Thinking about starting driving lessons while you are still at school? Before choosing a package, separate the legal starting ages from your own learning plan. Being old enough for an activity does not mean you have to rush towards it.

I’m Elvis Begic, your instructor at Rijschool in Maastricht. I teach in English and Dutch in a manual Volkswagen Golf. Here is a practical starting point for young learners and parents.

What can you do at each age?

For a Dutch car licence, the official age milestones are:

A passed theory test and a Health Declaration are needed for the practical-test route. Check the Rijksoverheid age guidance for the official explanation.

Starting early does not mean promising an exam on your birthday

You might want to start soon after turning 16½, or you might prefer to wait until your school timetable feels more manageable. Discuss both your experience and your weekly commitments before deciding.

An exam date should not be the only measure of progress. During lessons, we look at what you can do, what still needs support and which skills need more practice. A birthday or package size cannot guarantee readiness, availability or a pass.

Read how to plan the number and duration of your driving lessons before comparing packages.

Understand the difference between an instructor and a coach

Professional lessons with an instructor and coached driving after obtaining your licence are different stages. Do not treat having a willing parent beside you as a substitute for authorised lessons before you hold the required licence.

For coached driving before 18, RDW explains that your coaches must register first, followed by your pass application. There can be one to five coaches on the pass. When driving, you need your licence, pass and a listed coach; the coach must also carry a valid licence. This arrangement applies in the Netherlands.

Check RDW’s coach conditions and pass application before choosing who will accompany you. Not every experienced driver automatically meets the conditions.

Make a lesson plan that fits school and concentration

Before booking, write down your regular school, work and sport commitments. Then ask about current availability, lesson duration and pickup arrangements. A practical plan is one you can discuss clearly, rather than one based on somebody else’s timetable.

I also offer 90-minute lessons. Ask which duration fits your concentration and experience, and compare the current lesson prices and packages. Look at the minutes per lesson and the included services, not only the number of lessons.

You can come with questions. If the first lesson feels unfamiliar, read my guide to starting driving lessons calmly in Maastricht.

Give theory a place in your preparation

Alongside practical lessons, make time to understand a traffic topic and discuss it when you next meet your instructor. For example, bring a question about a sign you noticed instead of guessing its meaning.

My free ViaTheoria platform offers learning and practice in Dutch and English. You can use your preferred language to prepare questions for your lesson. Practice on a learning platform is preparation, not an official test result.

A useful conversation with your parents

Before committing to lessons, discuss:

Keep expectations realistic. Calm feedback and a clear next goal are more useful than comparing your progress with a friend.

Discuss your first step with Elvis

I teach manual driving lessons in Maastricht and nearby areas including Meerssen, Bunde, Gronsveld and Cadier en Keer. Tell me your age, preferred language, experience and location when you contact me about lessons. We can discuss a practical starting point and current options.

Official age and coached-driving guidance checked on 16 October 2026 using the Rijksoverheid and RDW links above.