80 percent of adults have a driving licence

05/03/2019 15:00

Nearly 80 percent of the Dutch population aged 17 and over hold a valid car driving licence. At the start of 2019, just under 11.2 million people were holding a Dutch passenger car licence category B, i.e. one percent more people than one year previously. This is shown by new figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

[video: https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/video/9b85bf8372d5464091cd69c64cfc31fd]

(English subtitles available)

Licence ownership rates are higher among men than women in all age groups. In the population aged 17 years and over, 85 percent of men own a licence, versus 75 percent of women. The gender gap is largest among the over-70s: 85 percent of men aged 70 years and over are licence holders, against 53 percent of their female peers.

Driving licence ownership, 1 January 2019
	Men (%)	Women (%)
17 yrs	9.8	7.8
18 to 19 yrs	49.2	46.9
20 to 24 yrs	71.4	69.6
25 to 29 yrs	80.2	78.1
30 to 39 yrs	87.1	83
40 to 49 yrs	89.2	84.3
50 to 59 yrs	93.5	86.2
60 to 64 yrs	93.9	83.2
65 to 69 yrs	91.6	77.7
70 yrs and over	85.4	52.6
Source: CBS, RDW

Driving licence ownership, 1 January 2019
	Men (%)	Women (%)
17 yrs	9.8	7.8
18 to 19 yrs	49.2	46.9
20 to 24 yrs	71.4	69.6
25 to 29 yrs	80.2	78.1
30 to 39 yrs	87.1	83
40 to 49 yrs	89.2	84.3
50 to 59 yrs	93.5	86.2
60 to 64 yrs	93.9	83.2
65 to 69 yrs	91.6	77.7
70 yrs and over	85.4	52.6
Source: CBS, RDW

Licence ownership up among elderly, not among young people

At the start of 2019, 1.5 million people aged 70 years and over were driving licence holders. This is around 67 percent, up from 56 percent five years previously. In the age group 90 years and up, there were 19.5 thousand people with a driving licence. Car drivers over the age of 70 together have 1.2 million passenger cars registered in their name. The most common car brand among the over-70s is Opel, followed by Toyota and Renault. At the beginning of this year, 977 thousand young people under the age of 25 held a driving licence. In total, 57 percent of 17 to 24-year-olds are licence holders. This is barely more than five years previously, when 56 percent in this age group were licence holders. Young people under the age of 25 have 264 thousand cars registered in their name. The most popular car brand in this cohort is Volkswagen, followed by Peugeot and Opel.

Licence ownership rate highest in Renswoude, lowest in Amsterdam

The driving licence ownership rate is highest in the municipality of Renswoude (90.9 percent). It is also high in the municipalities of Tubbergen (90.3 percent), Rozendaal (90.3 percent), Staphorst (90.2 percent) and Wierden (89.6 percent). Licence ownership is lowest in urban municipalities. In Amsterdam, 63.5 percent of the adult population have an entitlement to drive, against 63.6 percent in Maastricht.

