Certification for driving instructors

Do you want to provide driving lessons as a driving instructor in the Netherlands? You must have a valid WRM competence card to do so. This card proves that you have the right qualifications and training to provide driving lessons. It is valid for 5 years. You must take refresher courses to renew your certification. 

Applying for a WRM competence card 

You need to take an exam with IBKI (in Dutch) to get the WRM competence card. You can take this exam if you meet the requirements: 

• you are 18 years or older
• you have a valid category B driving licence (without code 100, 101, or 105)
• you have a valid diploma or completed the WRM competency test (in Dutch) 

The exam consists of Dutch-language theoretical exams, a practical exam, and a traineeship. You need a recent certificate of conduct (VOG) to take a traineeship. 

If you fulfil all requirements, you will receive your competence card together with the base certificate. You are then allowed to give driving lessons for passenger cars (category B). You can take further exams (in Dutch) to be allowed to give driving lessons for additional vehicle categories. 

Driving instructor from abroad 

Are you a driving instructor from abroad and do you want to give driving lessons in the Netherlands? You can take the category B (the base certificate) exam if you meet the requirements:

• you have a valid qualification from your EU country of origin, or a certificate assessed by the IDW from a non-EU country
• you are 18 years of age or older and have a valid driving licence B
• you have a good command of the Dutch language, as the examination is only available in Dutch 

Continuous training 

You must take refresher courses to renew your certification (in Dutch) once every 5 years. Before your competence card expires you must: 

• give a practical driving lesson with an IBKI examiner
• complete at least 18 hours of theoretical training 

If you have completed your refresher training, you need to send in a valid certificate of conduct (VOG). The VOG cannot be older than 6 months on the day your WRM competence card expires. 

Do you meet the requirements for renewal, but did you fail the practical test for a 3rd time? You will not lose your competence card, but it will only be renewed for 6 months. During this time you must follow an educational course (in Dutch) consisting of 6 tutoring courses and at least 2 practical assessments to get a 5 year renewal. If you fail the educational course you need to take the re-entrance course (in Dutch) to regain your WRM competence card. 

WRM competence card costs

There are costs associated with taking an exam and to have your traineeship reviewed. The costs depend on the category and type of exam, and on the duration of the examination component. You can find all current prices on the IKBI website (in Dutch) 

Complaint or objection 

If you have a complaint about IKBI’s procedure or exam you can file your complaint with this contact form (in Dutch). Do you disagree with a decision taken by IKBI? You can file a notice of objection to the Objections Committee.