Already have a motorcycle licence? Here is what carries over to car lessons

Legal rules: no cross-category exemption

In the Netherlands licence categories are strictly separate. A category A licence (motorcycle) does not give you the right to drive a car (category B). You must complete the full CBR process: theory exam, practical lessons and practical exam. There is no legal exemption or shortened procedure based on your motorcycle experience.

That sounds strict, but in practice you will notice that your traffic knowledge plays a full role. You already have a complete understanding of road signs, situations and the logic of lanes. What is new are the specific skills of car driving: using the gearbox, judging the dimensions of the vehicle and the different driving dynamics.

Head start as a motorcyclist: fewer lessons on average

Motorcyclists who come to Rijschool Denhaag for car lessons need fewer lessons on average than students with no vehicle experience. The traffic knowledge you have built up on the motorcycle — right of way, mirrors, anticipating the behaviour of others — does not need to be built from scratch. That saves time overall.

What does need attention are the technical aspects of the car: clutch control, the gear-change rhythm and correctly judging the width of the vehicle. You are also less reliant on your own body in the car and more dependent on instruments. With a few targeted lessons this is quickly under control. We discuss a realistic estimate of how many lessons you need during the trial lesson.

• No exemption — full CBR process required
• Traffic knowledge and road awareness are a major advantage
• Fewer lessons needed on average compared to beginners
• Key focus areas: gear changes, vehicle width, car dynamics
• We give you an honest lesson estimate during the trial lesson