Fitness, you can proceed with the final steps of your driving licence application or renewal at your local municipality (Gemeente).

What if You are Declared Unfit or Your Application is Rejected?

If the CBR decides that you are (temporarily or permanently) unfit to drive, they will provide a clear explanation for their decision. You generally have the right to:

• Request a re-assessment: If new medical information becomes available or your condition improves, you can submit a new Gezondheidsverklaring or appeal the decision.
• Lodge an appeal: You can formally object to the CBR's decision. This process involves specific deadlines and procedures, and it is often advisable to seek legal counsel or support from an advocacy group in such situations.
• Consider vehicle adaptations: If your unfitness is due to physical limitations, exploring vehicle adaptations and undergoing a Rijtest for adapted vehicles might be an option.

The goal of the CBR is to ensure road safety, and their decisions are made with this in mind.

Official Sources and Further Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official websites of the CBR and other relevant Dutch authorities.

• CBR Gezondheidsverklaring Hub: The main page for all information regarding the health declaration and driving fitness: cbr.nl/nl/rijden-en-uw-gezondheid/nl/gezondheidsverklaring
• Mijn CBR Portal: Your personal environment for submitting the declaration and checking its status: mijn.cbr.nl
• CBR Professional Drivers Gezondheidsverklaring: Specific information for drivers of large vehicles: cbr.nl/nl/rijden-en-uw-gezondheid/nl/gezondheidsverklaring/professional-drivers
• CBR Overview of Medical Conditions: A comprehensive list of conditions and their implications for driving: cbr.nl/nl/rijden-en-uw-gezondheid/overzicht-aandoeningen
• RDW Medical Exam Overview: Information on medical exams for driving licence renewal, linking to the CBR Certificate of Fitness: rdw.nl/en/driving-licence/renewing-a-dutch-driving-licence/medical-exam
• NZa Rates for Medical Specialists: Information on regulated fees for medical examinations: cbr.nl/nl/voor-artsen/nl/keuren-voor-het-cbr/tarieven-huisarts-en-medisch-specialist
• Regelhulp.nl (Finding a Keuringsarts): A resource to help find independent medical examiners: regelhulp.nl/onderwerpen/rijbewijskeuring
• ZorgDomein Patient Portal: Check the status of your digital medical referral: zorgdomein.com/patient/
• Legal Framework (REG2000): The primary legal basis for driving fitness regulations in the Netherlands: wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0011362/