Since April 7, 2025, the CBR exam for the car theory test has changed. Where the exam previously consisted of three parts, hazard perception, knowledge, and insight, it has now been changed to one single part covering everything. Now, we updated the informations for 2026.
Want the full breakdown of fees? Read our guide to CBR theory exam costs in 2026.
Old vs New CBR Theory Exam
The Old Theory Exam
- Hazard perception: 25 photos where you could choose between braking, releasing the gas, or doing nothing. You had 8 seconds per photo to respond. You needed at least 13 correct answers to pass this part.
- Knowledge: 12 questions, with a maximum of 2 mistakes allowed. This part focused on knowing traffic signs, laws, and traffic regulations.
- Insight: 28 questions, with a maximum of 3 mistakes allowed. These tested how you applied knowledge to traffic situations (e.g., priority rules, braking distances after rain).
The New CBR Theory Exam (from April 2025)
- The old exam had 65 questions divided into knowledge, insight, and hazard perception.
- The new exam has 50 questions total.
- Hazard perception with static photos has been removed.
- Replaced by animations, short, realistic video clips of daily traffic situations.
- Candidates can replay the animations during the exam if the first viewing went too fast.
- These animations allow for better testing of knowledge and insight in realistic conditions.
Is the new exam harder?
No. The CBR designed the new exam with input from RCEC, the police, VVN, SWOV, OTCRij and KRV, and the difficulty level is comparable to the old exam. What changed is the way you are tested, not what you need to know.
That said, the CBR theory exam has never been easy. Only around 36% of candidates passed on their first attempt in 2022, and 38.6% in 2023. The candidates who pass first time are almost always the ones who practised with up-to-date, exam-style material.
How the CBR Animation Questions Work
An animation question shows you a short clip of a traffic situation from the driver’s point of view. After the clip, you answer a question about it. Usually you need to predict what will happen next or decide what you should do as the driver.
These questions test the same skills as the old hazard perception part: observing, predicting and reacting. The difference is that you now see the situation unfold in motion, which is much closer to real driving.
Why animations work better than photos
- They are more realistic than a single still image.
- You can see speed, distance and the movement of other road users.
- Context is easier to read, so the question feels less like a guessing game.
- They test both your knowledge of the rules and how you apply them.
How to Practise CBR Theory Animations: 6 Proven Tips
1. Watch the whole scene before you look at the answers. Check the road layout, signs, road markings and every road user, including cyclists and pedestrians at the edges of the screen.
2. Name the hazard. Ask yourself: who could cause a problem here? Saying it in your head trains you to spot risks faster.
3. Predict first, then choose. Decide what you would do before reading the answer options. This stops tempting wrong answers from steering you.
4. Use the replay button wisely. Replaying is allowed, but you have 30 minutes for 50 questions, which is about 36 seconds per question. Replay when you are truly unsure, not out of habit.
5. Connect every scene to a rule. Many animation questions come down to right of way, lane choice or signs. Brush up on right-of-way rules in the Netherlands, how to choose the right lane on multi-lane roundabouts and traffic signs on the motorway.
6. Practise in the same language as your exam. If you plan to take the CBR theory exam in English, study and practise in English too, so the wording on exam day feels familiar.
Preparation: Day Course and Online Packages
At Nutheorie, our day course and online learning packages are fully updated to match the new exam format.
- We use similar animations to those in the real CBR exam.
- Both day courses and online lessons prepare you for animation based questions.
- With updated materials, your chances of passing in one go are much higher.
The new car theory exam (from April 2025) now has:
- 50 total questions
- Animations instead of photos
- Maximum of 6 mistakes allowed
With the right preparation, especially using updated materials and animations, you’ll be ready to pass confidently.
More Tips to Pass the CBR Theory Exam First Time
- Start early. Give yourself time to practise, not just read.
- Use materials made for the new exam. Books and apps built for the old three-part format will not prepare you for animations.
- Learn the signs properly. Our guides to mandatory road signs and prohibition signs cover the ones candidates mix up most.
- Train your focus. Thirty minutes of full concentration is harder than it sounds. These concentration tips for the theory exam help.
- Pass once, save money. Every retake costs you another exam fee. See how good theory preparation makes your driving licence cheaper.
- Stay up to date. Check our overview of CBR changes in 2026 before you book.
Prepare with Nutheorie: Day Course or Online Course
At Nutheorie, our car theory course in 1 day and online course are fully updated for the new exam format. We use animations just like the ones in the real CBR exam, so nothing on exam day will surprise you. With the right preparation, you walk into the exam centre confident and ready to pass in one go.
