Merging
Use the full length of the slip road to match the speed of traffic on the right lane. Signal left, check your mirrors and your blind spot, and merge into a gap. Traffic on the motorway has priority, so you adapt to them, not the other way round.
Keep right, overtake left
Keep to the right as much as possible and use the left lanes to overtake. Overtaking on the right is not allowed. Only in slow, queuing traffic on all lanes may your lane move faster than the one to your left.
Speed limits
During the day (6:00 to 19:00) the limit on most motorways is 100 km/h. In the evening and at night, higher limits apply on many stretches, but only where signs say so. Overhead matrix signs show temporary limits; a red cross means the lane is closed and you must leave it.
Leaving the motorway
Move to the right lane in good time, signal, and only brake once you are on the exit lane. Missed your exit? Simply drive on to the next one. Reversing or turning on a motorway is forbidden and extremely dangerous.
Practise with Fane
The A4, A12 and A13 are close to The Hague, Rijswijk and Delft, so motorway driving is part of your lessons early on. Read more on driving lessons in The Hague or book a trial lesson.
Frequently asked questions
What is the speed limit on Dutch motorways?
On most motorways it is 100 km/h between 6:00 and 19:00. Outside those hours higher limits apply on many stretches, but only where signs show them.
Can I overtake on the right in the Netherlands?
No. You overtake on the left. Only when all lanes are queuing slowly may your lane move faster than the lane to your left.
How many driving lessons will I need?
On average learners take a little over 40 hours of lessons before they pass. Experience abroad can reduce that a lot. Try the driving lessons calculator for a personal estimate.
