Mandatory Medical Driving Test for ADD/ADHD Abolished from April 1, 2026 — What That Means for Internationals in the Netherlands

A Clear Win for Neurodiverse Individuals

As of April 1, 2026, people with ADD or ADHD will no longer be required to undergo a mandatory medical driving test (rijbewijskeuring) to obtain a driver’s license in the Netherlands. This decision follows research by the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen), which found the requirement to be disproportionate. Almost everyone with ADD or ADHD passed the medical evaluation, and only 1 in 250 was found unfit to drive.

Timeline and Background

• The government initially aimed to remove this requirement by January 1, 2026, but the start date has been postponed to April 1, 2026, to allow for system and policy updates.

• For people with autism, the requirement is also being dropped, with that change expected in early 2026.

• Although statistics show a slightly higher risk of traffic incidents among people with ADD/ADHD, the medical evaluations have not proven effective at identifying actual driving impairments—making them more of a bureaucratic burden than a safety measure.

What This Means for Internationals with ADD/ADHD

1. Simplified Process

If you’re an international applying for or renewing a Dutch driver’s license and have a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, you will no longer be required to arrange a separate medical assessment. This eliminates the need for extra appointments and cuts through layers of Dutch bureaucracy that can often be confusing for non-native speakers.

2. Time & Financial Savings

Previously, the medical assessment could cost anywhere between €90 and €300, depending on the provider. It also caused delays in getting a license or renewing one. From April 2026, this obstacle will be removed, making the process faster and more affordable.

3. Less Stigma, More Equity

Many internationals with a history of ADD or ADHD were flagged for medical screening simply for being honest on their health declaration. The change signals a broader move toward de-stigmatizing neurodiverse conditions and focusing on actual risk, not labels.

A Quick Reminder: Honesty Still Matters

Even after April 2026, anyone applying for a Dutch license must still complete the gezondheidsverklaring (health declaration) honestly. If you develop new medical conditions that could affect driving, you’re still required to report them. But for ADD/ADHD alone, no extra paperwork will be necessary.

Community Reactions

Many in the Dutch and expat communities have welcomed the change:

“It was real nonsense… €200 for a 5-minute questionnaire… and I’ve had my license for eight years with 100% safe driving as an AD(H)D’er.”— International resident

“If you don’t tell the truth, you risk insurance problems. But it is expensive and cumbersome.”— Expat driver in the Netherlands

Final Thoughts

For internationals living in the Netherlands with ADD or ADHD:

• Starting April 1, 2026, no more mandatory medical testing when applying for or renewing your license.

• Expect a faster, fairer, and less expensive licensing process.

• Just stay truthful on the health declaration for any other medical issues that may arise.

This change removes a frustrating barrier for many—and makes driving in the Netherlands a little more inclusive.

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