The 4 main benefits of getting your driver’s license
On 1 January 2023, there were more than 11.5 million people in the Netherlands with a driving license. This number is 4 percent higher than in 2018. Once you have passed your driving licence, many doors will open for you. Do you have a group of friends who live far away? You get in a car and go to them. Taking into account, for example, bus or train times or riding with others is no longer necessary. You decide where and when you will drive somewhere.
In this article you can read what it costs to get your driver’s license and what the main advantages are of getting your driver’s license.
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What are the main benefits of getting your driver’s license?
In the Netherlands, 51 percent of men pass the practical driving test in one go. This percentage is lower for women, at 48 percent. Getting your driver’s license is for half of the candidates, so just persevere. Still, it’s nice once you have your driver’s license. We explain the 4 main advantages:
#1 No distance is too far
In 2021, all Dutch passenger cars together covered 104.5 billion kilometers. The majority – read: 80% – of these cars were privately owned. The big advantage of getting your driver’s license is that no distance is too far. However, it is important that you pay close attention to the traffic rules in the country in which you are driving.
For every European country, you must in any case be in possession of a warning triangle, in case of an emergency. In addition, it is mandatory in Belgium, Germany and France, among others, to have a safety vest in your car. In Greece you must have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle in your car. Check before departure whether you meet the conditions.
#2 Increased flexibility
In 2021, a total of 10.2 billion passenger kilometers will be traveled by train in the Netherlands. 3.5 billion kilometers were traveled by bus, tram or metro. You can use public transport with a personal, anonymous or disposable public transport chip card. If you depend on this transport, it is good to plan your trip in advance. It often happens that trips are canceled due to, for example, strikes or obstacles along the way. If you have a driver’s license and have access to a car, on the other hand, you can leave when it suits you. You are no longer dependent on public transport and the available travel times.
Do you want to take advantage of this advantage and buy your first car after getting your driver’s license? Check out our favorite vehicles for the novice driver below.
Favorite cars for the novice driver
Toyota Aygo
For years, the Japanese car brand Toyota has been seen as one of the most reliable brands in the market. The Toyota Aygo has a petrol engine including a five-speed manual transmission. The front windows and exterior mirrors are electrically operated.
Not only has comfort and driving pleasure been thought of, the Aygo has also been thought about safety. This car has a reversing camera, third brake light and an Isofix attachment especially for child seats.
The most important specifications are listed below for you:
| Assets | 69 hp |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| circuit | Manual transmission, 5 gears |
| Average usage | 1 liter at 26 kilometers |
| number of seats | 4 |
| Drive | Front Wheel (FWD) |
| Energy label | B |
Seat Mii Electric
The Seat Mii Electric drives fully electrically. With this Seat you are eligible for the EV subsidy, which can be applied for since January 10, 2023. Like almost every electric car, this model is also an automatic.
The power of the engine and the balanced handling of the Mii Electric ensure that you are always in control. The windows at the front can also be operated electrically on this car.
The most important specifications of the Seat Mii Electric are listed below:
| Assets | 83 hp |
| Fuel | Electric |
| circuit | Vending machine |
| Average usage | – |
| number of seats | 5 |
| Drive | Front Wheel (FWD) |
| Energy label | a |
#3 Increase your chances of getting a job
If you are looking for a job and you do not have a driver’s license, you are dependent on public transport or your (electric) bicycle. The disadvantage of these means of transport is that public transport does not run day and night everywhere. Users often travel no more than 22 kilometers with the electric bicycle. The search area when looking for a new job can therefore become larger with a driver’s license.
In addition, some jobs require a driver’s license to be considered for the position. Whether this is the case is often stated in the open vacancy. Especially if you are going to visit customers for your work, it is useful to have a driver’s license. But it is also nice to be able to drive if you have to pick up something for your manager or colleague.
#4 Once and – if all goes well – never again
You only need to get your driver’s license once in your life, unless your driver’s license is declared invalid. If that happens, your driving skills must be examined in order to get your driver’s license back. In this situation you will have to take your theory and practical exam again. Subsequently, if you have passed both tests, you can apply for a new driving license at your municipality.
Have you lost your driver’s license due to, for example, problems with one leg? Then you can still get your driver’s license for a vehicle with an automatic transmission. You can control this without your left leg.
How much does getting a driver’s license cost?
There is no standard amount to be paid for your driver’s license. There are different cost items. First of all, the costs for driving lessons, which is immediately the largest cost item. How much these total costs will be, depends on the number of lessons you need and whether you pass the theory and practical exam in one go. However, the CBR has determined that the average number of lessons for your driving license is 43 lessons of an average of one hour. This number may differ based on your learning speed, your availability and the knowledge and experience of your driving school. On average, you pay 47.17 euros for a one-hour driving lesson. In total you come to an amount of € 2,037.74 if you need 43 driving lessons.
In addition, there is also the theory exam that you must take before you can take the practical exam. A theory exam costs 37 euros. On average, exam candidates take this 2.4 times. This amounts to an average amount of 88.80 euros. To pass the exam you need at least a theory book, which you can purchase for about 20 euros. The amount to be paid for the (online) practice exam is between 15 and 30 euros. In total, this amounts to an amount of 2,176.54 euros.
Useful tips for getting your driver’s license
Are you planning to get your driver’s license? We explain our most important tips below:
Tip #1 Plan 2 lessons in a row
A driving lesson normally takes an average of 60 minutes. Because you often need time to get used to driving a car and the different traffic situations, it is advisable to schedule 2 lessons in a row. This way you learn faster and more efficiently in these 120 minutes. You will also get your driver’s license in a shorter time because you will be on the road for more hours.
Tip #2 Schedule a driving lesson at least once a week
To minimize gaps in your curriculum, it is advisable to record the date of your lessons from your first driving lesson to your exam. The longer you don’t teach, the more risk you run of forgetting what you have learned.
Tip #3 Variation in the different parts of the day
Does it suit your schedule better to have classes every morning? Try to make variation in the different times of your driving lesson. During the day it is often quieter on the road, but it is also good to visit the crowds. This way you feel familiar once you get into the car alone during the day and in the evening.
Tip #4 Show that you can drive independently and safely to your examiner
It is often thought that you only get your driver’s license if you can complete a 100% perfect ride and make no mistakes at all. However, it makes sense that you are nervous. Because of the nerves, it is possible that you make a mistake during your exam. That doesn’t necessarily mean the end of practice. The examiner pays attention to, among other things, your viewing behaviour, whether you give right of way, how you merge in and out and whether you drive properly at intersections and roundabouts. Show during your exam that you can participate independently and safely in traffic and you have a good chance of success.
