How To Apply for an international driving licence for Netherlands
You can secure an international driving license valid in the Netherlands, online. The licence is printed like a passport where you’ll have multiple pages in one document.
We can provide you with the fastest processing times for your foreign driving license. All you need to do is click on the “Start My Application” on our website and follow the short six step process. You'll get your IDP within 20 minutes or 2 hours. Apart from the requirements mentioned above, also prepare a passport-sized photo.
Benefits of having an international driving license in Netherlands
There are indeed other benefits of owning an international driving permit. The Netherlands, as you may know, is a country bounded by Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. You can actually extend your travel to these countries by driving the same car, and it wouldn’t be a problem! Just as long as you arrange that with your car rental company first.
Requirements for the International Driving Permit - Netherlands
To apply for an International Driving Permit in Netherlands, you’ll have to meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years old.
- Have a valid driver’s permit.
- Have a credit card or PayPal account for payment.
Do I Need a foreign driving license valid in the Netherlands?
A foreign driving license is required in Netherlands for visitors who come from a country where the language is not written using the Roman Alphabet. Specifically, if your native driver’s license is not written in Dutch, your foreign driving license for the Netherlands in English translation will be necessary. You’ll need an international driver's license in all Netherlands zip codes.
In addition, the IDP will help you explain your driving license in case road authorities will require you to present one, and it will help you rent a car faster.
Which countries accept international license?
There are several countries worldwide that accept an International License/International Driving Permit (IDP): Switzerland, Aruba, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and more. However, you must ensure that your IDP provider is
What are the documents needed for International Drivers License in Netherlands?
The required documents in the country are only your passport size photos, filled out application form, application fee, and valid driver’s licence, whether or not you are from an EEA/EFTA or non-eu member state. However, this only applies to those who intend to stay in the country for less than three months.
If you are staying in the country for more than three months as an expat from your home country or a skilled migrant, you will need a residence permit, attend a driving school,take a driving exam, practical test or driving test, health exam for RDW with a certificate of fitness to convert your foreign driving licence into a Netherlands Antilles’ driver’s license at the central office or Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (cbr) in Amsterdam.
Top Destinations in the Netherlands
It is not easy to rank the destinations in the Netherlands because each site has its own unique story and appeal. Brush through the list below for popular road trip stops in the Netherlands.
Markthall
Located in Rotterdam, Markthall is one of the world’s most iconic food market. You can find all the local delicacies from appetizers, fruits, vegetables, pastries, main courses, and desserts. They even have fresh produce delivered every day straight from the farms! And, you can have them cooked and served for you in designated dining areas.
This indoor market also features a design praised by a lot of artists. Outside you will see a high, glass-cladding, arch-type roof that helps in the building’s ventilation, and inside, you will see the world’s most oversized artwork covering the building’s ceiling.
It would be good to remember that before visiting Markthall, you may want to prepare your stomach a little more, so you’ll have more space to welcome lots and lots of goodies. The market is open every day from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, except for Sundays when opening hours are from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Zutphen
This central city is a sweet area for a more relaxed day out. You can have a quiet stroll through the streets in between century-old courtyards and castles; smell the fresh autumn leaves falling from the large canopies; savor the best afternoon coffee you’ll have along the river; or drink wine atop the hill with the most scenic views of the Netherlands’ lush nature reserves.
Zutphen is what people call a very underrated city. The food alone in the area is something worth driving to. Here are some of the most recommended restaurants by past visitors:
- Driekant Broodcafe
- Van Rossum’s Koffie
- Cafe Camelot
- Volkshuis
- IJssalon Talamini Zutphen
- Efeze
- The Rough Meat Company
- Genietcafe Zutphen
- Vaticano
There are also restaurants that are focused on other international cuisines. This includes Greek, Indonesian, Chinese, and French, to name a few. So if ever you’re craving for more specialized foods, Zutphen is your place.
Flevoland
If science and engineering spark so much joy in you, head on over to Flevoland. The government has reclaimed about ⅓ of the entire land area of the Netherlands. The majority of this is what is now Flevoland. Here, you will see the ingenuity of the Dutch when it comes to sustainable infrastructure development.
Apart from that, this fishing village preserves many historical artifacts that you can view in the different museums, including shipwrecks that were discovered when they first reclaimed the area!
Flevoland is about 49 minutes away from the capital city of Amsterdam. You can take public transportation, or drive yourself by car.
