Driving licence ownership among young people not yet at pre-pandemic level

24/02/2023 15:00

On 1 January 2023, over 11.5 million people were holding a Dutch car driving licence, 0.7 percent more than one year previously. The number of driving licence holders increased most sharply among young people under 20 and among the over-75s. Nevertheless, the licence ownership rate among young people was still below the pre-pandemic level. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports this on the basis of new figures on driving licence ownership.

Driving licence holders, 1 January
	Under 20 yrs (2019=100)	20-39 yrs (2019=100)	40-59 yrs (2019=100)	60-74 yrs (2019=100)	75 yrs and over (2019=100)
2019	100	100	100	100	100
2020	102	101	99	102	105
2021	89	102	99	105	116
2022	81	102	98	106	123
2023	86	103	97	107	130

Driving licence holders, 1 January
	Under 20 yrs (2019=100)	20-39 yrs (2019=100)	40-59 yrs (2019=100)	60-74 yrs (2019=100)	75 yrs and over (2019=100)
2019	100	100	100	100	100
2020	102	101	99	102	105
2021	89	102	99	105	116
2022	81	102	98	106	123
2023	86	103	97	107	130

At the beginning of 2023, the number of under-20s holding a driving licence rose by 5.4 percent year on year, to 191 thousand. Before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, in early 2020, there were 227 thousand driving licence holders under the age of 20. Due to coronavirus measures, driving lessons sometimes had to be cancelled and driving tests were postponed.

More and more over-75s with a driving licence

At the start of this year, 995 thousand people over the age of 75 were holders of a driving licence, 5.8 percent more than one year previously. This increase is partly due to the ageing population and the related higher number of over-75s. In addition, people over 75 are more likely to have a driving licence now than in the past. Just under 14 percent in this age group were 85 years or older.

Driving licence holders aged 75 yrs and over, 1 January
	75-79 yrs (x 1,000)	80-84 yrs (x 1,000)	85-89 yrs (x 1,000)	90 yrs and over (x 1,000)
2019	427	228.5	88	19.5
2020	444.5	245.3	91.2	21.5
2021	478.9	270.7	108.9	28.8
2022	526.4	278.8	107	28.2
2023	568.2	288.4	110.7	27.8

Driving licence holders aged 75 yrs and over, 1 January
	75-79 yrs (x 1,000)	80-84 yrs (x 1,000)	85-89 yrs (x 1,000)	90 yrs and over (x 1,000)
2019	427	228.5	88	19.5
2020	444.5	245.3	91.2	21.5
2021	478.9	270.7	108.9	28.8
2022	526.4	278.8	107	28.2
2023	568.2	288.4	110.7	27.8

More driving licences than cars among young people

At the beginning of 2023, the Netherlands had over 6.8 million car owners, some of whom owned more than one car. In total, there were 7.8 million passengers cars among private individuals. Not every licence holder is also a car owner; especially young people are more likely to have a driving licence than a car. Early this year, there were 1.8 million people under 30 who held a driving licence and 720 thousand who owned a car.

Among the over-75s, the number of licence holders (995 thousand) and the number of car owners (754 thousand) were closest together.

Driving licence holders and car owners*, 1 January 2023
	Driving licence holders (x million)	Car owners (x million)
Under 30 yrs	1.8	0.7
30-39 yrs	1.9	1.1
40-49 yrs	1.8	1.1
50-59 yrs	2.3	1.4
60-74 yrs	2.7	1.7
75 yrs and over	1	0.8
* Provisional figures

Driving licence holders and car owners*, 1 January 2023
	Driving licence holders (x million)	Car owners (x million)
Under 30 yrs	1.8	0.7
30-39 yrs	1.9	1.1
40-49 yrs	1.8	1.1
50-59 yrs	2.3	1.4
60-74 yrs	2.7	1.7
75 yrs and over	1	0.8
* Provisional figures

Licence ownership rate highest in Staphorst

On 1 January 2023, both in Staphorst and in Rozendaal, 91.5 percent of its residents aged 17 and over were holding a Dutch car driving licence. This is the highest percentage in the Netherlands. Next were Tubbergen (91.2 percent) and Renswoude (90.7 percent). The lowest driving licence ownership rate was in Amsterdam, at 61.8 percent.

