If you’re planning to get your driver’s license in the Netherlands, staying up to date with the latest rules and changes is important. Every year, the CBR may introduce updates that affect exam prices, medical requirements, or how the exams are organized.
In 2026, several changes will take place that are relevant for anyone who wants to take a theory or practical exam for a car, motorcycle, or moped. Most of these changes are relatively small, but they are still important to know so you can prepare properly and avoid surprises when booking your exam.
Below, we explain the key changes at the CBR in 2026, including new exam fees, updates to medical assessments, and whether anything is changing in the theory exam itself.
New Exam Fees from January 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, the prices for most CBR exams will increase slightly. On average, the fees will rise by 3.6%, which is roughly in line with inflation.
For the theory exam, the following applies:
In 2025, you paid €48.75 for the car, motorcycle, or moped/microcar theory exam. From 2026 onward, the price will increase to €50.50, a rise of €1.75.
The car practical exam costs €138.50 in 2025. From 2026, this will increase to €143.50, a difference of €5.00.
An additional €13.50 fee applies for an exam with extra time.
An additional €6.50 for an exam done in English.
In addition, the cost of the health declaration will also increase. This declaration is required to obtain your driver’s license. In 2025, it costs €45.25, and from 2026 it will increase to €46.90.
Although the price increases are not huge, it’s useful to keep them in mind when planning your exams. The CBR operates on a cost-recovery basis, so these increases help cover the costs of the examination process.
Medical Examinations Will Change from April 1, 2026
If you have ADHD or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), an important change is coming. From April 1, 2026, you will no longer need to undergo a specialist medical examination in order to be allowed to drive. These requirements will be removed from the CBR’s regulations.
This means that for many people it will become easier to obtain a driver’s license. However, you must still declare any medical condition yourself if necessary.
CBR Strategy Is Changing
The CBR has announced a new strategy for the coming years. The organization wants to focus more on customer friendliness and better service.
This includes:
Responding to questions more quickly
Improving the usability of the website
These changes will mainly affect how the CBR interacts with candidates, rather than the actual content of the theory or practical exams.
No New Changes to the Theory Exam in 2026
At the moment, no additional changes have been announced for the theory exam in 2026. The structure of the exam will remain the same as in 2025.
The theory exam for car, motorcycle, and moped consists of 50 questions.
To pass:
Car theory: at least 44 correct answers
Motorcycle theory: at least 41 correct answers
Moped theory: at least 43 correct answers
In the future, there may be new question formats or adjustments, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the official CBR website for updates.
Conclusion
In 2026, there will be a few notable changes at the CBR, mainly related to exam fees and medical examinations.
The CBR has also indicated that it plans to invest in the further development of the Category B (car) exam model in the coming years. However, this is a long-term project and is not specifically planned for 2026.
Aside from these updates, no other major changes have been announced that will directly affect the theory exam in 2026.
It’s important to stay informed about any updates so you can be well prepared for your theory exam. Make sure to check the latest information on the official website of the CBR.
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