2toDrive scheme

A special scheme for passenger car driving licences, 2toDrive, reduces the minimum age for obtaining a licence from 18 to 17. This scheme was designed to reduce the number of road casualties among 18 to 24 year olds, a demographic known for riskier driving behaviour due to a reduced ability to anticipate potential consequences. They often underestimate the consequences. This is also referred to as a higher risk acceptance.

Under the 2toDrive scheme, you can take lessons from the age of 16.5, and take the driving test from the age of 17. If you pass, you will be able to drive a car accompanied by a coach (supervisor). The coach can be a parent, an uncle or aunt, or even a neighbour. You can register a minimum of one and a maximum of five coaches. These individuals will be named on the supervisor pass you are required to have in your possession when driving.

Because you also get your moped driving licence with the passenger car driving licence, you are allowed to ride all types of mopeds as soon as you received your licence. You do not need a supervisor to drive a moped.

2toDrive

Scheme under which persons 17 years of age can obtain their driving licence and drive a car under supervision until the age of 18. This scheme only applies in the Netherlands. Once the driver reaches 18 years of age, their eligibility for the scheme expires, at which point they are allowed to drive independently (including abroad).

Coach (supervisor) requirements

Coaches must meet a number of requirements:

• They must have had a valid Dutch car licence for at least five years.
• They must be at least 27 years old.
• They must be able to show a valid driving licence when applying for the pass and while supervising.
• They must adhere to the same rules as other experienced drivers are subject to regarding alcohol, drugs and medication while acting as a coach.
• They must not have been convicted of any serious traffic offences within the last four years. For example, they must not:
  • have a criminal conviction for a traffic offence;
  • have committed an offence resulting in a mandatory EMG or (L)EMA course;
  • have been subject to a test of ability or fitness to drive.

2toDrive driver requirements

The driver is also subject to certain requirements. For example, you cannot apply for a driving licence before your 18^th birthday without requesting a supervisor pass first.

In addition:

• Driving without a supervisor pass and driving licence is prohibited.
• Driving without a coach listed on the supervisor pass is prohibited. The coach must be able to produce identification if required.
• This scheme is only valid in the Netherlands. Outside the Netherlands, you may not drive before you turn 18. So keep this in mind if you live near a border or go on holiday abroad!

After your 18^th birthday

If you obtain your driving licence under the 2toDrive scheme, you can drive without supervision from your 18^th birthday onwards. Your eligibility for the scheme expires once you turn 18, at which point you are in possession of a standard driving licence. This means you can also drive abroad.