Hearing that you have passed your practical driving test is a moment to enjoy. After the excitement, there is a separate practical task: arranging your driving licence. Do not confuse the test result with collecting the document.
I’m Elvis Begic, your instructor at Rijschool in Maastricht. Here is a simple way to organise the next step without relying on somebody else’s appointment experience or an out-of-date checklist.
Start with the municipality’s current instructions
For a first licence application, Maastricht requires an in-person appointment at the GemeenteLoket. Its checklist includes a valid identity document, a compliant photo no older than six months and payment. Additional documents can depend on your circumstances, including nationality and residence status. Check the official Maastricht driving licence page for the full requirements, current fee and collection instructions.
Keep application and collection as two separate tasks in your diary. Do not plan to drive yourself home before you have collected the required licence and checked any restrictions that apply to you.
Living near Maastricht is not the same as being registered there
Where you took lessons and where you deal with your paperwork need not be the same place. If you live in Meerssen, Bunde, Gronsveld or another nearby town, check with your own municipality which application route applies to you.
This matters when planning travel. An exam location, lesson pickup point and municipal appointment are three different destinations. Write down the address and purpose of each appointment rather than assuming that everything happens at the same office.
Prepare a small application folder
Use the official checklist to make a folder for your appointment. My practical suggestion is to organise it in three parts:
- Appointment: date, time, address and any confirmation you received.
- Documents: the items required for your own situation, checked against the municipal page.
- Collection: the instructions and any collection receipt you receive after applying.
Before leaving, check that you have the actual documents requested, not just a note saying where you keep them. If something is unclear, ask the municipality before your appointment. I can discuss your learning plan, but the municipality handles the licence application.
Under 18? Check the coached-driving step too
RDW explains that young drivers need the accompanying-driver pass for coached driving until 18. Coaches register before the learner applies for the pass. When driving under this arrangement, carry your licence and pass and travel with a coach listed on it. The arrangement applies within the Netherlands.
Use RDW’s coached-driving guidance for the current procedure and conditions. You can also read our age-by-age guide for young learners in Maastricht. Do not assume that passing at 17 removes the coaching requirements.
Make your first journeys manageable
After you have the appropriate documents and permissions, you do not have to celebrate with the busiest journey you can think of. A practical starting point is a familiar route with time to prepare and no pressure to arrive at the last minute.
Think back to the skills you practised during lessons: observing the surroundings, choosing a position, assessing space and making decisions. If a particular situation still worries you, name it precisely. “I want to discuss a busy roundabout” is more useful than “I must be confident everywhere immediately”.
Read about learning with a patient driving instructor in Maastricht for the approach behind those small, clear learning goals.
Still working towards your test?
You do not have to wait until exam day to understand the paperwork that follows. Bookmark the official application page and return to it when needed, rather than trying to memorise fees or processing times now.
I teach manual driving lessons in a Volkswagen Golf, in English and Dutch, with personal explanations and room for questions. Whether you are starting in Maastricht or contacting me from Meerssen or Bunde, we can discuss your experience and the next skill to practise.
View the current driving lesson prices and packages or contact Elvis about your lessons. For theory study alongside practical learning, you can use my free ViaTheoria platform.
Official application and coached-driving information checked on 17 October 2026. Always follow the current instructions for your own circumstances.