Top 5 Most Common Mistakes in the Dutch Theory Exam

Introduction

Every year about 50% of candidates fail the theory exam. That is a lot! Often it is not because of a lack of knowledge, but because of careless mistakes or trick questions. Want to be among those who pass? Then avoid these 5 common mistakes.

1. Not reading properly (read what it really says)

It sounds silly, but this is mistake number 1. You read "May you overtake here?" when it actually says "May you not overtake here?". Or you see a sign that looks like a priority road sign, but is not quite. Take the time to read the question calmly.

2. The 'shark teeth' mix-up

Many learners think shark teeth mean they must give way to everyone. WRONG! Shark teeth mean: give way to drivers on the crossing road. Oncoming traffic (that is turning) does not fall under this (other rules apply there, such as straight on along the same road goes first).

3. Speed in zones

You enter a residential zone (erf). How fast may you drive? (Answer: walking pace, 15 km/h.) And in a 30 km/h zone? (30 km/h.) The CBR often asks about speed limits in specific situations. Learn these by heart:

• Within built-up areas: 50 km/h (default)
• Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h (default)
• Autoweg (main road): 100 km/h
• Motorway: 130 km/h (unless indicated otherwise, e.g. 100 during the day)

4. A tram always has priority... right?

Almost always. A tram is big and heavy and has priority at equal intersections. BUT: a tram must also stop for a zebra crossing and for shark teeth and stop signs. Do not let it confuse you!

5. Hesitating too long

You have 30 minutes for 50 questions, so on average just over half a minute per question. In hazard perception questions with short animations you also have to choose quickly. Train yourself to decide straight away. A wrong guess is better than no answer (because that is always wrong).