Driving in Amsterdam
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in Amsterdam
IDP Not Required
EU licenses valid indefinitely. Non-EU licenses valid for 6 months, then must exchange.
Fine without IDP: €100-500
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country if needed.
Accepted Licenses
Scooter & Motorbike Rental in Amsterdam
Daily Rental Cost
€25-50/dayScooters (snorfiets/bromfiets) are popular but bikes are king in Amsterdam.
Insurance Warning
Mandatory insurance. Watch for tram tracks - slippery when wet!
Rental Tips
- Bicycles rule Amsterdam - be extremely careful around cyclists
- Many streets are bike-priority or bike-only
- Scooters often share bike paths (25 km/h max)
- Parking is extremely limited and expensive
- Consider renting a bike instead - more practical
Traffic Rules in Amsterdam
Local Traffic Rules
- 1CYCLISTS ALWAYS HAVE PRIORITY
- 2Trams have absolute right of way
- 3Many one-way streets and canal bridges
- 4Limited emission zone in city center
- 5Many streets are car-free or restricted
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Not yielding to cyclists (cardinal sin!)
- Not watching for trams
- Trying to drive in the city center
- Underestimating parking difficulty
- Wheels getting stuck in tram tracks
Horn Culture
Minimal. Considered very rude except for emergencies.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
€30-900+
No Helmet
€160
No IDP
€100-250
Red Light
€280
Drink Driving
€300-1,000+
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- Watch for cyclists constantly - they are everywhere
- Trams are silent - always look before crossing tracks
- Canal roads are narrow and have low barriers
- Don't drive if you can avoid it - use public transport
- Heavy fines for traffic violations
Best Time to Drive
If you must drive, very early morning or late evening
Rainy Season Warning
October-March: Wet and cold. Tram tracks are slippery. Strong winds can affect bridges.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- City center (just don't drive there)
- Red light district area
- Any area during rush hour
Parking
Average Cost
€5-7.50/hour (city center)Scooter Parking
Designated scooter parking in many areas. Cheaper than cars but still limited.
Parking Tips
- Amsterdam has Europe's most expensive parking
- P+R (Park and Ride) on outskirts is much cheaper
- Use parking apps (Parkmobile, Yellowbrick)
- Many streets have no parking at all
FAQ: Driving in Amsterdam
Should I rent a car in Amsterdam?
Definitely not for the city. Rent a bike instead. Cars are only useful for trips outside Amsterdam.
Why is Amsterdam difficult for driving?
Millions of cyclists have priority, parking is extremely expensive (€7.50/hour), many streets are car-free, and navigation is complex.
What is P+R in Amsterdam?
Park and Ride - parking lots on the outskirts where you park cheaply and take public transport into the center. Much more practical than driving in.
Emergency Contacts
Police
112
Ambulance
112
Roadside Assistance
ANWB: 088 269 2888
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Practice for Your Netherlands Driving Test
Prepare for the official driving theory test with practice questions, road signs, and study materials.