The national average pass rate for the car theory exam (driver’s license B) has hovered around 40% for years. According to the most recent CBR annual report, only 38.6% of candidates passed on their first attempt in 2023. That means over 6 out of 10 candidates fail the first time.

• Car theory exam (license B): approx. 40–43% — the most taken exam and one of the lowest pass rates.
• Motorcycle theory exam (license A): approx. 47–50% — slightly higher than the car exam, but still about half fail.
• Moped/scooter theory exam (AM): approx. 42–45% — similar to the car exam in terms of pass rate.
  
  

The overall weighted average across all categories has been declining for years. While the average in 2001 was over 53%, it has dropped to around 41% in recent years.

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• Underestimating the exam: Many candidates, especially young people, think the theory exam is just about memorizing a few traffic signs. In reality, the CBR tests much more: traffic insight, hazard recognition, and applying traffic rules in complex situations.
• Insufficient preparation: Research by the CBR shows many candidates simply don’t study enough. Some use outdated materials, others don’t practice enough with realistic mock exams.
  
  
• Stricter exams and fraud prevention: The CBR has sharpened the exam questions so “learning pictures” is no longer enough. Measures against fraud, like hand scanners, ID checks, and detection gates, have also been introduced.

The new theory exam (from April 2025): Since April 7, 2025, the car theory exam consists of 50 questions in one continuous set, instead of 65 questions divided over three parts. You pass with at least 44 correct answers.

Pass rates vary significantly between CBR exam centers. Locations in the north and east of the country (like Leeuwarden and Emmen) show higher percentages than cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Barendrecht. This emphasizes that good preparation — not location — is the key factor.

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The BBR Foundation publishes an independent comparison each year based on official CBR open data. The 2024–2025 analysis shows huge differences — up to 32 percentage points between #1 and #7.

The top has been led by Nutheorie for seven years. With an overall pass rate of 83.4% from 2018–2025, Nutheorie consistently ranks first. This means over 8 out of 10 students pass on their first attempt — almost double the national average.

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• Choose the right study method: Pass rates show that your preparation method makes a huge difference. A structured course significantly improves your chances.
• Practice with realistic exam questions: Complete at least 10 full practice exams that match the real CBR exam. Since 2025, mock exams with 50 questions and animation videos are essential.
• Don’t underestimate hazard recognition: This is the section where most candidates fail.
• Start early: Spread your study time over multiple days instead of cramming everything in one evening.

Consider a one-day course: An intensive one-day theory course combines all of the above elements.