Cyclists have more rights than you may expect
- When you turn, cyclists going straight on, also on the cycle path next to the road, have priority.
- Always check your mirror and your blind spot before turning right.
- On a fietsstraat (a red road marked 'auto te gast', car is a guest), cyclists set the pace.
- Open your door with your right hand (the 'Dutch reach'), so you automatically look back for cyclists.
Trams
HTM trams are heavy, quiet and cannot swerve. At an equal junction a tram has priority, even when it comes from the left. Never drive on a separate tram lane and never stop on the rails, even in a traffic jam.
Priority from the right
At junctions without signs, lights or shark's teeth (white triangles on the road), traffic from the right goes first, including cyclists. Residential areas in The Hague have many of these junctions.
What the examiner looks for
During the test, the examiner pays close attention to how you look out for cyclists and pedestrians. Read more in taking the Dutch driving test in English and Dutch traffic rules for internationals.
Frequently asked questions
Does a tram always have priority?
At an equal junction, yes, even from the left. Where there are traffic lights or signs, follow those.
What is a fietsstraat?
A street designed for bikes, usually red, with a sign saying 'auto te gast' (car is a guest). Cars are allowed, but cyclists set the pace.
Do you have an English-speaking driving instructor?
Yes. Rijschool Fane has an English-speaking instructor available for lessons in The Hague, Delft and Rijswijk. Mention it when you sign up, so we can plan your lessons with them.
