Exam anxiety at the CBR: options for the theory and driving test

What does the CBR offer for theory exam anxiety?

Most people take theory in an exam room with other candidates. If that makes you too nervous, the CBR has two other formats. The questions are the same in all of them. You don’t get an easier exam, but you do get a calmer setting or more time.

Individual theory exam (individueel begeleid)

The CBR names exam anxiety and autism as examples of who this exam is for. You sit alone in a room with a CBR staff member. They read the questions and answers aloud, and you also see them on your screen. You answer on the computer yourself. The staff member only explains how the exam works, not what a question means.

Theory exam with extra time

You get 15 extra minutes, but you sit in the normal exam room. The CBR names dyslexia or another condition as the reason. If you have a dyslexia statement, you can reclaim the €13.50 surcharge within 14 days after your exam.

How do you book an adapted theory exam?

1. Log in to Mijn CBR with your DigiD and choose the extra-time exam or the individual exam.
2. No DigiD? You can also request an individual exam by post with the theory exam application form. Within 5 working days of receiving your form and payment, the CBR emails you whether your request is approved.
3. Your driving school can also book an individual exam for you. Authorise your school in Mijn CBR first.

You normally pay the €68 surcharge for the individual exam yourself. You can only reclaim it if sitting the exam in the main room really isn’t possible for you, for example because you need a sign language interpreter, an assistance dog or extra space for a wheelchair.

The faalangstexamen for your driving test

Too nervous to show what you can do in the practical exam? Then you can take a faalangstexamen (fear-of-failure exam). You need the same skills as in the regular test, and it follows the same order. The difference is the time, the calm and the examiner.

Your driving school books the faalangstexamen for you and pays the exam fee to the CBR. On top of that, the school charges its own costs for admin, the lesson car and the instructor. You must have passed the theory exam first.

How to prepare for theory

• Take full mock exams of 50 questions in 30 minutes. The more often you’ve felt that pace, the less it surprises you on the day.
• Practise with the silent animation clips too. They have been a normal part of the exam since April 2025.
• Learn the rule behind each answer. When you know why something is right, a question that sounds different is less likely to throw you.
• Only book once you score at least 44 on a few mock exams in a row. Knowing you’re ready is calming in itself.

A fixed routine for exam day

• Arrive at the exam centre 15 minutes early. Bring valid ID and your booking number.
• Sensitive to noise? You can take earplugs yourself at the entrance to the exam room.
• You start with 2 practice questions that don’t count. Use them to settle down and get to know the screen.
• Stuck on a question? Pick your best answer and move on. One question won’t cost you the exam: you can get 6 wrong.