Driving licence ownership among residents aged 17 and over*, 1 January 2023
Regio's	Code
Staphorst	91.5
Rozendaal	91.5
Tubbergen	91.2
Renswoude	90.7
Reusel-De Mierden	89.9
Wierden	89.7
Dinkelland	89.4
De Wolden	89.2
Buren	89.2
Hilvarenbeek	89.1
Dalfsen	88.8
Bronckhorst	88.7
Alphen-Chaam	88.6
West Maas en Waal	88.3
Oirschot	88.2
Bergeijk	88.1
Borsele	87.9
Twenterand	87.9
Nuenen, Gerwen en Nederwetten	87.8
Blaricum	87.7
Koggenland	87.7
Eemnes	87.7
Sint-Michielsgestel	87.6
Kapelle	87.5
Borger-Odoorn	87.5
Veere	87.4
Scherpenzeel	87.4
Eersel	87.3
Bernheze	87.3
Lopik	87.3
Hof van Twente	87.1
Westerveld	87.1
Oost Gelre	87.1
Montfoort	87.0
Boekel	86.9
Woudenberg	86.9
Wijdemeren	86.8
Rijssen-Holten	86.8
Opmeer	86.7
Laarbeek	86.7
Aa en Hunze	86.7
Bladel	86.7
Oldebroek	86.7
Molenlanden	86.7
West Betuwe	86.6
Barneveld	86.6
Hellendoorn	86.6
Rucphen	86.5
Borne	86.5
Heeze-Leende	86.4
Haaksbergen	86.4
Midden-Drenthe	86.4
Westvoorne	86.4
Mook en Middelaar	86.3
Berkelland	86.3
Lochem	86.3
Lansingerland	86.3
Raalte	86.3
Beuningen	86.3
Altena	86.2
Leusden	86.2
Wijk bij Duurstede	86.2
Nederweert	86.2
Someren	86.2
Son en Breugel	86.2
Putten	86.1
Ommen	86.1
Voerendaal	86.1
Noordenveld	86.1
Heerde	86.0
Uitgeest	86.0
Eijsden-Margraten	86.0
Kaag en Braassem	86.0
Hardenberg	86.0
Zwartewaterland	86.0
Waalre	85.9
Voorst	85.9
Overbetuwe	85.9
Midden-Delfland	85.9
Noord-Beveland	85.8
Elburg	85.8
Heusden	85.8
Bergen (L.)	85.8
Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht	85.7
Hattem	85.7
Oudewater	85.7
Lingewaard	85.7
Opsterland	85.7
Peel en Maas	85.7
Losser	85.6
Beekdaelen	85.6
De Fryske Marren	85.6
Loon op Zand	85.6
Bunschoten	85.6
Nieuwkoop	85.5
Aalten	85.5
Leudal	85.4
Oostzaan	85.4
Westerkwartier	85.4
De Ronde Venen	85.4
Achtkarspelen	85.4
Nijkerk	85.4
Goirle	85.4
Coevorden	85.3
Olst-Wijhe	85.3
Cranendonck	85.3
Duiven	85.3
Tholen	85.3
Drimmelen	85.3
Wijchen	85.2
Hoeksche Waard	85.1
Tynaarlo	85.1
Horst aan de Maas	85.1
Meierijstad	85.1
Nunspeet	85.1
Gemert-Bakel	85.1
Oude IJsselstreek	85.1
Stein (L.)	84.9
Asten	84.9
Hollands Kroon	84.9
Drechterland	84.8
Neder-Betuwe	84.8
Zundert	84.8
Oisterwijk	84.8
Maashorst	84.8
Dongen	84.8
Schouwen-Duiveland	84.8
Land van Cuijk	84.8
Brummen	84.7
Zuidplas	84.7
Houten	84.6
Epe	84.6
Montferland	84.6
Bunnik	84.6
Moerdijk	84.6
Steenwijkerland	84.6
Deurne	84.5
Tytsjerksteradiel	84.5
Roerdalen	84.5
Goeree-Overflakkee	84.4
Druten	84.4
Urk	84.4
Weststellingwerf	84.3
Beek (L.)	84.3
Bodegraven-Reeuwijk	84.3
Rhenen	84.3
Schagen	84.2
Ooststellingwerf	84.1
Castricum	84.1
Dantumadiel	84.0
Hardinxveld-Giessendam	84.0
Pijnacker-Nootdorp	84.0
Landsmeer	84.0
Baarle-Nassau	84.0
Geertruidenberg	84.0
Oldenzaal	83.9
Noardeast-Frysl�n	83.8
Heumen	83.8
Halderberge	83.8
Barendrecht	83.8
Zeewolde	83.8
Best	83.7
Stichtse Vecht	83.7
Maasdriel	83.7
Brielle	83.7
Krimpenerwaard	83.6
Medemblik	83.6
Veldhoven	83.6