Driving licence ownership rates by municipality, 1 January 2019
Gemeentenaam	Driving licence ownership rate (%)
Renswoude	90.9
Tubbergen	90.3
Rozendaal	90.3
Staphorst	90.2
Wierden	89.6
Mill en Sint Hubert	89.6
Reusel-De Mierden	89.2
Buren	89.2
Dalfsen	88.9
Hilvarenbeek	88.8
Landerd	88.7
Alphen-Chaam	88.6
Bronckhorst	88.5
Oirschot	88.4
De Wolden	88.4
Dinkelland	88.1
Nuenen, Gerwen en Nederwetten	88
Neerijnen	88
Aalburg	88
Giessenlanden	87.9
Kapelle	87.8
Bergeijk	87.8
Eemnes	87.8
Borsele	87.7
Bernheze	87.6
West Maas en Waal	87.6
Sint Anthonis	87.5
Sint-Michielsgestel	87.5
Zederik	87.3
Koggenland	87.3
Blaricum	87.3
Lopik	87.3
Twenterand	87.1
Haarlemmerliede en Spaarnwoude	86.9
Eersel	86.9
Opmeer	86.9
Haaksbergen	86.8
Hof van Twente	86.8
Montfoort	86.8
Leusden	86.7
Marum	86.7
Rucphen	86.7
Waalre	86.7
Veere	86.7
Lingewaal	86.6
Lansingerland	86.6
Scherpenzeel	86.6
Borger-Odoorn	86.6
Boekel	86.6
Barneveld	86.5
Hellendoorn	86.5
Bladel	86.4
Korendijk	86.4
Geldermalsen	86.4
Mook en Middelaar	86.3
Oost Gelre	86.3
Cromstrijen	86.3
Ommen	86.3
Beemster	86.3
Heeze-Leende	86.2
Borne	86.2
Westerveld	86.2
Grootegast	86.2
Westvoorne	86.2
Woudrichem	86.2
Woudenberg	86.1
Putten	86.1
Haaren	86.1
Laarbeek	86.1
Neder-Betuwe	86.1
Rijssen-Holten	86.1
Berkelland	86
Midden-Drenthe	86
Molenwaard	86
Wijdemeren	86
Cranendonck	86
Hollands Kroon	85.9
Beuningen	85.9
Son en Breugel	85.9
Aa en Hunze	85.9
Raalte	85.9
Overbetuwe	85.9
Midden-Delfland	85.9
Lochem	85.8
Langedijk	85.8
Nederweert	85.8
Peel en Maas	85.8
Oldebroek	85.7
Werkendam	85.7
Uitgeest	85.7
Voerendaal	85.6
Hardenberg	85.6
Heusden	85.6
Wijk bij Duurstede	85.6
Heumen	85.5
Kaag en Braassem	85.5
Leudal	85.5
Meierijstad	85.5
Horst aan de Maas	85.5
Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht	85.4
Heerde	85.4
Maasdriel	85.3
Nieuwkoop	85.3
Oudewater	85.3
Nijkerk	85.2
Drimmelen	85.2
Binnenmaas	85.2
Voorst	85.2
Opsterland	85.2
Bergen (L.)	85.2
Strijen	85.2
Someren	85.2
Wijchen	85.1
Zwartewaterland	85.1
Elburg	85.1
De Ronde Venen	85
Lingewaard	85
Oostzaan	85
Schinnen	85
Aalten	85
Houten	85
Losser	84.9
Achtkarspelen	84.9
Loon op Zand	84.9
De Fryske Marren	84.9
Bunschoten	84.9
Olst-Wijhe	84.9
Dongen	84.9
Drechterland	84.9
Noord-Beveland	84.9
Gemert-Bakel	84.8
Duiven	84.8
Goirle	84.7
Eijsden-Margraten	84.7
Tholen	84.7
Bodegraven-Reeuwijk	84.6
Best	84.6
Hattem	84.6
Oude IJsselstreek	84.6
Nunspeet	84.6
Zuidhorn	84.6
Onderbanken	84.5
Deurne	84.5
Tynaarlo	84.5
Uden	84.4
Coevorden	84.4
Baarle-Nassau	84.3
Stein (L.)	84.3
Kollumerland en Nieuwkruisland	84.2
Epe	84.2
Landsmeer	84.2
Zuidplas	84.2
Bunnik	84.2
Schagen	84.1
Moerdijk	84.1
Ten Boer	84.1
Barendrecht	84.1
Brummen	84.1
Schouwen-Duiveland	84.1
Montferland	84.1
Pijnacker-Nootdorp	84.1
Boxmeer	84.1
Beek (L.)	84
Tytsjerksteradiel	84
Druten	84
Oisterwijk	84
Albrandswaard	84
Veldhoven	83.9
Steenwijkerland	83.9
Zaltbommel	83.9
Urk	83.9
Halderberge	83.9
Brielle	83.8
Asten	83.8
Medemblik	83.8
Goeree-Overflakkee	83.8
Nuth	83.8
Weststellingwerf	83.7
Geldrop-Mierlo	83.7
Geertruidenberg	83.7
Stichtse Vecht	83.7
Gilze en Rijen	83.6
