Operational Lease
Driving a lease car with a foreign driving licence
Updated
When you move to the Netherlands, you often want to hit the road straight away. Whether you can drive a lease car on your own licence depends on the country that issued it.
Licence from the EU or EEA
A driving licence from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland is valid in the Netherlands. You can therefore use it to drive a lease car. Exchanging it for a Dutch licence is possible in many cases, but not always immediately necessary.
Licence from outside the EU
With a licence from outside the EU you may drive in the Netherlands for 185 days after registering with the municipality. After that you need a Dutch licence. Licences from a number of countries can be exchanged without a test. People with the 30% ruling can also exchange under certain conditions.
If exchanging is not possible, you will have to take a Dutch driving test. Start in good time.
What does the lease company ask for?
Lease companies and insurers ask for a copy of your licence at the start. Sometimes extra conditions apply to drivers with a foreign licence, such as a minimum number of years of driving experience. Read more about business car insurance.
Tip for employers
If you hire international staff, include the licence rules in the car policy. Then everyone knows when an exchange is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I exchange my licence?
You apply through your municipality; the application is assessed by the RDW.
Is my international driving permit enough?
An international driving permit is a translation and is only valid together with your national licence, within the same time limits.
What if my licence expires?
Then you may no longer drive on it. Arrange renewal or exchange before it expires.