Validity of non-EU driving license extended beyond 185 days

The Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) issued an announcement that the validity of non-EU driving license will be extended beyond the current 185-day rule. This allows residents with a driving license from outside the EU to drive in the Netherlands for more than 185 days upon their arrival.

The current rules allow residents to drive with a non-EU license for only 185 days upon taking up residence in the Netherlands. After this period, you are only allowed to drive with a Dutch license. Depending on the country where your license was issued, you may exchange your driving license for a Dutch one, or take a theory and/or practical exam to obtain one.  

Residents who meet the following conditions may continue driving with their non-EU driving license until 1 October 2021:

• You hold a driving license from outside the EU that is valid on 14 December 2020
• The 185-day period ends between 15 December 2020 and 19 August 2021

Requests to exchange your driving license will be processed on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please refer to the official announcement (in Dutch) from RDW.