Westerwolde	83.6
Zundert	83.6
Noordenveld	83.6
Rhenen	83.6
Dronten	83.5
Castricum	83.5
Ooststellingwerf	83.5
Oldenzaal	83.5
Roerdalen	83.3
Etten-Leur	83.3
Valkenswaard	83.3
Dantumadiel	83.3
Hardinxveld-Giessendam	83.3
Krimpenerwaard	83.3
Woensdrecht	83.2
Ferwerderadiel	83.2
Oud-Beijerland	83.1
Oss	83
Aalsmeer	83
Lisse	83
Bloemendaal	83
Heiloo	82.9
Grave	82.9
Noordoostpolder	82.9
Loppersum	82.9
Edam-Volendam	82.9
Reimerswaal	82.9
Zeewolde	82.9
Simpelveld	82.8
Soest	82.8
Leek	82.8
Teylingen	82.8
Gulpen-Wittem	82.8
Maasgouw	82.8
Huizen	82.7
Oosterhout	82.6
Vianen	82.6
De Marne	82.5
Zevenaar	82.5
Laren (NH.)	82.5
S�dwest-Frysl�n	82.5
Wormerland	82.5
Waddinxveen	82.4
Dongeradeel	82.4
Waalwijk	82.4
Waadhoeke	82.3
Winsum	82.3
Haarlemmermeer	82.3
Westervoort	82.3
Papendrecht	82.3
Woerden	82.1
Hulst	82.1
Meerssen	82
Doetinchem	81.9
Haren	81.9
Ede	81.9
Sluis	81.9
Cuijk	81.8
Waterland	81.8
Gooise Meren	81.7
Harderwijk	81.7
Hoogeveen	81.7
Utrechtse Heuvelrug	81.7
Echt-Susteren	81.6
Hellevoetsluis	81.6
Terschelling	81.6
Heerenveen	81.6
Westland	81.6
Meppel	81.5
Veenendaal	81.5
Beesel	81.5
Vught	81.5
Pekela	81.4
IJsselstein	81.4
Emmen	81.3
Bergen (NH.)	81.3
Heemstede	81.3
Voorschoten	81.2
Hengelo (O.)	81.2
Zoeterwoude	81.2
Venray	81.2
Ameland	81.2
's-Hertogenbosch	81
Texel	81
Gennep	80.9
Bedum	80.9
Kampen	80.9
De Bilt	80.9
Noordwijkerhout	80.9
Heerhugowaard	80.9
Apeldoorn	80.9
Uithoorn	80.9
Alphen aan den Rijn	80.7
Berg en Dal	80.6
Boxtel	80.5
Amersfoort	80.5
Ermelo	80.5
Winterswijk	80.4
Culemborg	80.4
Stede Broec	80.3
Hillegom	80.3
Bergen op Zoom	80.2
Veendam	80.1
Roosendaal	80
Smallingerland	79.9
Doesburg	79.9
Renkum	79.9
Leiderdorp	79.9
Weert	79.8
Oegstgeest	79.8
Tiel	79.7
Midden-Groningen	79.7
Goes	79.7
Terneuzen	79.7
Nieuwegein	79.6
Heemskerk	79.6
Landgraaf	79.5
Valkenburg aan de Geul	79.4
Oldambt	79.4
Ouder-Amstel	79.3
Stadskanaal	79.2
Krimpen aan den IJssel	79.2
Assen	79.1
Breda	79.1
Alblasserdam	79.1
Zwolle	79
Sittard-Geleen	78.9
Katwijk	78.7
Noordwijk	78.7
Velsen	78.7
Eemsmond	78.7
Steenbergen	78.5
Zoetermeer	78.5
Zwijndrecht	78.5
Helmond	78.4
Baarn	78.4
Deventer	78.3
Brunssum	78.3
Hoorn	78.2
Wassenaar	78.2
Middelburg (Z.)	78.1
Zutphen	77.9
Ridderkerk	77.8
Leerdam	77.7
Almelo	77.7
Nissewaard	77.6
Alkmaar	77.4
Rheden	77.4
Venlo	77.1
Gorinchem	77
Maassluis	77
Roermond	77
Zeist	76.7
Zandvoort	76.6
Enkhuizen	76.4
Delfzijl	76.4
Sliedrecht	76.3
Leidschendam-Voorburg	76.1
Harlingen	76.1
Beverwijk	76.1
Purmerend	76
Almere	75.9
Tilburg	75.8
Zaanstad	75.8
Weesp	75.6
Hilversum	75.6
Enschede	75.5
Capelle aan den IJssel	75.5
Leeuwarden	75.4
Appingedam	75.4
Lelystad	75.1
Den Helder	75.1
Nijmegen	75.1
Gouda	75
Dordrecht	74.7
Vlissingen	74.6
Haarlem	74.6
Eindhoven	74.5
Heerlen	74.5
Utrecht (gemeente)	74.2
Amstelveen	73.7
Rijswijk (ZH.)	73.4
Kerkrade	73.2
Arnhem	72.7
Schiermonnikoog	72.6
Vlaardingen	72.2
Vlieland	71.9
Diemen	70.5
Wageningen	69.9
Groningen (gemeente)	69.8
Leiden	69.7
Schiedam	68.5
Vaals	67.1
Delft	66.9
Rotterdam	65.2
's-Gravenhage (gemeente)	64.7
Maastricht	63.6
Amsterdam	63.5
Source: CBS, RDW

