The CBR car theory exam explained (2026)
TheorieWin is not the CBR and does not book exams. What cbr.nl says always applies.
The CBR car (B) theory exam has 50 questions that count and 2 trial questions that do not. You pass with 44 or more correct, within 30 minutes. Some questions come with a short animation without sound. Since 1 October 2026 the questions about driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are mainly about how you drive while you use them. You take the exam in Dutch, in English or with an interpreter.
The exam in a nutshell
- 50 exam questions count. There are also 2 trial questions that do not count, so you answer 52 questions.
- Before the exam starts you get 2 practice questions to get to know the screen. They do not count either.
- You pass with at least 44 of the 50 correct. So you may get 6 wrong.
- You have 30 minutes in one go, without a break. With extra time, an individually supervised exam or an interpreter you have 45 minutes.
- You can flag questions, go back and change answers while you have time left.
- You see your result straight away after the exam.
What has changed since 2025?
On 7 April 2025 the CBR renewed the exam. Before that, the exam had 65 questions in three parts: 25 hazard perception questions with photos, 12 knowledge questions and 28 insight questions, with a result for each part.
- One exam, one result. The three parts were merged into a single exam of 50 questions.
- No separate hazard perception part. The old photo questions with brake, ease off or do nothing are gone.
- Animations. Some questions start with a short film without sound of a real traffic situation. You say what will happen or what you do. See examples of animation questions.
- Driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Since 1 October 2026 the questions about driver-assistance systems are mainly about good driving behaviour while you use them. Before, they were mostly about the symbols on the dashboard. The number of questions does not change: it stays 50.
Many websites still mention 65 questions or a separate hazard perception part. That is the exam from before 7 April 2025.
The 7 types of question
The CBR uses 7 types of question. You answer on a computer with a touch screen or a mouse.
| Type of question | What you do |
|---|---|
| Multiple choice (meerkeuzevraag) | You pick the right answer out of two or more answers. |
| Yes/no (ja/nee-vraag) | You answer yes or no. |
| Fill in (invulvraag) | You type a number with the keyboard on the screen. |
| Multiple response (multiple-responsevraag) | More than one answer can be right: you pick them all. |
| Drag (sleepvraag) | You drag numbers to the right places in the picture, in the right order. |
| Single drag (single-sleepvraag) | You drag one tick to the right place in the picture. |
| Hotspot (hotspotvraag) | You tap the right answer in the picture. |
In an animation question you first watch the film. Then you answer the question in one of these ways, usually multiple choice or yes/no.
Versions and prices
| Version (official name) | Language | Time | CBR price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (theorie-examen auto) | Dutch | 30 min | €50.50 |
| Exam in English (theorie-examen in het Engels) | English | 30 min | €57.00 |
| Extra time (theorie-examen extra tijd) | Dutch or English | 45 min | €13.50 extra |
| Individually supervised (individueel begeleid theorie-examen) | Dutch or English | 45 min | €118.50 |
| With an interpreter (theorie-examen met tolk) | Other languages | 45 min | €118.50 + interpreter |
These are the CBR prices in October 2026. They usually go up a little every January. How to book and which version suits you is in the booking guide.
Which language can you take the exam in?
- Dutch or English: those are the two languages of the exam itself.
- Other languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Turkish…): only with an interpreter from an agency the CBR accepts. A CBR employee reads out each question, the interpreter translates and you answer. You book the interpreter at least 14 days ahead. All about the exam with an interpreter.
- Even in English or with an interpreter some terms stay in Dutch, such as erf or autoweg. It helps to know them beforehand.
After the exam
- Passed? Your result is valid for 18 months from the exam day. You also have to pass your practical exam within that time. If your result is about to expire, you may take the exam again from 3 months before.
- Failed? You can book again as soon as your result has been processed, usually within 24 hours.
How to prepare
- Learn the rules, especially priority, traffic signs and the motorway (autosnelweg).
- Practise every type of question, animations too: look far ahead and predict what other road users will do.
- Learn the Dutch terms used in the exam, even if you take it in English or with an interpreter.
- Take mock exams of 50 questions in 30 minutes, until you keep getting 44 or more right.
Frequently asked questions
How many mistakes can you make in the car theory exam?
6. There are 50 questions that count and you pass with 44 or more correct.
Is there still a hazard perception part?
Not as a separate part. Since 7 April 2025 the hazard questions are part of the normal exam, often with a short animation without sound.
Can I take the exam in Spanish or Portuguese?
Not directly. The exam exists in Dutch and English. In another language it is only possible with an interpreter, for €118.50 plus the interpreter's costs.
How long is my result valid?
18 months from the day of the exam.
Sources
- cbr.nl hoe gaat het theorie examen auto
- cbr.nl soort vragen tijdens theorie
- cbr.nl vernieuwd theorie examen b rijbewijs vanaf 7 april
- cbr.nl aanvullende leerstofexamenstof over rijhulpsystemen in het theorie examen auto
- cbr.nl welk theorie examen past bij jou
- cbr.nl wat kost het halen van een autorijbewijs
- cbr.nl wat is een theorie examen met tolk
- cbr.nl hoe lang is het positieve resultaat van mijn theorie examen geldig
- cbr.nl wanneer kan ik een nieuw theorie examen reserveren als ik gezakt ben