Netherlands - Cars and Driving

Driving Licenses

If you have a driving license issued in any EU country, you can use it in the Netherlands for as long as it is valid.  You must register your license at the municipal offices (Town Hall) in your place of residence in the Netherlands within a year of arriving.  You do not have to take another driving test.  

More information from:
Stichting Centraal Bureau, Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen, Rijswijk
Tel: 070 - 372 05 00

Non EU citizens will need to get a Dutch driver's license; contact the BNOR for more information.

Importing a Car

Generally speaking, for short assignments (less than 3 months), UK plates may be permitted but otherwise it is necessary to effect Dutch Registration as advised by the local tax office.  The Public Enquiry Line for Importing your car into the Netherlands is: 070 3985 685

Inspectie der Invoorrechten en Accijnzen, Leeuwendalersweg 21, Amsterdam
Tel: 020 - 586 75 11 or

Douane district Amsterdam
Leeuwendalersweg 21, 1055 JE Amsterdam
Postbus 80910, 1005 DA Amsterdam
Telefoon (020) 586 75 11
Telefax (020) 682 17 41

Driving Regulations

If in a town with trams beware.  Give them consideration as in most circumstances they have the right of way.  Traffic on a priority road has priority over traffic coming in from a side road.  Through traffic has right  way over traffic turning off the road.  Beware of cycle paths, they are considered as part of the road and cyclists have right of way if they are carrying straight on.