Driving licence ownership rates by municipality, 1 January 2019
Gemeentenaam	Driving licence ownership rate (%)
Renswoude	90.9
Tubbergen	90.3
Rozendaal	90.3
Staphorst	90.2
Wierden	89.6
Mill en Sint Hubert	89.6
Reusel-De Mierden	89.2
Buren	89.2
Dalfsen	88.9
Hilvarenbeek	88.8
Landerd	88.7
Alphen-Chaam	88.6
Bronckhorst	88.5
Oirschot	88.4
De Wolden	88.4
Dinkelland	88.1
Nuenen, Gerwen en Nederwetten	88
Neerijnen	88
Aalburg	88
Giessenlanden	87.9
Kapelle	87.8
Bergeijk	87.8
Eemnes	87.8
Borsele	87.7
Bernheze	87.6
West Maas en Waal	87.6
Sint Anthonis	87.5
Sint-Michielsgestel	87.5
Zederik	87.3
Koggenland	87.3
Blaricum	87.3
Lopik	87.3
Twenterand	87.1
Haarlemmerliede en Spaarnwoude	86.9
Eersel	86.9
Opmeer	86.9
Haaksbergen	86.8
Hof van Twente	86.8
Montfoort	86.8
Leusden	86.7
Marum	86.7
Rucphen	86.7
Waalre	86.7
Veere	86.7
Lingewaal	86.6
Lansingerland	86.6
Scherpenzeel	86.6
Borger-Odoorn	86.6
Boekel	86.6
Barneveld	86.5
Hellendoorn	86.5
Bladel	86.4
Korendijk	86.4
Geldermalsen	86.4
Mook en Middelaar	86.3
Oost Gelre	86.3
Cromstrijen	86.3
Ommen	86.3
Beemster	86.3
Heeze-Leende	86.2
Borne	86.2
Westerveld	86.2
Grootegast	86.2
Westvoorne	86.2
Woudrichem	86.2
Woudenberg	86.1
Putten	86.1
Haaren	86.1
Laarbeek	86.1
Neder-Betuwe	86.1
Rijssen-Holten	86.1
Berkelland	86
Midden-Drenthe	86
Molenwaard	86
Wijdemeren	86
Cranendonck	86
Hollands Kroon	85.9
Beuningen	85.9
Son en Breugel	85.9
Aa en Hunze	85.9
Raalte	85.9
Overbetuwe	85.9
Midden-Delfland	85.9
Lochem	85.8
Langedijk	85.8
Nederweert	85.8
Peel en Maas	85.8
Oldebroek	85.7
Werkendam	85.7
Uitgeest	85.7
Voerendaal	85.6
Hardenberg	85.6
Heusden	85.6
Wijk bij Duurstede	85.6
Heumen	85.5
Kaag en Braassem	85.5
Leudal	85.5
Meierijstad	85.5
Horst aan de Maas	85.5
Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht	85.4
Heerde	85.4
Maasdriel	85.3
Nieuwkoop	85.3
Oudewater	85.3
Nijkerk	85.2
Drimmelen	85.2
Binnenmaas	85.2
Voorst	85.2
Opsterland	85.2
Bergen (L.)	85.2
Strijen	85.2
Someren	85.2
Wijchen	85.1
Zwartewaterland	85.1
Elburg	85.1
De Ronde Venen	85
Lingewaard	85
Oostzaan	85
Schinnen	85
Aalten	85