Alkmaar
One (1) word that may also come to mind when we speak about the Netherlands is cheese. Lots of cheese! If you’re one of those people who cannot live without this mouthwatering goodness, the Alkmaar Cheese Market will be heaven for you. An average of 2,400 cheese wheels are sold in the Alkmaar Market every week, and it is coupled by festive traders and crowds.
Apart from going on a cheese-tasting adventure, you’ll also learn and see how Gouda cheese is being made traditionally and mechanically. The market is located in Waagplein and is open between 10 00 am - 12:30 pm on all Fridays from April to September.
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank is a Holocaust victim who died in the Nazi Concentration Camps during World War II. This child became a household name because of her written accounts that detailed the events of the second world war. Her Jewish family went into hiding for two(2) years, and this was when she started to write about her thoughts, events, and feelings.
The Anne Frank house is located in Prinsengracht 263, Amsterdam. If you visit the museum, you’ll get the chance to see the “Secret Annex” behind the revolving bookshelf where she and her family took shelter.
The Anne Frank House is open from 12:00 pm - 7:00 during the weekdays and 9:00 am - 7:00 pm on the weekends. Museum tickets can only be bought online as you’ll need to choose a specific time slot.
Maastricht
The City of Maastricht is famous for its network of underground tunnels. These tunnels and caves are open to the public via a guided tour and sprawl through a large underground area of the city. The tunnels are accessible via St. Pietersberg Hill, Zonneberg Caves, and Fort St. Peter. You’ll need to book in advance online because not all three (3) entrances are open every day.
Apart from tunnels, did you know that the European Union started in Maastricht? It was through the Treaty of Maastricht that gave way to more comfortable border controls between EU countries. There is just so much history in Maastricht that a trip to the area may provide the highlight of your Netherlands road trip.
Amsterdam Canal Belt
The 49.89km canal network of Amsterdam is a must-go for both foreign visitors and local residents. If you search for photos of Amsterdam online, the first thing you’ll probably see are pictures with the canals in the background.
In the summer, you can paddle through or take a guided tour of the canals, while in the winter, you can skate through the icy-surface. The canals are lined with historic buildings, including boathouses, museums, and restaurants that you can only enter by riding a boat in the channels.
The Canal Belt is a very accessible destination as it is only found within the Netherlands’ capital city. So don’t miss this one-of-a-kind UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Van Gogh Museum
If you are an art enthusiast, it might be impossible for you not to know who Vincent van Gogh is. The famous “Starry Night” oil on canvass has been a popular inspiration for so many artists. This is also true for his other notable works. The Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands does not house the original Starry Night, but it houses other important memorabilia of the artist, including his letters. The museum also displays the most number of Van Gogh’s artworks, so you can expect that you might be spending more than an hour inside.
The museum is located within Amsterdam, and if you drive to the area, you can park your car at the Q-park. The museum is from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on the weekdays and 9:00 am - 6:00 pm on the weekends.
Most Important Road Rules in the Netherlands
After checking out our first-visit suggestions, it's important next to learn about Netherlands driving rules. Even though public transport is efficient in the Netherlands, touring with your car is unbeatable. It saves you the trouble of figuring out where to catch and leave the bus, train, or tram. Here are some crucial driving rules to note.
Legal Driving Age in the Netherlands
The minimum legal driving age in the Netherlands is 17. Drivers who are 17 years old must be accompanied by another licensed driver who is at least 27 years old. However, if you’ve reached the age of 18, you wouldn’t need to have a chaperone anymore.
In addition, the minimum legal driving age does not set the standard for car rental companies' eligibility. Renters need to be at least 21 years old in order to rent a car.
Speed Limits
To maintain the impressive road safety record of the Netherlands, all drivers should maintain responsible driving. This includes driving below the speed limits. In addition, when driving anywhere in the world, other road users’ safety should be a priority, so be mindful of the speed limits of the area you’re driving to. Below are the speed limits in the Netherlands:
- Motorways - 120km/hr
- Main roads - 100km/hr
- Built-up areas - 50km/hr
- Other roads - 80km/hr
Specific or specialized vehicles are also set with specific speed limits wherever they go in the country. For example, microcars are only allowed up to a maximum of 45km/hr, while motor-assisted bicycles are only allowed up to a maximum of 25km/hr.
Drinking and Driving Rules in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country of specially crafted beers. If you know what a Heineken is, the Netherlands is its birthplace. A beer and wine tour in the country is an adventure in itself, but you have to remember to drink moderately, especially when you’re driving. The Dutch government only allows the following maximum alcohol concentrations:
- 220 micrograms of alcohol per liter of breath
- 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood
How To Apply for an international driving licence for Netherlands
You can secure an international driving license valid in the Netherlands, online. The licence is printed like a passport where you’ll have multiple pages in one document.
