A Dutch driving licence costs €3,625 on average — is it worth it?

Getting a driving licence in the Netherlands costs an average of €3,625, according to the Dutch vehicle licensing authority, the CBR. Driving lessons account for most of the bill, while rising exam fees add to the expense. The licence can bring greater flexibility and widen access to jobs, but whether it is worth the cost depends on where someone lives and how they travel.

The CBR raised its examination fees by an average of 3.6% from 1 January 2026, citing inflation. A car practical test now costs €143.50, up from €138.50 the previous year. The authority’s survey of exam candidates found that learners take an average of 42.5 lesson hours; for 80% of candidates, an hour costs between €54 and €78. The source puts the average cost of lessons at about €2,785 and exam costs at roughly €530, based on an average of two attempts. [1]

The CBR’s own charges are €50.50 for the theory test and €143.50 for the practical test. A failed practical test means paying the exam fee again. Learners can keep the overall cost in check by comparing prices and packages, asking what extra charges apply and discussing their progress with an instructor.

A licence may make everyday journeys easier and allow people to reach jobs that are difficult to access by public transport. But it does not require owning a car: drivers can borrow, share or hire one. The article cites Dutch statistics showing that nearly 1.9 million people aged 18 to 30 have a driving licence, while about 794,000 in that age group own a car. [1]

The financial case is strongest for people who live far from work or have limited public transport, and less clear for those with good links to trains and buses. A driving licence is generally valid for ten years before renewal, but the initial cost is substantial and the savings or benefits will vary from person to person.