Houten	85
Losser	84.9
Achtkarspelen	84.9
Loon op Zand	84.9
De Fryske Marren	84.9
Bunschoten	84.9
Olst-Wijhe	84.9
Dongen	84.9
Drechterland	84.9
Noord-Beveland	84.9
Gemert-Bakel	84.8
Duiven	84.8
Goirle	84.7
Eijsden-Margraten	84.7
Tholen	84.7
Bodegraven-Reeuwijk	84.6
Best	84.6
Hattem	84.6
Oude IJsselstreek	84.6
Nunspeet	84.6
Zuidhorn	84.6
Onderbanken	84.5
Deurne	84.5
Tynaarlo	84.5
Uden	84.4
Coevorden	84.4
Baarle-Nassau	84.3
Stein (L.)	84.3
Kollumerland en Nieuwkruisland	84.2
Epe	84.2
Landsmeer	84.2
Zuidplas	84.2
Bunnik	84.2
Schagen	84.1
Moerdijk	84.1
Ten Boer	84.1
Barendrecht	84.1
Brummen	84.1
Schouwen-Duiveland	84.1
Montferland	84.1
Pijnacker-Nootdorp	84.1
Boxmeer	84.1
Beek (L.)	84
Tytsjerksteradiel	84
Druten	84
Oisterwijk	84
Albrandswaard	84
Veldhoven	83.9
Steenwijkerland	83.9
Zaltbommel	83.9
Urk	83.9
Halderberge	83.9
Brielle	83.8
Asten	83.8
Medemblik	83.8
Goeree-Overflakkee	83.8
Nuth	83.8
Weststellingwerf	83.7
Geldrop-Mierlo	83.7
Geertruidenberg	83.7
Stichtse Vecht	83.7
Gilze en Rijen	83.6
Westerwolde	83.6
Zundert	83.6
Noordenveld	83.6
Rhenen	83.6
Dronten	83.5
Castricum	83.5
Ooststellingwerf	83.5
Oldenzaal	83.5
Roerdalen	83.3
Etten-Leur	83.3
Valkenswaard	83.3
Dantumadiel	83.3
Hardinxveld-Giessendam	83.3
Krimpenerwaard	83.3
Woensdrecht	83.2
Ferwerderadiel	83.2
Oud-Beijerland	83.1
Oss	83
Aalsmeer	83
Lisse	83
Bloemendaal	83
Heiloo	82.9
Grave	82.9
Noordoostpolder	82.9
Loppersum	82.9
Edam-Volendam	82.9
Reimerswaal	82.9
Zeewolde	82.9
Simpelveld	82.8
Soest	82.8
Leek	82.8
Teylingen	82.8
Gulpen-Wittem	82.8
Maasgouw	82.8
Huizen	82.7
Oosterhout	82.6
Vianen	82.6
De Marne	82.5
Zevenaar	82.5
Laren (NH.)	82.5
S�dwest-Frysl�n	82.5
Wormerland	82.5
Waddinxveen	82.4
Dongeradeel	82.4
Waalwijk	82.4
Waadhoeke	82.3
Winsum	82.3
Haarlemmermeer	82.3
Westervoort	82.3
Papendrecht	82.3
Woerden	82.1
Hulst	82.1
Meerssen	82
Doetinchem	81.9
Haren	81.9
Ede	81.9
Sluis	81.9
Cuijk	81.8
Waterland	81.8
Gooise Meren	81.7
Harderwijk	81.7
Hoogeveen	81.7
Utrechtse Heuvelrug	81.7
Echt-Susteren	81.6
Hellevoetsluis	81.6
Terschelling	81.6
Heerenveen	81.6
