Choosing the right driving licence category in the Netherlands can be confusing. This guide breaks down the AM, A1, A2, A, and B licence categories, explaining the age, exam, and vehicle specifics for each. By understanding these fundamental differences, you'll be well-prepared for your CBR theory and practical tests and know exactly which vehicles you are legally permitted to operate.
Navigating the Dutch driving licence system can seem complex, with various categories catering to different types of vehicles. Whether you're interested in a moped, a motorcycle of specific power, or a standard passenger car, understanding which licence you need is the first crucial step. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most common licence categories in the Netherlands: AM for mopeds and brommobielen, the tiered motorcycle licences A1, A2, and A, and the ubiquitous B licence for cars. We will explore the age requirements, the specific vehicles each licence permits, the theory and practical exam prerequisites, and the pathways for upgrading your licence. Mastering these distinctions is paramount for any learner driver aiming to successfully pass their CBR exams and drive legally and safely on Dutch roads.
The Category AM driving licence is specifically designed for operating lighter, lower-speed motorised vehicles. This category covers a range of vehicles commonly seen on Dutch roads, including mopeds (bromfietsen), scooters (snorfietsen), speed pedelecs, and microcars (brommobielen). Obtaining this licence requires passing both a theory test and a practical driving test administered by the CBR. It's important to note that the choice made during the practical exam can affect the scope of your AM licence.
If you opt to take your practical exam on a two-wheeled moped or scooter, your AM licence will permit you to operate all vehicles within this category, including brommobielen. Conversely, if you choose to take your practical exam in a brommobiel, your licence will be restricted solely to driving brommobielen, meaning you will not be permitted to ride mopeds, snorfietsen, or speed pedelecs. Learners can take the theory exam from 15.5 years of age and the practical exam from 16 years of age.
For those aspiring to ride motorcycles, the Dutch system features a tiered approach with categories A1, A2, and A. This structure allows riders to gradually gain experience and skill with increasing motorcycle power, ensuring a safer learning progression. Each category has specific age requirements, engine capacity, and power limitations.
The A1 licence is the entry point into motorcycle riding in the Netherlands. It is designated for lighter motorcycles with a maximum engine capacity of 125 cc and a maximum power output of 11 kilowatts (kW). Learners can take their theory exam from 17 years of age, and the practical exam from 18 years of age. This licence is ideal for those looking to commute efficiently on smaller, more manageable machines.
Building upon the A1, the A2 licence allows riders to operate more powerful motorcycles. This category is for machines with a maximum power output of 35 kW. To be eligible for the A2 practical exam, you must be at least 20 years old. However, if you already hold an A1 licence, you can begin lessons from 19 years of age. This licence provides a significant step up in performance while still maintaining safety constraints.
The full Category A licence grants the rider access to the most powerful motorcycles, with no restrictions on engine capacity or power output. There are a couple of pathways to obtain a full A licence. If you are 21 years or older and pass the practical exam for category A, you will initially receive an A licence with a restrictive code 80. This code means you can only ride category A2 motorcycles and three-wheeled motorcycles. This code automatically expires after two years or when you turn 24, granting you unrestricted access to all category A motorcycles. Alternatively, if you have held an A2 licence for at least two years, you can take the practical exam for category A from the age of 22 and receive an unrestricted A licence directly. If you wish to obtain an unrestricted A licence without any prior A2 experience and without the code 80 annotation, you must be at least 24 years old.
The Category B driving licence is the most common and widely recognised licence, authorising the holder to drive most passenger cars. This licence allows you to operate vehicles up to a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg, and to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver. It also permits the towing of light trailers, where the combined mass of the car and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg. Learners can take their theory exam from 16 years of age and their practical exam from 17 years of age. A notable aspect of the B licence is the '2toDrive' scheme, which allows individuals aged 17 to drive with a certified coach, provided they have passed their theory and practical exams.
Importantly, obtaining a Category B driving licence also automatically grants you a Category AM licence. This means that even if you are under 18 and only hold a B licence, you are legally permitted to drive vehicles such as snorfietsen, mopeds, speed pedelecs, and brommobielen.
