CBR car theory exam 2026: questions, mistakes, cost and booking

What does the theory exam look like since April 2025?

Since 7 April 2025 the Dutch car theory exam is one continuous exam of 50 questions. The separate parts (hazard perception, knowledge and insight) are gone. Hazard perception is now tested with short silent animation clips mixed in with the other questions. For those you say what is about to happen, or how you should act.

The CBR says the new exam is no easier or harder than the old one. In 2025 about 40% of candidates passed the car theory exam, so most people fail at least once.

How many mistakes can you make?

You can make at most 6 mistakes. With 44 of 50 correct (88%) you pass, and with 7 mistakes you fail. A few unscored trial questions may also be mixed in. You can’t tell which ones they are, so treat every question as if it counts.

Which topics are tested?

The CBR tests eight topics. It doesn’t publish how many questions come from each one, so you need to know all of them.

1. Use of the road: road position, getting in lane, overtaking, speed, stopping and parking.
2. Priority and giving way: junctions, turning and pedestrians.
3. Special roads and manoeuvres, such as motorways, roundabouts and driveways.
4. Safe driving and emergencies: lights, signals, seat belts, breakdowns and accidents.
5. Signs and instructions: road signs, traffic lights, road markings and police instructions.
6. Responsible and eco-friendly driving: risks, fatigue, alcohol and fuel-efficient driving.
7. Legislation: the general rules and the documents that go with the car.
8. Vehicle knowledge: loads, lights, dashboard symbols and mirrors.

Since 1 October 2026, questions on driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control and lane assist, test how you drive while such a system is on: you stay responsible and step in when the system falls short. The number of questions stayed the same. Our guide to ADAS in the theory exam covers the change in full.

What does the theory exam cost in 2026?

According to CBR research from 2025, a car licence costs about €3,320 in total, and most of that goes on driving lessons. Candidates spend about €120 on theory exams on average, because many need two or three attempts. Every attempt you save is money in your pocket.

From what age can you take the theory exam?

You can take the car theory exam from age 16. With 2toDrive (accompanied driving) you can start lessons at 16.5 and take the practical exam at 17. Once you pass, your theory certificate is valid for 1.5 years. You need to pass the practical exam within that time, or you’ll have to redo theory.

How do you book the exam?

1. Log in at mijn.cbr.nl with your DigiD.
2. Choose the car theory exam, the language and a location. You can take the exam at any CBR location, not just in your own region.
3. Pay online. You then get a confirmation with your exam details.
4. Bring valid ID on the day. Without ID you can’t take the exam.

The wait for a slot is usually 1 to 4 weeks. It can be longer in busy cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. Because you can take the exam anywhere, a quieter city can save you a few weeks.

Failed: what now?

There is no mandatory waiting period, so you can book again as soon as there’s a slot. But you always redo the whole 50-question exam, because separate parts no longer exist. Look at where your mistakes were and practise those topics before you book again.

How to pass first time

• Practise a little every day, say 15 to 20 minutes. That works better than one night of cramming.
• Learn why an answer is right, not just which one is right. The exam asks about the same rule in lots of different situations.
• Take full 50-question mock exams in 30 minutes, so the pace feels familiar.
• Only book once you score at least 44 on several mock exams in a row.