Westland	81.6
Meppel	81.5
Veenendaal	81.5
Beesel	81.5
Vught	81.5
Pekela	81.4
IJsselstein	81.4
Emmen	81.3
Bergen (NH.)	81.3
Heemstede	81.3
Voorschoten	81.2
Hengelo (O.)	81.2
Zoeterwoude	81.2
Venray	81.2
Ameland	81.2
's-Hertogenbosch	81
Texel	81
Gennep	80.9
Bedum	80.9
Kampen	80.9
De Bilt	80.9
Noordwijkerhout	80.9
Heerhugowaard	80.9
Apeldoorn	80.9
Uithoorn	80.9
Alphen aan den Rijn	80.7
Berg en Dal	80.6
Boxtel	80.5
Amersfoort	80.5
Ermelo	80.5
Winterswijk	80.4
Culemborg	80.4
Stede Broec	80.3
Hillegom	80.3
Bergen op Zoom	80.2
Veendam	80.1
Roosendaal	80
Smallingerland	79.9
Doesburg	79.9
Renkum	79.9
Leiderdorp	79.9
Weert	79.8
Oegstgeest	79.8
Tiel	79.7
Midden-Groningen	79.7
Goes	79.7
Terneuzen	79.7
Nieuwegein	79.6
Heemskerk	79.6
Landgraaf	79.5
Valkenburg aan de Geul	79.4
Oldambt	79.4
Ouder-Amstel	79.3
Stadskanaal	79.2
Krimpen aan den IJssel	79.2
Assen	79.1
Breda	79.1
Alblasserdam	79.1
Zwolle	79
Sittard-Geleen	78.9
Katwijk	78.7
Noordwijk	78.7
Velsen	78.7
Eemsmond	78.7
Steenbergen	78.5
Zoetermeer	78.5
Zwijndrecht	78.5
Helmond	78.4
Baarn	78.4
Deventer	78.3
Brunssum	78.3
Hoorn	78.2
Wassenaar	78.2
Middelburg (Z.)	78.1
Zutphen	77.9
Ridderkerk	77.8
Leerdam	77.7
Almelo	77.7
Nissewaard	77.6
Alkmaar	77.4
Rheden	77.4
Venlo	77.1
Gorinchem	77
Maassluis	77
Roermond	77
Zeist	76.7
Zandvoort	76.6
Enkhuizen	76.4
Delfzijl	76.4
Sliedrecht	76.3
Leidschendam-Voorburg	76.1
Harlingen	76.1
Beverwijk	76.1
Purmerend	76
Almere	75.9
Tilburg	75.8
Zaanstad	75.8
Weesp	75.6
Hilversum	75.6
Enschede	75.5
Capelle aan den IJssel	75.5
Leeuwarden	75.4
Appingedam	75.4
Lelystad	75.1
Den Helder	75.1
Nijmegen	75.1
Gouda	75
Dordrecht	74.7
Vlissingen	74.6
Haarlem	74.6
Eindhoven	74.5
Heerlen	74.5
Utrecht (gemeente)	74.2
Amstelveen	73.7
Rijswijk (ZH.)	73.4
Kerkrade	73.2
Arnhem	72.7
Schiermonnikoog	72.6
Vlaardingen	72.2
Vlieland	71.9
Diemen	70.5
Wageningen	69.9
Groningen (gemeente)	69.8
Leiden	69.7
Schiedam	68.5
Vaals	67.1
Delft	66.9
Rotterdam	65.2
's-Gravenhage (gemeente)	64.7
Maastricht	63.6
Amsterdam	63.5
Source: CBS, RDW

Sources

StatLine - People with a driving licence