Albrandswaard	83.5
Geldrop-Mierlo	83.5
Edam-Volendam	83.5
Gulpen-Wittem	83.5
Soest	83.4
Waddinxveen	83.3
Reimerswaal	83.3
Teylingen	83.2
Meerssen	83.2
Lisse	83.2
Etten-Leur	83.1
Zevenaar	83.1
Wormerland	83.1
Maasgouw	83.1
Valkenswaard	83.1
Simpelveld	83.0
Huizen	83.0
Zaltbommel	83.0
Vught	83.0
Steenbergen	82.9
Heiloo	82.9
Gilze en Rijen	82.8
Dronten	82.8
Oosterhout	82.8
Vijfheerenlanden	82.7
Dijk en Waard	82.7
S�dwest-Frysl�n	82.7
Bloemendaal	82.6
Waadhoeke	82.6
Doetinchem	82.6
Noordoostpolder	82.5
Westervoort	82.5
Echt-Susteren	82.4
Woensdrecht	82.3
Ede	82.3
Papendrecht	82.3
Waterland	82.3
Oss	82.2
Gooise Meren	82.1
Heerenveen	82.1
Zoeterwoude	82.1
Westland	82.1
Utrechtse Heuvelrug	82.1
Harderwijk	81.9
Woerden	81.9
Hoogeveen	81.9
Haarlemmermeer	81.9
Meppel	81.9
Aalsmeer	81.8
Heemstede	81.8
Laren (NH.)	81.8
Veenendaal	81.8
IJsselstein	81.8
Hellevoetsluis	81.7
Hulst	81.7
Bergen (NH.)	81.7
Emmen	81.6
Berg en Dal	81.5
Waalwijk	81.5
Kampen	81.5
Ameland	81.4
Beesel	81.4
Pekela	81.3
Sluis	81.3
Hengelo (O.)	81.2
De Bilt	81.2
Gennep	81.2
Venray	81.1
Texel	81.1
's-Hertogenbosch	81.1
Valkenburg aan de Geul	81.1
Westerwolde	81.0
Culemborg	81.0
Voorschoten	80.9
Doesburg	80.9
Ermelo	80.9
Veendam	80.9
Alphen aan den Rijn	80.9
Het Hogeland	80.8
Apeldoorn	80.8
Winterswijk	80.8
Amersfoort	80.8
Uithoorn	80.7
Hillegom	80.6
Boxtel	80.4
Noordwijk	80.4
Renkum	80.3
Heemskerk	80.3
Leiderdorp	80.2
Bergen op Zoom	80.1
Landgraaf	80.1
Goes	80.1
Alblasserdam	80.1
Midden-Groningen	80.0
Oldambt	80.0
Terschelling	80.0
Stede Broec	79.9
Weert	79.9
Smallingerland	79.8
Stadskanaal	79.8
Oegstgeest	79.8
Roosendaal	79.6
Assen	79.4
Katwijk	79.4
Sittard-Geleen	79.4
Zwolle	79.3
Nieuwegein	79.3
Terneuzen	79.2
Breda	79.1
Brunssum	79.0
Baarn	79.0
Velsen	78.9
Krimpen aan den IJssel	78.8
Deventer	78.6
Ridderkerk	78.5
Zwijndrecht	78.5
Ouder-Amstel	78.5
Middelburg (Z.)	78.4
Hoorn	78.4
Zoetermeer	78.3
Zutphen	78.2
Gorinchem	78.1
Rheden	78.0
Tiel	78.0
Alkmaar	77.9
Maassluis	77.9
Helmond	77.8
Purmerend	77.7
Nissewaard	77.6
Eemsdelta	77.5
Almelo	77.5
Roermond	77.2
Sliedrecht	77.1
Zeist	77.0
Wassenaar	76.8
Weesp	76.7
Beverwijk	76.7
Zandvoort	76.5
Enkhuizen	76.4
Venlo	76.4
Harlingen	76.4
Almere	75.8
Hilversum	75.7
Nijmegen	75.5
Leidschendam-Voorburg	75.5
Zaanstad	75.4
Dordrecht	75.4
Leeuwarden	75.2
Den Helder	75.2
Capelle aan den IJssel	75.2
Gouda	75.0
Vlissingen	74.9
Tilburg	74.6
Enschede	74.6
Lelystad	74.5
Heerlen	74.3
Haarlem	74.3
Utrecht (gemeente)	74.0
Kerkrade	74.0
Rijswijk (ZH.)	73.7
Eindhoven	72.9
Amstelveen	72.8
Arnhem	72.7
Vlaardingen	72.1
Schiermonnikoog	71.9
Vlieland	70.1
Groningen (gemeente)	70.0
Leiden	69.3
Wageningen	69.1
Schiedam	68.4
Diemen	67.5
Delft	66.3
Rotterdam	64.9
Vaals	64.0
's-Gravenhage (gemeente)	63.7
Maastricht	63.7
Amsterdam	61.8
* Reference date for driving licence holders is 1 January 2023, reference date for population is 1 January 2022.

