This unit dives into the specific rules and safety practices for operating a motorcycle on Dutch highways (autosnelwegen). You'll learn crucial skills for safely joining and leaving high-speed roads, navigating lanes, and handling congestion, ensuring you're well-prepared for both your CBR theory exam and confident riding.

Browse all lessons that make up Highway (Autosnelweg) Rules for Motorcycles. Each lesson focuses on specific topics, learning objectives, and core concepts, helping you build essential knowledge and follow a clear, structured progression toward your study goals in the Netherlands.
This lesson details the critical manoeuvres of entering and exiting a highway. You will learn to use the full length of the on-ramp to accelerate to the speed of the highway traffic before looking for a safe gap to merge into. The content also covers the process of exiting, including signaling early, moving into the deceleration lane, and adjusting your speed for the off-ramp curve.
This lesson reinforces the fundamental rule of Dutch highway driving: use the rightmost lane available and use the lanes to the left only for overtaking. You will learn the complete, safe overtaking procedure: check mirrors, signal, perform a shoulder check for the blind spot, smoothly move over, accelerate past the vehicle, and then return to the right lane when safe.
This lesson explains the specific rules and best practices for lane filtering in traffic jams ('file rijden') in the Netherlands. You will learn the conditions under which it is permitted, such as the limited speed difference between you and the cars. The content emphasizes heightened awareness, watching for drivers changing lanes unexpectedly, and the importance of performing this manoeuvre at a low, controlled speed.
This lesson prepares you for the unique dangers of high-speed highway riding. You will learn to scan for and navigate road hazards like debris, potholes, and slippery steel expansion joints on bridges. The content also addresses the powerful air turbulence created by large trucks that can upset a motorcycle's stability and the mental challenge of maintaining focus on long, monotonous stretches of road.
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On a motorcycle, entering the autosnelweg requires careful observation and timing. You must use the acceleration lane to reach highway speed before merging. Look for a safe gap in traffic and signal your intention to merge. Never stop on the acceleration lane or the main carriageway unless absolutely necessary due to an emergency.
Yes, Dutch law permits motorcycles to filter through slow-moving or stationary traffic on the autosnelweg, a practice known as 'file rijden'. However, this must be done safely and cautiously, typically between the leftmost and middle lanes, or between the middle and rightmost lanes if traffic is very slow. Always maintain a safe speed and be aware of other vehicles.
As a motorcycle, you should generally stay in the rightmost or middle lane, especially if travelling at lower speeds or if slower traffic is present. Use the left lane primarily for overtaking. Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure you have escape routes available.
Motorcycles generally adhere to the general speed limits posted on the autosnelweg, which are often 120 km/h or 130 km/h, unless variable speed limits or lower fixed limits are indicated. However, it is crucial to ride at a speed that is safe for the current conditions, your skill level, and the traffic situation, rather than simply the maximum allowed speed.
Common hazards include debris on the road, sudden braking by other vehicles, strong crosswinds, poorly judged merges by other drivers, and the sheer speed difference between entering traffic and highway speeds. Being vigilant and anticipating potential dangers is key to safe riding.
Signal your intention to exit well in advance. Move to the rightmost lane and use the deceleration lane. Reduce your speed gradually as you enter the deceleration lane and be aware of vehicles that may be overtaking you on the right. Prepare for a potentially lower speed limit and different road conditions once off the highway.
All included lessons
Lessons in Highway (Autosnelweg) Rules for Motorcycles
See who benefits most from studying Highway (Autosnelweg) Rules for Motorcycles. This overview explains how the unit supports different learning needs, what level of knowledge is helpful before starting, and how it fits into the overall study path in the Netherlands.
This unit is essential for all A2 motorcycle license applicants preparing for the Dutch CBR theory exam. It's particularly important for riders who are new to highway riding or who need to refresh their knowledge on specific autosnelweg regulations and safe practices.

See how Dutch Motorcycle Theory (A2) is structured, with key topics, learning objectives, and a step-by-step path for theory preparation in the Netherlands.
Explore all units and lessons included in this driving theory course.