Destinations / Netherlands
Driving in Netherlands as a visitor
Usually yes. Netherlands expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Netherlands expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h daytime, 130 km/h at night |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Right of way | Watch for cyclists — they have extensive right of way. |
|---|---|
| Crossings | Trams have priority. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for novice drivers. |
| City zones | Low-emission zones in major cities. |
On the road in Netherlands
At the pump
Stations sell Euro 95 (E10) and Euro 98 petrol plus Diesel; almost all are self-service and take international cards, with unattended motorway pumps common. Prices are among Europe's highest, around EUR 2.00 per litre for petrol.
After a crash
Call 112 for injuries or blocked roads; for minor damage exchange details and jointly complete the schadeformulier (European Accident Statement) rather than calling police. Move vehicles out of live traffic where safe, but leave them in place and photograph the scene if fault is disputed.
Sources: rac.co.uk · amsterdam.nl · ftnnews.com · business.gov.nl
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Netherlands?
Usually yes. Netherlands expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Netherlands accept?
Netherlands recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Netherlands ask for one?
Requested for non-EU licences at Schiphol and city desks.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.