New Mandatory Training Requirements for Dutch Driving Instructors in 2026

The Netherlands has introduced significant changes to the qualifications and ongoing requirements for driving instructors, marking the most substantial update to professional standards in years. These new regulations aim to ensure consistently high-quality instruction across all driving schools whilst maintaining rigorous professional standards.

Compulsory Training at Recognised Institutes

As part of the enhanced regulatory framework, all driving instructors must now complete their training at institutes recognised by the IBKI (Instituut voor Beroepskwaliteit Keuring en Inspectie). This standardisation ensures that every instructor receives education meeting specific quality benchmarks before they can teach learner drivers.

The move towards recognised training providers represents a significant shift in how the industry approaches professional development. Previously, the route to becoming a qualified instructor varied considerably between training providers.

Five-Year Recertification Requirement

Perhaps the most notable change is the introduction of mandatory recertification every five years. Established instructors must now pass both theoretical and practical examinations to maintain their teaching licences. This ongoing assessment ensures that instructors remain current with evolving traffic regulations, teaching methodologies, and vehicle technology.

The stakes are considerable: instructors who fail the recertification process three times consecutively will have their licences revoked. This stringent approach underscores the government's commitment to maintaining high standards within the driving instruction industry.

Enhanced Curriculum Standards

The new regulations also introduce specific requirements for what learner drivers must experience during their lessons. Two particularly significant additions include:

• Darkness driving: All learners must complete lessons in low-light conditions, preparing them for the reality of year-round driving in the Netherlands
• High-speed experience: Instructors must ensure learners drive at speeds of at least 130 km/h during their training, typically on motorways

These requirements address previous gaps in driver education, where some learners might have avoided challenging conditions until after passing their test.

Implications for Driving Schools

Driving schools must now ensure their instructors maintain current certifications and budget for ongoing professional development. The new rules for driving instructors and tests create additional administrative responsibilities but ultimately strengthen the profession's credibility.

Schools should review their instructor training schedules and ensure adequate preparation time before recertification deadlines. The five-year cycle means that approximately 20% of instructors will face recertification annually, requiring careful planning.

Conclusion

These comprehensive changes represent a commitment to elevating driving instruction standards throughout the Netherlands. Whilst the additional requirements create challenges for instructors and schools, they ultimately serve to produce better-prepared drivers and maintain the professional standing of qualified instructors. Driving schools that embrace these changes and invest in their instructors' ongoing development will be well-positioned to thrive under the new regulatory framework