Driving lessons in Amsterdam: What you need to know

Learning to drive is an important milestone, wherever you come from. Amsterdam can prove a challenge for beginner drivers, but this article from Ryles.nl covers what you need to consider when starting driving lessons in Amsterdam.

Whether you've never learned to drive before or you just want some refresher lessons to get acquainted with the rules of the Dutch road, taking driving lessons in Amsterdam is a valuable experience. With narrow roads, busy streets and cycle lanes everywhere, drivers will come out of lessons with a thorough grounding on how to get around the Netherlands!

The benefits of learning to drive in Amsterdam

While Amsterdam has a good public transport network, everyone knows how uncomfortably busy it can get in rush hour, the frustration of trying to get to one of the notorious transport black holes or the inconvenience of trying to get a large item across the city. However, being able to drive is still a great asset in the city.

The city's road network is incredibly varied, meaning you can get a truly comprehensive driving education in just a few lessons. From the busy ring-road to narrow, one-way streets bordering canals, and from managing roundabouts to watching out for the inevitable tourist-on-a-bike, students who learn in Amsterdam come out as confident drivers, who are well-prepared for real-world driving.

What to look for in a driving school in Amsterdam

Choosing the right driving school is the most important step in taking driving lessons. The right instructors can give you confidence and help you learn quickly, while a bad one can leave you feeling demoralised and worried about getting on the road. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a school in Amsterdam:

1. Experienced instructors

Make sure that the school you choose has certified instructors who have plenty of experience teaching in Amsterdam. It is important they have a familiarity with the city's layout and traffic patterns.

2. Tailored lessons

A good driving instructor will take note of your progress and adapt their lessons to suit your pace and preferences. Everyone is unique and will find different things difficult, and a standard, one-size-fits-all course just won't cut it.

3. Language options

You're already having to learn a lot of new rules when taking driving lessons, the last thing you want is to be having to translate on the fly, wondering if you've understood correctly. Finding a driving school with instructors that are fluent in English, or your native language, can make learning to drive a much more enjoyable experience.

4. Flexible scheduling

It is never easy to find time for driving lessons, having to balance learning and practising driving alongside school, work or your family life. Many driving schools have flexible scheduling, including giving lessons in the evening and at weekends, allowing you to fit lessons around your life, rather than having to rearrange your life for the school. 

Learning in a manual or automatic car

One decision that you need to make is whether you would prefer to learn in a manual or an automatic car. Both options have their advantages, so you need to pick the one that's right for you:

• Manual cars: Driving a manual car is a more physical style that helps you understand the mechanics of the car a little better. It gives you a skill set that can be useful in various countries globally, especially in certain countries where automatic cars are not common.
• Automatic cars: Driving an automatic car is a simpler experience, and is great for those who may find the constant gear changing difficult. Being easier to operate, driving an automatic car gives drivers more mental space to focus on things such as road safety and navigation.

Get the support you need as a new driver

Starting to take driving lessons is a big step and it's completely normal to be nervous when getting behind the wheel for the first few times, especially in a busy city like Amsterdam. Having a supporting and patient instructor can make all the difference to how your lesson goes.

If you know you are likely to be an especially nervous or anxious driver, seek out driving schools that specialise in working with worried or hesitant learners. They can offer practical strategies to deal with your nerves, and offer the encouragement you may need. 

These types of lessons often begin in quieter areas, giving students the opportunity to get comfortable with the basic skills, before moving onto busier roads. As confidence builds, the road difficulty increases until they are fully prepared for both their test and to get driving for real.

Focus on Amsterdam

If you are living in Amsterdam, it makes sense to learn how to drive in Amsterdam. The city's extensive network of tramlines, one-way streets and cycle paths do make it a tricky city to get to grips with. Make sure your driving school will help you focus on Amsterdam-specific areas such as:

• Safely sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians.
• Understanding tram rules and how to navigate tram tracks.
• Mastering parallel parking and parking alongside canals.

That way, by the time you are ready to take your test, you will already have a solid understanding of how to get around the city safely and confidently.

Prepare for all aspects of the test

The driving test in the Netherlands includes both practical and theoretical components. A good instructor will help you prepare for both parts, giving you practice tests with personalised feedback to help get you fully ready for your exams.

The practical test will assess your ability to handle real-world driving situations, including merging on highways, following traffic signs and responding to unexpected hazards.

Open up your world

Driving lessons in Amsterdam are more than just a step towards obtaining a license. They’re an opportunity to explore your city in a new way.

Whether you’re a local or an expat, learning to drive in Amsterdam can open up new opportunities for work, travel and independence. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process of becoming a skilled and confident driver.

By choosing the right driving school like Ryles.nl, and committing to regular practice, you’ll gain the confidence and competence needed to navigate Amsterdam’s roads with ease.