Netherlands Driving Information | Car Rental | Auto Europe (2024)

FAQs

What documents do I need to drive in the Netherlands? ›

To rent a car in the Netherlands, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Seatbelts and child seats for children up to 40 lbs are mandatory.

Netherlands Car Rentals

All licenses issued in the European Union are accepted. Driver's licenses from non-EU countries (except Switzerland) are accepted if you have a visa in your passport and at the time of hire have not been in Europe for longer than 6 months.

The renter and the driver have to be in possession of a valid driving license. Driving license printed with non-Roman Alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic etc) must be complemented by an International driving license. Please show a valid ID card or passport at the time of pick up.

Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.

General road rules

It is also mandatory to keep the following items in your car while on the road: A valid driving license (rijbewijs) Vehicle registration card or certificate (kentekenbewijs) Registration certificate or code (tenaamstellingsbewijs)

Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in the Netherlands. Riders of motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 18 or over. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised, but not required.

Though an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is not always necessary to drive or rent a car in Europe, it definitely provides peace-of-mind and can be helpful in a number of situations: a routine traffic stop, if you get pulled over, or if there is an accident.

If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).

Car Rental Abroad over 75 Years of Age

In most of Europe, there is no car rental age limit for drivers over the age of 65. Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom all have all car rental over 80 years old. In parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia there are restrictions or surcharges for senior drivers.

Does American car insurance work in Europe? ›

No, your U.S. car insurance doesn't protect you while driving in Europe. Your rental car fee should include any liability insurance required by the country you're visiting.

Does car insurance cover international rentals? Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company.

Your passport or other travel documentation.

It cannot be older than 10 years, must have at least 2 empty visa pages, and needs to be valid for a minimum of three months starting from the time you leave the Schengen area.

Low emission zones only ever apply to diesel vehicles. Vehicles using other fuels are always allowed to enter. Access is regulated on the basis of the Euro standard for light duty vehicles on the one hand and heavy duty vehicles and/or coaches on the other. No stickers or registration is required.