During the CBR practical driving test, you will usually drive for around 10 to 15 minutes using navigation. During this part of the exam, the examiner gives you a destination and stops giving you turn-by-turn directions. You then have to find your own way using the navigation system.
This part of the test is known as zelfstandig route rijden, or independent route driving. It has been a standard part of the Dutch car practical exam since 25 March 2019.
The important thing to remember is that you do not fail simply because you miss a turn or do not reach the destination. The examiner is primarily assessing how safely you drive and how you make decisions while driving independently.
Why has navigation been part of the test since 2019?
Navigation has been available in Dutch driving school cars for many years. Since September 2011, every exam car has been required to have a navigation system.
Since 25 March 2019, navigation has been the standard method used by the CBR for the independent route-driving part of the practical exam.
The purpose is simple: the CBR wants to see whether you can find your way safely in normal traffic without someone constantly telling you which road to take. Navigation is now part of everyday driving, so the exam reflects a skill you will use after getting your licence.
The clusteropdracht, or cluster assignment, used to be another way of testing independent driving. This involves receiving a series of three to five route instructions. Today, this method is generally only used as a fallback if the navigation system does not work.
How long does the navigation part last?
The complete CBR practical exam takes approximately 55 minutes.
Around 35 minutes of this is actual driving. The independent navigation section usually takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes of that driving time.
The remainder of the exam includes things such as the introduction, the eyesight check, vehicle-related questions or tasks and discussing the result.
The navigation section does not have to take place at a fixed point in the exam. The examiner decides when it starts.
How does the examiner give you the assignment?
The examiner decides when you will start driving independently. This can happen shortly after leaving the test centre or later during the driving test.
Usually, the examiner enters a destination into the navigation system. In some situations, you may be asked to enter the destination yourself while the car is stationary.
The examiner will make it clear when the independent route-driving section begins. From that point, you are responsible for following the navigation and making your own decisions.
Can you use the navigation in English?
This is particularly important if you are taking the Dutch driving test as an expat.
Most navigation systems used in driving school cars support multiple languages, including English. If you are more comfortable receiving navigation instructions in English, discuss this with your driving instructor before exam day.
Do not wait until the morning of your practical exam to find out which language the system is set to. Ask your instructor to practise with the same language and navigation settings you expect to use during the test.
What does the examiner assess during the navigation part?
The destination itself is not the main focus. The examiner wants to see whether you can continue driving safely while making your own decisions.
The examiner may pay attention to:
- how well you observe when turning, merging and changing lanes;
- whether you choose the correct lane in good time;
- whether you use your indicators correctly;
- whether you adjust your speed to the traffic and road conditions;
- whether you continue to follow traffic signs and road markings;
- how you divide your attention between the road and the navigation screen;
- whether you make safe and sensible decisions independently.
These are not completely separate from the rest of the practical exam. The navigation section simply gives the examiner a clearer opportunity to assess how you drive without continuous instructions.
What should you do if you miss a turn?
Missing a turn does not automatically mean you have failed.
This is one of the most important things to remember about the navigation section.
If you realise that you have missed a turn, stay calm and continue driving safely. The navigation system will normally recalculate the route.
Do not suddenly brake, swerve across lanes or make another dangerous manoeuvre to get back onto the original route.
For example, if the navigation tells you to turn right and you realise too late that you are in the wrong lane, do not suddenly move across traffic to make the turn. Continue safely and allow the navigation to find another route.
The examiner would much rather see you take a safe detour than make a dangerous correction.
What if you take the wrong route?
Taking a different route is not automatically a problem. The important thing is that you remain in control of the vehicle and continue to follow the traffic rules.
The navigation can recalculate your route. Your priority should always be safe driving, not reaching the exact destination as quickly as possible.
What happens if the navigation fails?
If the navigation system stops working during the exam, tell the examiner and continue driving safely.
The examiner can then switch to another method of independent route driving, such as a clusteropdracht, or start giving you directions again.
A technical problem with the navigation system is not your fault and is not treated as a driving error.
The important thing is not to become distracted by the technical problem. Keep your attention on the road and follow the examiner's instructions.
Navigation or road signs: which comes first?
Traffic signs, road markings and traffic rules always take priority over the navigation system.
Navigation systems are useful, but they do not always have the most up-to-date information about every road situation. Roads can be closed, temporary traffic measures can be introduced and certain roads may have restrictions that the navigation system does not recognise.
For example, if your navigation tells you to turn left but a sign clearly prohibits that turn, you must follow the sign and continue driving.
Never make an illegal or unsafe manoeuvre simply because the navigation tells you to do it.
This is also something the examiner wants to see: that you are using navigation as a tool while still paying attention to the road and the traffic situation around you.
What happens if you fail the practical exam?
The CBR car practical exam costs €143.50 in 2026. If you fail, you will need to pay for another practical exam, as well as any additional costs charged by your driving school.
You also need a valid theory certificate on the day of your practical exam.
For candidates taking the exam in English, the CBR theory exam costs €57.00 in 2026, compared with €50.50 for the Dutch-language version.
This is why it is worth making sure your theory certificate remains valid when you take your practical exam. Passing your theory exam early can also help you keep your practical-test planning on track.
