Behind the steering wheel

When first arriving in the Netherlands, you will find there are several ways to get around. Though public transportation supplies ease and convenience, some people prefer to drive their own vehicles or at least continue to hold a valid driver's license (Dutch: rijbewijs). If you are already in possession of a current and valid driver's license issued in your native country, you may be able to trade in this license. This is currently possible for some countries such as Andorra, Israel, Japan, Quebec (Canadian province), Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, or a European Union country, including Northern Ireland. If you fall under this category, you must already be a resident of the Netherlands and have a valid residence permit in the Netherlands in order to exchange your license. For holders of a Japanese, Taiwanese or Chinese license, you will need to first get your license translated by an approved translator or interpreter. In some cases, the Department of Road Transportation may ask to have information verified in your document by the Consulate or Embassy where the foreign driver's license was issued. Some people are recruited or posted to the Netherlands for employment under an expatriate program. If this is your situation, you may fall under the Dutch 30% tax ruling found in the Wage Tax Act. In a manner of speaking, this ruling bypasses the testing process and your license can be exchanged. If the 30%- ruling is a possibility, your employer can provide you with more information. Otherwise, for others who can't exchange their driver's license, your valid driver's license is allowed to be used for your first six months (185 days) after registering as a Dutch resident in the Netherlands. Before this time is up, be sure to begin taking the necessary steps to take a theory test and a practical test at the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (CBR). For complete information, visit the website: www.rijbewijs.nl and click on English.