The Dutch CBR car theory exam, explained

The CBR theory exam is the first big step towards a Dutch driving licence. If you know exactly what to expect, most of the stress disappears. This guide explains what the car (category B) theory exam looks like today and how to prepare for it.

One exam instead of three parts

Until April 2025 the exam had three separate parts: hazard perception, knowledge and insight. Since 7 April 2025 it is one continuous exam of 50 questions in 30 minutes, with every topic mixed together. You pass with 44 correct answers.

Hazard perception now uses animation clips

The old photos with the fixed answers "brake, release the accelerator or do nothing" are gone. Hazard perception now uses short animation clips without sound. They test whether you notice what’s going on, predict what happens next, and choose how to act. The clips come with ordinary question types, such as multiple choice or yes/no.

Since 1 October 2026: driver-assistance systems

Questions on driver-assistance systems (ADAS) no longer focus on dashboard symbols. They test how you behave while a system such as adaptive cruise control or lane assist is on, based on Rijprocedure B: you stay responsible, you know the system’s limits and you take over when needed. The number of questions did not change.

The question types you will see

• Multiple choice and yes/no questions.
• Questions where more than one answer can be right.
• Questions where you type a number, such as a speed or a distance.
• Drag questions: put road users in the order they may go.
• Tap questions: tap the right spot or sign in a picture.

Why memorising answers is not enough

The exam asks about the same rule in many different situations, which is exactly what defeats memorising a question bank. People who pass first time understand the reason behind each rule, so a slightly different picture doesn’t throw them. That’s why Permio explains every answer: you learn the rule, not the answer key.

A simple way to prepare

• Practise in short daily sessions rather than one long cram.
• Look at every mistake the same day and make sure you understand the rule behind it.
• Take full mock exams of 50 questions in 30 minutes, so the pace feels normal.
• Keep track of your weak topics and go back to them until they stop being weak.