Frequently asked questions
About the trial lesson, automatic or manual, the CBR and lessons in English. Where an answer comes from the CBR, the source is given.
How much is a trial lesson?
A trial lesson costs €50. You pick a time from the available slots and pay for the lesson.
Automatic or manual: what's the difference for your licence?
If you pass in an automatic, your licence gets code 78: you may only drive automatics. To drive a manual later, you take the practical exam again in a manual car (CBR). Not sure yet? Ask about it during your trial lesson.
How many lessons will I need?
It differs per person. According to the CBR, learners in the Netherlands need 41 hours of lessons on average. Our packages have 10, 20 or 35 lessons.
Can I take several driving lessons in one week?
Yes, absolutely! At Safety1st you can take several driving lessons in one week.
Can I pay for my lessons in instalments?
Yes, you can pay in instalments. To find out how it works, get in touch with us or ask during your trial lesson.
Is the exam included in the package?
Yes. Every package includes one exam. The lesson car and the instructor at your exam are included. We do not sell the exam separately.
From what age can I take driving lessons?
You can take driving lessons from 16.5 and the theory exam from 16. The practical exam is possible from 17; until you turn 18 you then drive with a coach aged at least 27 who has held a Dutch car licence for 5 years (CBR).
Can I take lessons in English?
Yes. Lessons are in Dutch, English, French or German. You can also take the CBR theory exam in English.
Where do you teach?
In 124 places in South Limburg: around Maastricht, in the Heuvelland and near Valkenburg, in Parkstad and in the Westelijke Mijnstreek, up to Susteren and Echt. Look up your town on the map.
Which motorcycle licence can I get?
With us you get an A licence, which lets you ride any motorcycle; we do not offer A1 or A2. The motorcycle exam has two parts: vehicle control (AVB) and on-road riding (AVD). Both exams are included in the motorcycle package.
From what age can I take motorcycle lessons?
For a heavy motorcycle (an A licence), the licence you get with us, the CBR says you can start motorcycle lessons from the age of 21, and you can take the motorcycle exam from 21 too. What suits your age and experience is explained by the CBR.
I get nervous about exams. Is there an option?
The CBR offers an exam for test anxiety, with more time and a calmer setting. It is requested through the driving school.
Has the CBR in Maastricht moved?
For now, yes. The practical exam takes place at the Garner Hotel Maastricht, and the theory exam is held in Roermond. Check cbr.nl before your exam to see where to go.
Can I take automatic driving lessons in Maastricht?
Yes. In Maastricht you choose: an automatic or a manual car. Note: if you pass in an automatic, your licence gets code 78 and you may only drive automatics.
Where is the CBR exam centre in Urmond?
In Urmond, in the municipality of Stein: Mauritslaan 49, in the Van der Valk business center. Learners from Stein, Elsloo, Geleen, Sittard and Beek take their practical exam there.
Where is Safety1st based?
In Stein, at Pennersstraat 16. For car lessons you don't need to come to us: we pick you up at home, at work or at school. Motorcycle lessons start at Aronskelk 2 in Elsloo: you get on the motorcycle there.
Can I take automatic driving lessons in Geleen?
Yes, in Geleen too you can learn in our automatic or in a manual car. Not sure? A licence you get in an automatic (code 78) only lets you drive automatics. Talk it over during your trial lesson.
Do you also teach in Sittard?
Yes. Geleen and Sittard together form the municipality of Sittard-Geleen, and we teach in both. In both, you take your practical exam at the CBR in Urmond.
Can I take motorcycle lessons in Sittard?
Yes, Safety1st also gives motorcycle lessons in Sittard and nearby. How the training works is on our motorcycle page.
Do you also teach in Born and Munstergeleen?
Yes. Like Sittard, Born and Munstergeleen are part of the municipality of Sittard-Geleen. For car lessons we pick you up there: at home, at work or at school.
Do you also teach in Neerbeek and Spaubeek?
Yes. For car lessons we pick you up in Beek, Neerbeek and Spaubeek: at home, at work or at school.
Where do I take my practical exam if I live in Beek?
At the CBR exam centre in Urmond, Mauritslaan 49 in Urmond. Learners from Beek, Neerbeek and Spaubeek take their exam there.
Already have a foreign driving licence?
You may be able to exchange it for a Dutch licence. Whether you can depends on the country where you got it: the RDW explains it. If you can't, you take the Dutch theory and practical exams, and you can take lessons with us to prepare, in English.
Can I take my exams in English?
You can take the car theory exam at the CBR in English. For the practical exam you may bring an interpreter: a sworn interpreter you hire yourself, or your driving instructor, if they speak both Dutch and your language well. Your driving school states this when it books your exam.
Where can I take my theory exam?
At the CBR. You book the theory exam yourself in Mijn CBR and choose a place, date and time there. Since late 2025, the CBR holds the theory exams that used to take place in Maastricht in Roermond, at Hamstraat 37.
Ready to start?
Pick a time that suits you. You can see the available slots straight away.
Plan your trial lesson