Dutch Government Abolishes Mandatory Medical Driving Test for People with ADD/ADHD

Starting April 1, 2026, individuals diagnosed with ADD or ADHD will no longer be required to undergo mandatory medical examinations (rijbewijskeuring) to obtain or renew their driving licenses in the Netherlands, removing a significant administrative and financial barrier for neurodiverse drivers.

The Dutch Central Bureau for Driver Testing (CBR) announced this landmark policy change following comprehensive research that demonstrated the existing requirement was disproportionate and unnecessary. According to the NL Times, CBR data revealed that nearly all applicants with ADD or ADHD successfully passed their medical assessments, with only approximately 1 in 250 individuals being deemed unfit to drive.

What This Means for Learner Drivers

Under the previous system, anyone with a formal diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was required to complete additional medical testing before being permitted to take their practical driving exam. This requirement applied regardless of symptom severity, medication status, or individual circumstances.

From April 1, 2026, these individuals will follow the same licensing process as all other Dutch residents:

• No additional medical examination required before beginning driving lessons
• Standard theory and practical exam procedures apply
• Reduced costs associated with obtaining a driving license
• Shorter wait times to begin the licensing process
• Elimination of medical documentation burden for learner drivers

Evidence-Based Policy Change

The decision to abolish this requirement stems from rigorous CBR research examining the actual fitness-to-drive outcomes among people with ADD/ADHD. The data conclusively showed that the mandatory medical screening was identifying very few individuals who genuinely posed safety risks on the road.

As Baumgarten Child Psychology analysis points out, this evidence-based approach recognizes that ADD and ADHD diagnoses alone are not reliable predictors of unsafe driving behavior. The overwhelming majority of neurodiverse individuals demonstrate full capability to drive safely and responsibly.

Impact on Driving Schools

This policy change has several important implications for driving school operators:

Administrative Simplification

Driving instructors will no longer need to:

• Verify completion of medical examinations for students with ADD/ADHD
• Delay practical training while students wait for medical clearance
• Navigate the additional paperwork associated with medical exemptions

Student Communication

Driving schools should proactively inform current and prospective students with ADD/ADHD about this positive change. Many individuals may have delayed pursuing their driving license specifically due to the medical examination requirement, and this news may encourage them to begin their training.

Inclusive Practice

This change represents a broader societal shift toward recognizing neurodiversity and eliminating unnecessary barriers. Driving schools can position themselves as inclusive, welcoming environments for all learners by:

• Training instructors on neurodiversity-affirming teaching approaches
• Offering flexible lesson structures that accommodate different learning styles
• Communicating openly about support options for students who may benefit from additional practice time

Financial and Time Benefits

The removal of the mandatory medical driving test provides tangible benefits:

Cost Savings: Medical examinations represented an additional expense beyond standard licensing fees, often ranging from €100-200 or more depending on the healthcare provider.

Reduced Wait Times: Scheduling medical appointments and waiting for results created delays that could extend the licensing timeline by several weeks or even months.

Administrative Efficiency: Eliminating the need to collect, verify, and submit medical documentation streamlines the entire process for both applicants and licensing authorities.

Looking Ahead

The April 1, 2026 implementation date gives driving schools and the CBR sufficient time to update their administrative systems and communication materials. The Netherlands joins other European nations that have moved away from blanket medical requirements based solely on neurodevelopmental diagnoses.

This evidence-based policy change recognizes that driving fitness should be assessed based on actual capability and behavior rather than diagnostic labels. For the thousands of Dutch residents with ADD or ADHD who aspire to obtain their driving licenses, April 2026 will mark the removal of an unnecessary obstacle to independence and mobility.

Driving school operators should begin informing their students about this change now, particularly those who may have postponed their driving ambitions due to the previous medical examination requirement.