Passed your practical exam? Then you are nearly there: you apply for your licence yourself at the gemeente where you are registered. Here you read what to bring, what it costs and how long it takes before the card is in your hands.
What happens after your exam?
You don't have to send anything in yourself. The CBR enters your result as a verklaring van rijvaardigheid, the certificate of driving ability, in the RDW licence register, together with the certificate of fitness from your Gezondheidsverklaring. The gemeente sees both the moment you reach the counter.
From the day after your exam you can apply for your licence. Don't leave it too long: the certificate of fitness is valid for one year, the certificate of driving ability for three.
How old are you?
You are 17
Then first apply for your begeleiderspas at the RDW, otherwise the gemeente cannot issue your licence yet. How that works is explained in the module Supervised driving after 2toDrive.
You are 18 or older
Then you don't need a begeleiderspas. You can make an appointment with your gemeente straight away.
How to apply
Your first licence is applied for in person at your own gemeente. Applying online through an RDW photographer is only possible when you renew a licence you already have.
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Make an appointment
Make an appointment with your gemeente. It is free and you arrange it on the gemeente's own website.
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Passport photo
Have a passport photo taken that meets the requirements, or bring one no older than six months. Looking straight into the camera, mouth closed, neutral expression and an even light background: a photographer or photo booth knows exactly how it should be.
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To the counter
Go to the counter with your ID, your photo and your bank card.
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Collect it
After five working days your card is ready. You collect it in person, within three months. Some gemeenten can also deliver it to your home; ask about it at the counter.
What it costs and how fast it can go
Every gemeente sets its own fee, so check your own gemeente's website for the amount. If you live in Utrecht, the amount is on the licence page of the gemeente Utrecht. Paying by card is preferred.
In a hurry? Many gemeenten offer an express application: your card is then usually ready the next working day. That does cost extra.
You may only drive once you hold the card
Passing is not the same as holding a licence. You may only take to the road once you have collected your licence at the gemeente. Drive before that and you risk a fine, and you are not insured. So count on about a week between your exam and your first drive on your own, and plan nothing around it that cannot wait.
Sources: CBR: applying for your licence, Rijksoverheid: applying for your first licence