Book your CBR theory exam (with or without interpreter)

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Booking the theory exam is easier than it looks. Here is everything in order: which version suits you, how to book it and what to bring on the day. If anything changes, what cbr.nl says is what counts.

The exam in a nutshell

The car theory exam (theorie-examen auto) has 50 questions that count and 2 trial questions that don’t. Before it starts you answer 2 practice questions to get used to the screen. You pass with 44 or more correct.

You get 30 minutes in one go, no break, or 45 if you choose extra time, an individually supervised exam or an interpreter. Some questions are short animations without sound. You can flag questions, go back and change answers while time is left, and you see your result as soon as you finish.

Since 1 October 2026 there are more questions about driver assistance systems (rijhulpsystemen, ADAS), mostly about driving well while you use them. The number of questions stays the same.

Which version suits you?

These are CBR’s prices in October 2026; they usually go up a little every January.

• If you read English well, the English exam is the simplest option. A few terms still appear in Dutch, so it pays to learn them (TheorieWin shows them with every question).
• If you read slowly or have dyslexia, extra time (extra tijd) gives you 15 more minutes and the option to listen to the questions through earbuds. With a dyslexia statement (dyslexieverklaring) you can get the surcharge refunded.
• If neither your Dutch nor your English is strong enough, there is the interpreter exam (theorie-examen met tolk). You sit alone in a room with a CBR staff member who reads each question aloud; the interpreter translates and you tap your own answer. It costs more, and the interpreter has to be booked at least 14 days ahead.
• If you use sign language, book an individually supervised exam with a registered sign language interpreter.

Booking the standard, English or extra-time exam

1. Get your personal DigiD at digid.nl if you don’t have one yet. It has to be yours, never someone else’s.
2. Log in to Mijn CBR and choose the version, date and location.
3. Can’t get a DigiD? You can apply with CBR’s paper form.
4. Rather have your driving school book it? Authorise the school (opleider machtigen) in Mijn CBR with its CBR number and they take it from there.
5. Pay and keep the confirmation email. It has your reservation number (reserveringsnummer), the date and the location.

Booking with an interpreter

It takes two bookings: one with CBR and one with an interpreting agency.

1. In Mijn CBR (or through your driving school), book the product “theorie-examen met tolk” and pay for it. CBR explains it step by step here.

2. Book the interpreter at least 14 days before the exam with one of the agencies CBR accepts, choosing the same product you booked with CBR so you get the right amount of time:

   • thebigword
   • ELAN Languages
   • Mastertolken
   • Global Talk
   • Tolk2Go

   The list can change; the current one is on CBR’s interpreter page.

3. Pay the interpreter directly to the agency. All approved agencies work on the same terms; you see the price when you book.

Bear in mind that some Dutch terms stay untranslated. Practising them beforehand saves you surprises.

Rescheduling, failing and passing

• You can change the date (verzetten) in Mijn CBR up to 7 days before, at most 3 times.
• In the last 7 days you can only move it earlier, if there is a free slot. On the day itself it can’t be changed.
• You can’t cancel (annuleren). In special circumstances you can ask for a refund.
• If you go with an interpreter and change the date, change the agency booking as well.
• If you fail, you can book again as soon as your result is processed, usually within 24 hours.
• If you pass, the result is valid for 18 months from the exam day. If it is about to expire, you can retake from 3 months before.

Before the exam day

1. Check your ID. It has to be the original, valid, and match your details in the municipal register (BRP). Copies and emergency passports are not accepted. If you are not from the EU, you usually need your passport with a valid Dutch residence sticker, or your Dutch residence document or driving licence; a foreign ID card is not enough. If in doubt, check CBR’s list of valid ID.
2. Bring your reservation number and arrive 15 minutes early. You check in at the kiosk (aanmeldzuil).
3. Leave your phone and bag in a locker. Before you go in, a hand scanner checks that you carry no devices. In the room you may only have your ID.
4. Don’t be late. For a standard exam you may get another slot the same day, but if there is none you lose the fee. An individually supervised or interpreter exam can’t go ahead at all.