We can provide you with the fastest processing times for your foreign driving license. All you need to do is click on the “Start My Application” on our website and follow the short six step process. You'll get your IDP within 20 minutes or 2 hours. Apart from the requirements mentioned above, also prepare a passport-sized photo.
Benefits of having an international driving license in Netherlands
There are indeed other benefits of owning an international driving permit. The Netherlands, as you may know, is a country bounded by Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. You can actually extend your travel to these countries by driving the same car, and it wouldn’t be a problem! Just as long as you arrange that with your car rental company first.
Requirements for the International Driving Permit - Netherlands
To apply for an International Driving Permit in Netherlands, you’ll have to meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years old.
- Have a valid driver’s permit.
- Have a credit card or PayPal account for payment.
Do I Need a foreign driving license valid in the Netherlands?
A foreign driving license is required in Netherlands for visitors who come from a country where the language is not written using the Roman Alphabet. Specifically, if your native driver’s license is not written in Dutch, your foreign driving license for the Netherlands in English translation will be necessary. You’ll need an international driver's license in all Netherlands zip codes.
In addition, the IDP will help you explain your driving license in case road authorities will require you to present one, and it will help you rent a car faster.
Which countries accept international license?
There are several countries worldwide that accept an International License/International Driving Permit (IDP): Switzerland, Aruba, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and more. However, you must ensure that your IDP provider is
What are the documents needed for International Drivers License in Netherlands?
The required documents in the country are only your passport size photos, filled out application form, application fee, and valid driver’s licence, whether or not you are from an EEA/EFTA or non-eu member state. However, this only applies to those who intend to stay in the country for less than three months.
If you are staying in the country for more than three months as an expat from your home country or a skilled migrant, you will need a residence permit, attend a driving school,take a driving exam, practical test or driving test, health exam for RDW with a certificate of fitness to convert your foreign driving licence into a Netherlands Antilles’ driver’s license at the central office or Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (cbr) in Amsterdam.
Top Destinations in the Netherlands
It is not easy to rank the destinations in the Netherlands because each site has its own unique story and appeal. Brush through the list below for popular road trip stops in the Netherlands.
Markthall
Located in Rotterdam, Markthall is one of the world’s most iconic food market. You can find all the local delicacies from appetizers, fruits, vegetables, pastries, main courses, and desserts. They even have fresh produce delivered every day straight from the farms! And, you can have them cooked and served for you in designated dining areas.
This indoor market also features a design praised by a lot of artists. Outside you will see a high, glass-cladding, arch-type roof that helps in the building’s ventilation, and inside, you will see the world’s most oversized artwork covering the building’s ceiling.
It would be good to remember that before visiting Markthall, you may want to prepare your stomach a little more, so you’ll have more space to welcome lots and lots of goodies. The market is open every day from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, except for Sundays when opening hours are from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Zutphen
This central city is a sweet area for a more relaxed day out. You can have a quiet stroll through the streets in between century-old courtyards and castles; smell the fresh autumn leaves falling from the large canopies; savor the best afternoon coffee you’ll have along the river; or drink wine atop the hill with the most scenic views of the Netherlands’ lush nature reserves.
Zutphen is what people call a very underrated city. The food alone in the area is something worth driving to. Here are some of the most recommended restaurants by past visitors:
- Driekant Broodcafe
- Van Rossum’s Koffie
- Cafe Camelot
- Volkshuis
- IJssalon Talamini Zutphen
- Efeze
- The Rough Meat Company
- Genietcafe Zutphen
- Vaticano
There are also restaurants that are focused on other international cuisines. This includes Greek, Indonesian, Chinese, and French, to name a few. So if ever you’re craving for more specialized foods, Zutphen is your place.
Flevoland
If science and engineering spark so much joy in you, head on over to Flevoland. The government has reclaimed about ⅓ of the entire land area of the Netherlands. The majority of this is what is now Flevoland. Here, you will see the ingenuity of the Dutch when it comes to sustainable infrastructure development.
Apart from that, this fishing village preserves many historical artifacts that you can view in the different museums, including shipwrecks that were discovered when they first reclaimed the area!
Flevoland is about 49 minutes away from the capital city of Amsterdam. You can take public transportation, or drive yourself by car.
