How does the Dutch motorcycle theory exam work?

The Dutch motorcycle theory exam takes 30 minutes and has 50 exam questions. You pass with at least 41 right, so you can make 9 mistakes. That gives you more room than the car (44 right) and the moped (43 right).

From what age?

You can take the motorcycle theory exam from the age of 17.

CBR fact, checked on 16 October 2026. You take the motorcycle theory exam at the CBR before you are allowed to take the practical exams. You can take the theory exam from 17. Source: cbr.nl.

How many questions do you get?

You answer 52 questions, and 50 of them count.

CBR fact, checked on 16 October 2026. The theory exam has 50 questions. It also contains 2 test questions that don’t count, so you answer 52 questions in total. Before the exam starts, you first answer 2 practice questions to get used to it. Those don’t count either. Source: cbr.nl.

The CBR has switched to a new exam system at all its theory locations. You start the exam in a new way, but the questions cover the same material.

CBR fact, checked on 16 October 2026. The CBR has switched to CAS, a new system for running theory exams, at all 20 of its theory locations. The content of the exams hasn’t changed. At the desk you get a slip with an exam code, you pick a free seat in the exam room and start the exam with that code. The screen looks a little different. The 2 practice questions fall within the exam time. Source: cbr.nl and cbr.nl.

So the 2 practice questions come out of your exam time. They still don’t count for your result. On the day, follow the instructions on the screens and from the staff.

How many mistakes can you make?

You can make 9 mistakes.

CBR fact, checked on 16 October 2026. You need at least 41 of the 50 exam questions right to pass. The 2 test questions don’t count. Source: cbr.nl.

With 10 or more mistakes, you fail.

How long does the exam take?

The regular exam takes 30 minutes.

CBR fact, checked on 16 October 2026. The regular theory exam takes 30 minutes. With extra time, for example because of dyslexia, you get 15 minutes more, so 45 minutes in total. The individually supervised exam also takes 45 minutes. Source: cbr.nl.

What are the questions about?

The CBR spreads the questions across 8 topics.

CBR fact, checked on 16 October 2026. The questions cover eight topics: use of the road, priority and giving way, special roads and manoeuvres, driving safely and reacting in emergencies, traffic signs and instructions, responsible road use, legislation and vehicle knowledge. Source: cbr.nl.

You answer everything on a touchscreen, with the same kinds of questions as for the car: drag questions, fill-in questions, hotspot questions, yes/no and multiple choice questions, and questions with more than one right answer.

Can you take it in English?

Not directly. You take the motorcycle exam in Dutch or with an interpreter.

CBR fact, checked on 16 October 2026. You can take the car theory exam in Dutch or English. If you want to take the motorcycle exam in another language, you choose a theory exam with an interpreter. Book the interpreter at least 14 days in advance. Source: cbr.nl.

Read how the exam with an interpreter works in can you take the CBR theory exam in English?

What do you bring and how does the day go?

Bring a valid ID whose details match the Personal Records Database (BRP) of your municipality, and your reservation number. Be at the exam centre 15 minutes early. You get your result straight after the exam.

The steps at the exam centre are exactly the same for the motorcycle as for the car. You can read them in how the Dutch car theory exam works.

Go in well prepared

Practice exams show you how close you are to 41 out of 50.

Study and practise with the online motorcycle theory course in English.