Driving lessons with or without a residence permit: what is possible?
Would you like to start driving lessons while your residency status is not yet fully arranged? That is possible. Taking driving lessons is open to everyone — you do not need a residence permit for that. For sitting the CBR practical exam, however, strict document requirements apply. Rijschool Denhaag is happy to help you think through the best approach for your situation.
What do you need in order to sit the CBR exam?
To schedule your practical exam at the CBR you need a Citizen Service Number (BSN). You receive that BSN after registering with a municipality in the Netherlands. In addition, on the day of the exam you must be able to show a valid identity document: a passport, a Dutch identity card or a valid residence permit. Without valid documents the CBR may refuse or cancel the exam appointment.
People who are in an asylum procedure or waiting for their residence permit can in many cases already apply for a BSN through the municipality or through the IND procedure. Once you have a W-document or another valid residence title, you can in principle apply for the exam. However, it is advisable to check this with the IND or a legal adviser, as the rules depend strongly on your specific residency status.
Rijschool Denhaag does not provide legal advice, but we are happy to discuss the practical steps with you. We also don't teach theory ourselves, but for the driving practice and exam preparation we are fully here for you.
Taking lessons in the meantime: a smart preparation
Still in an application process? Then the waiting period is an excellent time to start driving lessons and build up your skills. Once your documents are in order, you can apply for your exam almost immediately without having to start from scratch. That saves time and money at the moment it matters most.
At Rijschool Denhaag we work with students from a wide variety of situations: newcomers, status holders, people who have lived outside the Netherlands for a long time and want to convert their driving experience into a Dutch driving licence. We are familiar with the document questions that come up and help you ask the right questions of the right authorities.
- BSN required for booking a CBR exam
- Valid identity document or residence permit on exam day
- Taking driving lessons without a residence permit is permitted
- Use the waiting time on documents wisely with driving skills training
- If in doubt: consult the IND or a legal adviser about your status
