Are you planning to get your Category B driving licence in 2026? Then you're probably wondering what the total driving licence costs will be. Obtaining a car driving licence consists of several components, such as the theory exam, driving lessons, the practical exam, and applying for your driving licence at the municipality.
The total costs vary from person to person. Some candidates pass quickly and need fewer driving lessons, while others require more lessons or a retake. In this article, we provide a clear overview of all driving licence costs in the Netherlands.
Average Driving Licence Costs in 2026
According to the CBR, getting a Category B driving licence cost an average of €3,625 in the first half of 2026. Depending on how many lessons and exams you need, most candidates pay between €2,500 and €4,500.
| Cost item | Average amount |
|---|---|
| Driving lessons (42.5 hours on average) | €2,785 |
| Theory exam (2.6 attempts on average) | €135 |
| Practical exam (2 attempts on average, incl. driving school costs) | €530 |
| Additional costs (Health Declaration, interim test, passport photos, licence application) | €175 |
| Total | €3,625 |
This amount consists of:
- Theory exam
- Theory study materials
- Driving lessons
- Interim test (optional)
- Practical exam
- Possible retakes
- Health Declaration
- Driving licence application
How much you ultimately pay mainly depends on the number of driving lessons you need.
Theory Exam Costs
Before you can take your practical exam, you must first pass the CBR theory exam.
The theory exam costs €50.50 in 2026. If you choose an exam with extra time or individual support, the costs may be higher.
Keep in mind that candidates take the theory exam 2.6 times on average. That means the average candidate spends €135 on theory exam fees instead of €50.50. Passing the first time saves you around €80, plus the wait for a new exam date.
Many candidates also invest in:
- Theory book: €20 to €40
- Online theory course: €30 to €100
- One-day theory course: €80 to €150
As a result, total theory costs often range between €80 and €250.
Driving Lesson Costs
Driving lessons make up by far the largest part of the total driving licence costs.
A 60-minute driving lesson usually costs €54 to €78 in 2026, which is what 80% of candidates pay according to the CBR. On average, learners need 42.5 lesson hours to get their licence, which comes to about €2,785 in driving lessons.
For example:
- 35 lessons at €65: €2,275
- 42.5 lessons (average) at €65.50: €2,785
- 50 lessons at €65: €3,250
The number of lessons required varies per person. Factors such as driving experience, learning pace, and lesson frequency all play an important role.
Costs of a Lesson Package
Many driving schools offer lesson packages. These are often more affordable than purchasing individual lessons.
An average lesson package includes:
- 20 to 40 driving lessons
- Practical exam
- Sometimes an interim test
The price of a package usually ranges between €1,500 and €3,000.
Always compare exactly what is included before choosing a package.
Interim Test Costs
The interim test is a mock exam conducted by the CBR. It helps you become familiar with the exam environment.
The costs usually range between €200 and €300, depending on the driving school.
An additional advantage is that you can earn an exemption for certain special manoeuvres during your practical exam if you perform these correctly during the interim test.
Practical Exam Costs
The practical exam is a mandatory part of obtaining your Category B driving licence.
The costs usually consist of:
- The CBR exam fee
- Use of the driving school vehicle
- Guidance from the driving instructor
The CBR exam fee is €143.50 per attempt. Including driving school costs and a lesson right before the exam, you usually pay between €250 and €350 per attempt.
Because candidates take the practical exam twice on average, the CBR puts the average total exam cost at €530.
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How Much Does a Retake Cost?
Not everyone passes the practical exam on the first attempt. If you need to take the exam again, you will have to pay the exam costs again.
Retakes are very common: on average, candidates take the practical exam twice before passing.
A retake costs an average of €250 to €350.
In addition, many candidates take a few extra driving lessons before retaking the exam, which can further increase the total driving licence costs.
Health Declaration Costs
Before you can take your practical exam, you must complete a Health Declaration through the CBR.
The cost is approximately €45.
In some cases, additional medical examinations may be required, which can lead to extra costs.
Costs of Applying for Your Driving Licence
Have you passed your practical exam? Then you can apply for your driving licence at your municipality.
The costs vary by municipality but are usually between €50 and €70.
If you choose an expedited application, you will pay extra.
Example of Total Driving Licence Costs
According to the CBR, the average candidate in 2026 pays:
- Driving lessons (42.5 hours): €2,785
- Theory exam (2.6 attempts): €135
- Practical exam (2 attempts, incl. driving school): €530
- Additional costs: €175
Total: €3,625 on average
If you pass your theory and practical exams the first time and need fewer lessons, you can stay well below this amount. If you need extra lessons or several retakes, your total costs can rise above €4,500.
If you need fewer lessons, the costs may be lower. If you need extra lessons or retakes, the total driving licence costs can exceed €4,000.
Why Has Getting a Driving Licence Become More Expensive in 2026?
In 2025, getting a Category B driving licence cost €3,320 on average. In the first half of 2026, that rose to €3,625, an increase of just over €300. The average number of driving lessons also went up, from 41 to 42.5.
The main reason is most likely the sharp rise in fuel prices, which driving schools pass on through their lesson rates. Since lessons make up the largest share of your total costs, every price increase per lesson shows up directly in the final amount.
How Can You Save Money on Driving Licence Costs?
There are several ways to keep the costs under control:
- Start studying for your theory exam early.
- Take driving lessons regularly so that you progress faster.
- Compare driving schools based on both quality and price.
- Don't automatically choose the cheapest driving school.
- Prepare thoroughly for your exams to avoid retakes.
Good preparation can ultimately save you hundreds of euros.
Conclusion
A Category B driving licence in the Netherlands costs €3,625 on average in 2026, just over €300 more than in 2025. The largest part of these costs consists of driving lessons, followed by the practical exam and any potential retakes.
By preparing well for both your theory and practical exams, you increase your chances of passing more quickly and keeping your costs as low as possible.
