CBR Suspends Tussentijdse Toets Until March 2026: What This Means for Dutch Driving Schools

The Dutch Central Bureau for Driving Proficiency (CBR) has announced a significant temporary measure to address the persistent waiting list crisis for practical driving exams. Starting April 2025, the tussentijdse toets (TTT) or intermediate driving test will be suspended until March 30, 2026. This decision aims to free up approximately 75,000 additional practical exam slots during the suspension period, directly addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing Dutch driving schools and learner drivers.

Why CBR Suspended the Intermediate Test

The intermediate driving test has been a valuable tool for learner drivers to assess their progress before attempting the final practical exam. However, with waiting lists for practical exams reaching unacceptable levels, CBR made the strategic decision to temporarily reallocate resources. By suspending the tussentijdse toets, CBR expects to create around 75,000 extra exam slots that would otherwise be used for intermediate assessments.

This suspension period runs from April 2025 through March 30, 2026, giving CBR nearly one year to reduce backlogs and improve accessibility to final practical driving exams. The measure represents a significant shift in CBR's approach to managing examination capacity during a period of high demand. For a broader picture of how the Dutch driving education system is evolving, see our overview of the driving education overhaul happening in 2025 and beyond.

Industry Criticism: VCBA's Response to the Delay

The decision has not been without controversy within the driving instruction sector. The VCBA (Vereniging Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen Aangeslotenen), an organization representing stakeholders in the driving examination system, publicly criticized CBR management for waiting too long to implement this measure. According to VCBA, the delayed decision has resulted in unnecessary prolonged waiting times that could have been mitigated with earlier action.

The criticism highlights an important point for driving school owners: the waiting list crisis has been building for some time, and this suspension, while helpful, represents a reactive rather than proactive measure. Understanding this context is crucial for rijscholen planning their examination strategies for the coming months.

Impact on Driving Schools (Rijscholen)

For driving school operators, this suspension creates both challenges and opportunities:

Challenges:

• Assessment methodology changes: Without the intermediate test option, instructors must rely entirely on their own evaluation methods to determine student readiness for the final exam
• Student confidence management: Some learners benefit psychologically from the intermediate test as a "practice run" in an official exam setting
• Planning adjustments: Schools that regularly used the TTT as part of their training programs will need to adapt their curriculum

Opportunities:

• Faster access to final exams: The 75,000 additional slots mean shorter waiting times for students ready for their practical exam
• Reduced overall costs for students: Eliminating one exam fee (intermediate test) from the typical learning journey
• More efficient resource allocation: Training time can focus entirely on final exam preparation

What Learner Drivers Should Know

If you're currently learning to drive or planning to start lessons during the suspension period, here's what you need to know:

1. No intermediate test bookings from April 2025: You cannot schedule a tussentijdse toets during the suspension period, so plan accordingly with your instructor

2. Focus on final exam readiness: Work closely with your driving instructor to ensure you're fully prepared for your first practical exam attempt, as the intermediate assessment option won't be available. It's also worth familiarizing yourself with the major changes to Dutch practical driving tests taking effect in 2026, as these will affect what examiners look for during your assessment.

3. Shorter waiting times expected: The additional 75,000 exam slots should translate to reduced waiting periods for practical exams, though exact waiting times vary by region

4. Resume date confirmed: The intermediate test is scheduled to return on March 31, 2026, assuming waiting list conditions improve as expected

Practical Advice for Rijscholen

Driving school owners and instructors should consider these strategies during the suspension period:

• Enhance internal assessment protocols: Develop robust evaluation methods to accurately gauge student readiness without the intermediate test benchmark
• Communicate clearly with students: Explain the suspension and its benefits, emphasizing the improved exam availability and cost savings
• Adjust pricing structures: Consider whether your course fees should reflect the elimination of intermediate test preparation. Be aware that CBR tariff increases coming in 2026 will also affect the overall cost of obtaining a driving license for your students.
• Monitor waiting times: Track actual exam availability improvements in your region to optimize scheduling
• Prepare for resumption: Develop plans for reintegrating the intermediate test when it returns in March 2026

Looking Ahead

The tussentijdse toets suspension represents a significant but temporary change to the Dutch driving examination landscape. While the measure addresses immediate capacity concerns, it also raises questions about long-term solutions to examination accessibility. Driving schools that adapt their training approaches and maintain clear communication with students will be best positioned to navigate this transition successfully.

As the suspension period progresses, monitor CBR's official updates for any adjustments to the timeline or additional measures to address waiting list challenges.

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