Since 2011, 2toDrive has let you start driving lessons in the Netherlands at 16 and a half and take the practical exam at 17. After that you drive with a fixed supervisor beside you until you turn 18. Read how it works and use your date of birth to see exactly when you can do what.
What is 2toDrive?
2toDrive is the official name for supervised driving. There is nothing to register for: from 16 and a half you can take lessons, from 17 you take the practical exam, and until your 18th birthday you only drive with a fixed supervisor beside you.
From trial to law
It began on 1 November 2011 as a six-year trial. It worked: on 15 March 2018 supervised driving became a permanent part of Dutch road traffic law.
Why it exists
As a new driver your risk of a crash is 4.5 times higher, especially in the first year with your licence. With a supervisor beside you, those first kilometres happen in a safe setting: you learn to drive better, more considerately, and to react well to traffic.
The supervisor pass, until you turn 18
You choose 1 to 5 supervisors yourself, aged 27 or over with at least 5 years of licence. They register with the RDW, then you apply for your supervisor pass with DigiD, ideally a month before your exam. Until 18 you drive in the Netherlands only, with your licence and the pass on you and your supervisor beside you. At 18 the pass simply expires.
Watch the official video
When can you do what?
Enter your date of birth to see, for each step, the date from which you can start.
- 1 Take the theory examage 16
- 2 Start driving lessonsage 16½
- 3 Take the practical examage 17
- 4 Drive on your ownage 18
Sources: Dutch government, RDW (supervisor pass), Team Alert (2toDrive)