Driving licence validity

Driving licences are usually valid for a period of ten years. This applies to licences for mopeds, motorcycles, passenger cars with or without trailers, and tractors. Driving licences for larger vehicles such as lorries and buses are only valid for five years.

In some cases, the validity of a licence is shortened for a specific reason, such as a medical condition (e.g. diabetes). Validity periods also become shorter once the driver reaches a certain age.

This is because medical conditions can worsen with time and further impact your ability to drive. In addition, driving skills often decline with age. To ensure the CBR can effectively monitor your ongoing fitness to drive, you are required to renew your licence more often. In some cases, a medical examination may be required for renewal.

Health declaration (Gezondheidsverklaring)

Questionnaire issued by the CBR in which you detail your physical and mental health. Based on this information, the CBR determines whether you are fit to drive or if further insight into your circumstances is required.

Medical conditions

If you have a medical condition such as diabetes that is known to you before obtaining your driving licence, you must state this on the health declaration you are required to submit before taking the practical driving test. You can submit this on the CBR website.

Driving licence validity after age 65

Driving licence validity periods decrease from the age of 65 onwards. If you renew your driving licence between the ages of 65 and 70, this renewal is valid until you reach the age of 75 maximum. If you renew your licence at 65 years of age, your licence will therefore be valid for ten years. If you renew it at the age of 69, your licence will be valid for six years. From the age of 70, driving licence renewals are valid for a maximum of five years. From the age of 75, you are also required to undergo a medical check-up for each renewal.

Loss of validity

A driving licence automatically loses its validity in the following cases:

• A replacement driving licence has been issued, or your driving licence has been reported missing or stolen. Your old driving licence is therefore no longer valid after retrieval.
• If you have been denied the authority to drive (some or all) motor carriages.
• If changes have been made to your driving licence.
• If your entire driving licence is invalid or invalid for certain categories.
• If important information about you has changed, such as your surname, your first names, the place or date of your birth, or your gender.

Declared invalid

Driving licences can be declared invalid as a result of certain crimes or violations:

• If you are convicted twice within 5 years of driving under the influence of alcohol and your blood alcohol level is more than 1.3 per mille.
• If you are convicted twice within 5 years of driving under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
• If you refuse to co-operate with an alcohol test (breath test or blood test).