The CBR car theory exam: how it works
You get 52 questions in 30 minutes. 50 of them count, and you need 44 correct to pass.
Last updated:
At a glance
| Questions | 52. 50 count, 2 are test questions that do not count. You cannot tell which ones they are. |
|---|---|
| Time | 30 minutes. 45 minutes with extra time or an individually supervised exam. |
| To pass | 44 of 50 correct |
| Before you start | 2 practice questions to get used to it. They do not count. |
| Result | Straight after the exam |
| Minimum age | 16 |
There is no separate hazard perception part any more. The exam is 50 questions on knowledge of traffic rules and traffic insight: recognising facts and rules, and applying them in a situation. Read how spotting hazards is tested now.
The 8 topics
The questions cover eight topics that the CBR sets out in its exam plan.
- Using the road
- Your position on the road, getting in lane, overtaking, speed, stopping and parking.
- Priority and giving way
- Junctions, turning and pedestrians.
- Special roads, road users and manoeuvres
- Such as motorways, an erf (residential zone), a military convoy and special manoeuvres.
- Driving safely and emergencies
- Lights, signals, seating, seat belts, breakdowns and accidents.
- Traffic signs and instructions
- Signs, traffic lights, road markings and instructions from, for example, police officers.
- Responsible and economical driving
- Taking part in traffic safely, recognising risks and saving fuel.
- Legislation
- General rules from traffic law and the documents that go with the car.
- Vehicle knowledge
- What the car must meet, such as load and lights, dashboard symbols and mirrors.
New: driver assistance systems
Since 1 April 2026 the CBR has had to test knowledge of driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the car theory exam. Think of adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and parking sensors: what they do, and above all what they do not do.
Question types
You answer on a touchscreen. These are the kinds of question you can get:
- Order (drag question)
- You drag numbers onto road users. Whoever goes first gets 1.
- Place a tick
- You drag a tick to the right place in the picture.
- Type a number
- You type a number on the keyboard that appears on screen.
- Tap the picture
- You tap the right answer in the picture.
- Yes or no
- You answer the question with yes or no.
- Multiple choice
- You pick the right answer from two or more options.
- More than one answer
- More than one answer is correct.
On the day
- Be at the exam centre 15 minutes early.
- Bring a valid proof of identity. The details must match your municipality’s Personal Records Database (BRP), or you cannot take the exam.
- Bring your reservation number too. It is in the letter or email you received.
- You check in at the kiosk and wait until your number appears on the screen. Your belongings go in a locker. Only your proof of identity goes into the exam room.
- A security guard checks with a scanner that you are not carrying any devices. If you are sensitive to noise, you can take earplugs.
- You get your result as soon as you finish.
The CBR also has rules about what you may wear in the exam. Check them on the CBR website.
Taking the exam in English
You can take the car theory exam in English. For other languages you book an exam with an interpreter. See how it works.
Cost and booking
You book the exam in Mijn CBR or through your driving school. See what it costs and how to book.
Practise until you know you will pass
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