Thousands of motorists in the Netherlands continue to drive under invalid driving licenses and licenses that should have been surrendered, NOS reports. 

Thousands of invalid driving licenses not handed in to CBR

Every year, thousands of driving licenses are declared invalid by the National Road Transport Agency (RDW) after motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, new figures released by the RDW reveal that, of the 10.000 licenses that were declared invalid in 2021, 4.240 weren’t handed in to the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Testing (CBR). 

According to figures from the Dutch police published by NOS, last year nearly 4.817 people were arrested for driving with an invalid driving license. A significant increase compared to 2017, when “just” 2.832 arrests were made. The police also report an increase in the number of motorists arrested for getting behind the wheel during a driving ban or license suspension.

Dutch government promises to do more to improve road safety 

These figures come four years after an NOS investigation revealed that thousands of Dutch drivers continued to get behind the wheel in spite of the fact that their driving license was no longer valid. At the time, the Dutch government promised to take steps to tackle the issue.