5 differences between driving in
the Netherlands and the UK
Moving from the UK to the Netherlands? Here's what actually catches British drivers off guard — and how to adapt quickly.
As a driving instructor in The Hague with over 17 years of experience, I've helped many British expats get their Dutch driving licence. And almost every one of them says the same thing at the start: "How different can it really be?"
The answer: quite different. Not in an overwhelming way — but enough that a few targeted lessons make a real difference before your Dutch driving test. Here are the five things that catch UK drivers off guard most often.
You drive on the right — and roundabouts work differently
This one sounds obvious, but the muscle memory runs deep. Switching from left-hand to right-hand traffic affects everything: where you instinctively look, how you position the car, and especially how you approach roundabouts. In the UK, you give way to traffic already on the roundabout. In the Netherlands, the default rule is that traffic coming from the right has priority — including on some roundabouts, unless signs say otherwise. Many UK drivers get caught out by this.
Cyclists have much more priority than you expect
In the Netherlands, cyclists are everywhere — and they have serious legal priority in many situations. When you turn right at a junction, you must give way to cyclists coming straight on, even if they're on a separate cycle path. This is one of the most common mistakes I see from British drivers in The Hague. In the UK, cycle infrastructure is far less developed, so this level of awareness simply isn't ingrained.
The priority-from-the-right rule catches everyone out
In the UK, major roads almost always have priority over side roads. In the Netherlands, unless there are specific signs or markings, traffic coming from the right has priority — even from small side streets. This means you can be driving on what feels like a main road and still have to give way to someone pulling out from a narrow residential street on your right. It feels counterintuitive at first, but it becomes second nature quickly.
Speed limits are lower and more strictly enforced
The Netherlands has introduced 100 km/h as the default motorway speed limit during the day — lower than many UK motorways. In residential areas, 30 km/h zones are extremely common, and speed cameras are frequent. The Dutch driving exam also tests whether you correctly observe and respond to speed limits, so knowing where to look for signs and how quickly to adjust your speed is essential.
The driving test itself is different — and stricter
The Dutch CBR practical exam is widely considered one of the more demanding driving tests in Europe. It lasts around 45 minutes, covers a wide variety of road types, and the examiner pays close attention to observation, anticipation and smooth driving. There's no set pass mark for minor faults like in the UK — the examiner makes a holistic judgement. Many experienced UK drivers are surprised by how thorough it is.
The good news is that experienced UK drivers typically need far fewer lessons than complete beginners. Most of my British students are exam-ready within 5 to 12 lessons — sometimes fewer. The key is focusing on exactly what's different, not going back to basics.
If you're a British expat in The Hague and want to know exactly what you need to get your Dutch licence, just send me a WhatsApp. I'll give you an honest assessment based on your experience — no obligation, no packages pushed.
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