Alkmaar
One (1) word that may also come to mind when we speak about the Netherlands is cheese. Lots of cheese! If you’re one of those people who cannot live without this mouthwatering goodness, the Alkmaar Cheese Market will be heaven for you. An average of 2,400 cheese wheels are sold in the Alkmaar Market every week, and it is coupled by festive traders and crowds.
Apart from going on a cheese-tasting adventure, you’ll also learn and see how Gouda cheese is being made traditionally and mechanically. The market is located in Waagplein and is open between 10 00 am - 12:30 pm on all Fridays from April to September.
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank is a Holocaust victim who died in the Nazi Concentration Camps during World War II. This child became a household name because of her written accounts that detailed the events of the second world war. Her Jewish family went into hiding for two(2) years, and this was when she started to write about her thoughts, events, and feelings.
The Anne Frank house is located in Prinsengracht 263, Amsterdam. If you visit the museum, you’ll get the chance to see the “Secret Annex” behind the revolving bookshelf where she and her family took shelter.
The Anne Frank House is open from 12:00 pm - 7:00 during the weekdays and 9:00 am - 7:00 pm on the weekends. Museum tickets can only be bought online as you’ll need to choose a specific time slot.
Maastricht
The City of Maastricht is famous for its network of underground tunnels. These tunnels and caves are open to the public via a guided tour and sprawl through a large underground area of the city. The tunnels are accessible via St. Pietersberg Hill, Zonneberg Caves, and Fort St. Peter. You’ll need to book in advance online because not all three (3) entrances are open every day.
Apart from tunnels, did you know that the European Union started in Maastricht? It was through the Treaty of Maastricht that gave way to more comfortable border controls between EU countries. There is just so much history in Maastricht that a trip to the area may provide the highlight of your Netherlands road trip.
Amsterdam Canal Belt
The 49.89km canal network of Amsterdam is a must-go for both foreign visitors and local residents. If you search for photos of Amsterdam online, the first thing you’ll probably see are pictures with the canals in the background.
In the summer, you can paddle through or take a guided tour of the canals, while in the winter, you can skate through the icy-surface. The canals are lined with historic buildings, including boathouses, museums, and restaurants that you can only enter by riding a boat in the channels.
The Canal Belt is a very accessible destination as it is only found within the Netherlands’ capital city. So don’t miss this one-of-a-kind UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Van Gogh Museum
If you are an art enthusiast, it might be impossible for you not to know who Vincent van Gogh is. The famous “Starry Night” oil on canvass has been a popular inspiration for so many artists. This is also true for his other notable works. The Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands does not house the original Starry Night, but it houses other important memorabilia of the artist, including his letters. The museum also displays the most number of Van Gogh’s artworks, so you can expect that you might be spending more than an hour inside.
The museum is located within Amsterdam, and if you drive to the area, you can park your car at the Q-park. The museum is from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on the weekdays and 9:00 am - 6:00 pm on the weekends.
Most Important Road Rules in the Netherlands
After checking out our first-visit suggestions, it's important next to learn about Netherlands driving rules. Even though public transport is efficient in the Netherlands, touring with your car is unbeatable. It saves you the trouble of figuring out where to catch and leave the bus, train, or tram. Here are some crucial driving rules to note.
Legal Driving Age in the Netherlands
The minimum legal driving age in the Netherlands is 17. Drivers who are 17 years old must be accompanied by another licensed driver who is at least 27 years old. However, if you’ve reached the age of 18, you wouldn’t need to have a chaperone anymore.
In addition, the minimum legal driving age does not set the standard for car rental companies' eligibility. Renters need to be at least 21 years old in order to rent a car.
Speed Limits
To maintain the impressive road safety record of the Netherlands, all drivers should maintain responsible driving. This includes driving below the speed limits. In addition, when driving anywhere in the world, other road users’ safety should be a priority, so be mindful of the speed limits of the area you’re driving to. Below are the speed limits in the Netherlands:
- Motorways - 120km/hr
- Main roads - 100km/hr
- Built-up areas - 50km/hr
- Other roads - 80km/hr
Specific or specialized vehicles are also set with specific speed limits wherever they go in the country. For example, microcars are only allowed up to a maximum of 45km/hr, while motor-assisted bicycles are only allowed up to a maximum of 25km/hr.
Drinking and Driving Rules in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country of specially crafted beers. If you know what a Heineken is, the Netherlands is its birthplace. A beer and wine tour in the country is an adventure in itself, but you have to remember to drink moderately, especially when you’re driving. The Dutch government only allows the following maximum alcohol concentrations:
- 220 micrograms of alcohol per liter of breath
- 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per milliliter of blood
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