Moving to Maastricht brings practical questions, including what to do with your driving licence. Before booking lessons or applying for an exchange, separate two questions: whether you may still drive with your current licence, and whether that licence can be exchanged. The answers are not always the same.
First check which route applies to you
EU/EFTA licences and non-EU/EFTA licences have different rules. Some non-EU/EFTA licences qualify for exchange; specific expat-scheme conditions may also provide a route. Do not assume that every foreign licence is exchangeable. Use the RDW exchange checklist for your issuing country and circumstances.
For a valid non-EU/EFTA licence, the general resident rule is 185 days after moving to the Netherlands. After that, a Dutch licence is required even if an exchange application is pending. EU/EFTA rules differ; special situations can have exceptions. Check your own position with RDW guidance on driving with a foreign licence.
How to apply in Maastricht
If exchange is available, apply through the municipality where you are registered. Maastricht residents can follow the municipality’s foreign driving licence instructions and book the relevant appointment. Residents of Meerssen or another municipality should use their own council.
Prepare your licence, identity document and compliant passport photo. Depending on your situation, further documents may be needed, such as a health declaration, translation or evidence relating to the expat scheme. Confirm the complete checklist before attending. The municipality sends the application to RDW for assessment. Do not treat submitting an application as permission to keep driving; Maastricht’s instructions say not to drive until you have the Dutch licence.
What if exchange is not possible?
RDW states that if your licence cannot be exchanged, obtaining a Dutch licence requires both CBR theory and practical tests. Having driven abroad is useful experience, but Dutch traffic situations may still need focused preparation.
This is where I can help. I’m Elvis Begic, your instructor at Rijschool in Maastricht. My role is driving instruction and exam preparation; the municipality and RDW handle the exchange decision.
Why learn Dutch road skills with Elvis?
If you want personal guidance in English or Dutch, my driving school is a strong choice for learning how to apply Dutch traffic rules in practice. You work with me in a manual Volkswagen Golf, with clear explanations and time to ask questions.
We can focus on what is unfamiliar to you: observation, priority situations, cyclists, roundabouts, road position or decisions on busier roads. We discuss what you already do confidently and which habits need attention. Previous driving experience does not have to mean starting every skill from zero, but it also does not guarantee readiness for a Dutch test.
Read about learning with a patient instructor in Maastricht and how to plan the number and duration of lessons.
Combine theory study with practical lessons
My free ViaTheoria platform offers theory learning and practice in English and Dutch. Use it to revisit a topic after a lesson, then bring your questions back to the car. We connect what you study with situations you actually meet.
I teach in Maastricht and nearby places including Meerssen, Bunde, Gronsveld and Cadier en Keer. Share your location, driving experience and preferred language when you get in touch, so we can discuss availability and a useful starting point.
Your next step
Check the official exchange rules first. If you need lessons and preparation for Dutch driving tests, view my current prices and packages or contact Elvis. We can discuss a lesson plan that fits your experience, without promising a fixed number of lessons or a guaranteed pass.
Official guidance checked on 15 October 2026. Your licence and residence circumstances determine the applicable requirements; confirm them with RDW and your municipality before making driving or application decisions.