What is the theory exam and why is it important?
The theory exam tests whether you know the traffic rules, can correctly assess traffic situations, and are alert to dangerous situations. It is therefore the most important step before taking driving lessons and later taking the practical exam.
Here is a practical example of how this works. Soon you will be driving alone for the first time and will arrive at a busy intersection. You must immediately know who has the right of way. You also need to be able to assess when to brake and what the safest choice is at that moment. You gain such insight not only by cramming the rules but especially by practicing them in various situations and scenarios.
From what age can I take the theory exam?
- Moped / Scooter (AM Driving License): from 15.5 years
- Car (B Driving License): from 16 years
- Motorcycle (A categories): from 17 years
👉 Tip: Do you want to take the theory exam immediately after your birthday? Then plan the exam well in advance, as waiting times at the CBR can be quite long.
Are you taking a course with Nutheorie? We can also reserve the theory exam for you. All you need to do is grant brief authorization via Mijn CBR (My CBR). We will then arrange the reservation and link the exam to your course day. This saves you time and hassle, as everything will be correctly arranged for you.
📌 Take a look at our website now: In-Person Day Course or Online Theory Course
What does the theory exam look like?
The CBR theory exam consists of 50 questions, plus 2 test questions that do not count towards your score.
Below is the minimum number of correct answers you must have per category to pass the theory exam:
- Car (B driving license): 44 or more
- Scooter (AM driving license): 43 or more
- Motorcycle (A driving license): 41 or more
The standard exam lasts 30 minutes. If you require an exam with extra time due to special circumstances, you will get 45 minutes. You must book an exam with extra time when reserving the exam.
On the day of the exam, you take a seat in the examination room, and the questions appear one by one on the screen. They are usually multiple-choice questions with photos or short animations so that you can correctly recognize traffic situations. If you have scheduled an exam with extra time, you will also have the option of using headphones during the exam. The questions will then be read aloud by the computer. This can be helpful if you have dyslexia.
The exam can feel quite stressful, but if you have thoroughly reviewed Nutheorie’s online learning material and followed our course, you will know exactly what to expect on the exam. This will allow you to enter the exam with confidence.
How long is your theory certificate valid?
Once you have passed your theory exam, it is valid for 1.5 years. You must also take your practical exam within that period. If you do not succeed on time, your certificate expires, and you must retake the theory exam. It is therefore smart to plan your driving lessons and practical exam carefully, so you don't face any surprises.
How do I sign up for the theory exam?
- Go to Mijn CBR and log in with your DigiD
- Choose 'Reserve theory exam'
- Select the type of exam (e.g., car, motorcycle, or moped)
- Select a date, location where you want to take the exam, and optionally extra time or another language if needed
- You will receive a confirmation with your reservation number by email
Reserving via Nutheorie
Are you taking a course with NuTheorie? We can also reserve the CBR exam for you. All you need to do is grant brief authorization via Mijn CBR. We will then arrange the reservation and link the exam to your course day. This saves you time and hassle, as everything will be correctly arranged for you.
What do I need to bring to the theory exam?
- A valid identity document (passport, Dutch ID card, or residence permit). Carefully check the CBR website to ensure your document is valid.
- The CBR reservation number. You received this via email after scheduling the exam.
- Arrive on time, usually 15 minutes in advance, so you have time to report and prepare calmly.
What are the best tips for the theory exam?
- Start learning on time – learning a little every day works better than doing everything at once.
- Practice exams – prepare for the exam online. Tip: choose Nutheorie’s online learning material.
- Review your mistakes and learn from them – look at what you got wrong on the practice exams so it doesn't happen on the real exam.
- Vary your methods – read the e-book, but also be sure to watch videos that provide explanations.
- Repetition – make sure you repeat the difficult sections so you eventually know these topics by heart.
- Theory course – follow an in-person or online course at Nutheorie. During the course, you will learn everything for the CBR theory exam.
- Sleep well – ensure you are well-rested for the course and the exam.
- Stay calm – make sure you take your time for the exam. Don't panic over a difficult question. You are allowed to make a certain number of mistakes on the exam.
How can parents help with the theory exam?
- Routine – schedule short, regular practice sessions. Starting on time works much better than having to do everything at the last minute.
- Discuss questions together – look at mistakes or tricky situations together and explain why something is or is not allowed.
- Help with practical matters – check that the DigiD works, that the reservation is correct, and that the identity document is valid.
- Stay calm and positive – show confidence and that it is normal to make mistakes during practice.
- Motivate instead of push – a few encouraging words or compliments can do more than hours of extra practice.
What are common mistakes on the theory exam?
- Rushing – many people think they have to rush, but you have enough time for the exam. Reading calmly prevents you from overlooking small details.
- Not reading properly – you might read too quickly, missing important information in the question. Also, make sure you always read all the answers.
- Not marking questions – you can mark difficult questions and review them later. This prevents you from getting stuck on a hard question for too long. (Do fill in an answer already).
- Changing your answer when in doubt – often your first instinct is correct. Think calmly before changing your answer. Therefore, do not change answers out of nervousness.
- Not double-checking – make sure you double-check everything at the end of the exam, so you can correct small mistakes.
💡 Tip: Stay calm, use the marking feature wisely, and take the time to check your answers. This way you'll get the best result!
Can I take the theory exam in another language?
The theory exam for the car can be taken in English. This is available at all CBR locations in the Netherlands. For any other language, you must schedule an exam with an interpreter.
Do you want to take the exam for another vehicle in English or another language? For example, the moped or motorcycle? In that case, you must also schedule an individual exam with an interpreter.
What happens if I fail the theory exam?
Don't panic! You may take the theory exam as many times as necessary. However, keep in mind that every new attempt costs money.
It is therefore smart to carefully look at where things went wrong after a failed attempt: which questions were tricky and which topics do you still need to practice well? After the exam, you will receive an overview of the topics you got wrong. By practicing these topics specifically, you will be well-prepared for the next exam. This reduces the chance of things going wrong again during the exam.