For those who need to tow heavier trailers than permitted with a standard Category B licence, there is the BE licence. This licence allows you to drive a passenger car with a trailer whose maximum authorised mass is between 750 kg and 3,500 kg, resulting in a combined vehicle and trailer weight exceeding 3,500 kg but not exceeding a higher limit. This is particularly relevant for towing larger caravans or commercial trailers.
Understanding the distinctions between these categories is vital for learners. The AM licence is for low-speed motorised vehicles, A1, A2, and A are for motorcycles with progressively higher power, and B is for passenger cars. The minimum ages for practical exams vary, with AM starting at 16, B at 17, A1 at 18, A2 at 20, and A at 21 (with specific conditions for code 80).
The Dutch system often facilitates an upgrade path. For instance, holding a B licence automatically confers AM privileges. For motorcycle licences, progression from A1 to A2, and then to A, is designed to build experience safely. Each upgrade typically requires passing a new practical exam, though theory exam validity can often be leveraged across categories, as the general theory exam is valid for all licence types.
| Licence Category | Vehicle Type | Minimum Theory Age | Minimum Practical Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds, Snorfietsen, Speed Pedelecs, Brommobielen | 15.5 | 16 | Practical exam choice affects scope (moped vs. brommobiel). |
| A1 | Light Motorcycles (max 125cc, 11kW) | 17 | 18 | |
| A2 | Medium Motorcycles (max 35kW) | 17 | 20 | Can start lessons at 19 if holding A1. |
| A | Heavy Motorcycles (unrestricted power) | 17 | 21 | Code 80 issued for first 2 years or until 24 (unless A2 held for 2 years). |
| B | Passenger Cars (up to 3500kg MAM, 8 passengers) | 16 | 17 | Includes AM privileges. 2toDrive allows supervised driving from age 17. |
| BE | Passenger Cars with heavier trailers | 17 | 18 | Requires existing B licence. |
Note: Max Authorised Mass (MAM) is the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle plus its load.
Remember that the theory exam for any category is valid for 1.5 years. If you plan to pursue multiple licence categories, it's often efficient to complete the theory test early, as it can cover the theoretical knowledge required for multiple practical exams.
For newcomers, understanding how foreign driving licences function in the Netherlands is crucial. Citizens from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland can generally use their existing licences for mopeds (up to 45 km/h) and other vehicle categories without immediate issue. However, for those residing in the Netherlands long-term, or from outside the EU/EEA, there are specific rules. Non-EU/EEA licences are typically valid for 185 days after registering with a Dutch municipality, after which a Dutch licence is required. In some cases, foreign licences can be exchanged for a Dutch one without retaking tests, but rules vary, and it’s advisable to check the RDW website for detailed information specific to your country of origin.
Driving a moped in the Netherlands without a licence is generally only permitted if you are temporarily visiting from another country where a moped licence is not required for that specific vehicle type.
Successfully obtaining any Dutch driving licence hinges on passing the theory and practical exams at the CBR. Our app provides comprehensive learning materials, including detailed explanations of road signs, traffic rules, priority situations, and safe driving behaviour tailored to Dutch legislation. Practicing with our exam-simulating questions is the best way to reinforce your knowledge and ensure you are fully prepared for the official CBR tests.
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Find clear and practical answers to common questions learners often have about Dutch Licence Categories Explained. This section helps explain difficult points, remove confusion, and reinforce the key driving theory concepts that matter for learners in the Netherlands.
You can take the theory exam for a Category AM licence from 15.5 years old and the practical exam from 16 years old in the Netherlands.
Category A1 is for motorcycles up to 11 kW, A2 for up to 35 kW, and the full A category has no power limit. These categories also have specific age and experience requirements.
Yes, in the Netherlands, obtaining a Category B (car) licence also automatically grants you a Category AM licence, allowing you to ride mopeds, snorfietsen, and brommobielen.
Code 80 is a restriction placed on a Category A licence obtained between the ages of 21 and 24. It initially limits you to riding A2 motorcycles and three-wheeled motorcycles, automatically expiring after two years or once you turn 24.
Yes, for the full Category A licence, you can take your practical exam on a three-wheeled motorcycle. However, there are specific power and age requirements, and obtaining it between 21-24 years old may result in code 80.