Driving licence ownership among residents aged 17 and over*, 1 January 2023
Regio's	Code
Staphorst	91.5
Rozendaal	91.5
Tubbergen	91.2
Renswoude	90.7
Reusel-De Mierden	89.9
Wierden	89.7
Dinkelland	89.4
De Wolden	89.2
Buren	89.2
Hilvarenbeek	89.1
Dalfsen	88.8
Bronckhorst	88.7
Alphen-Chaam	88.6
West Maas en Waal	88.3
Oirschot	88.2
Bergeijk	88.1
Borsele	87.9
Twenterand	87.9
Nuenen, Gerwen en Nederwetten	87.8
Blaricum	87.7
Koggenland	87.7
Eemnes	87.7
Sint-Michielsgestel	87.6
Kapelle	87.5
Borger-Odoorn	87.5
Veere	87.4
Scherpenzeel	87.4
Eersel	87.3
Bernheze	87.3
Lopik	87.3
Hof van Twente	87.1
Westerveld	87.1
Oost Gelre	87.1
Montfoort	87.0
Boekel	86.9
Woudenberg	86.9
Wijdemeren	86.8
Rijssen-Holten	86.8
Opmeer	86.7
Laarbeek	86.7
Aa en Hunze	86.7
Bladel	86.7
Oldebroek	86.7
Molenlanden	86.7
West Betuwe	86.6
Barneveld	86.6
Hellendoorn	86.6
Rucphen	86.5
Borne	86.5
Heeze-Leende	86.4
Haaksbergen	86.4
Midden-Drenthe	86.4
Westvoorne	86.4
Mook en Middelaar	86.3
Berkelland	86.3
Lochem	86.3
Lansingerland	86.3
Raalte	86.3
Beuningen	86.3
Altena	86.2
Leusden	86.2
Wijk bij Duurstede	86.2
Nederweert	86.2
Someren	86.2
Son en Breugel	86.2
Putten	86.1
Ommen	86.1
Voerendaal	86.1
Noordenveld	86.1
Heerde	86.0
Uitgeest	86.0
Eijsden-Margraten	86.0
Kaag en Braassem	86.0
Hardenberg	86.0
Zwartewaterland	86.0
Waalre	85.9
Voorst	85.9
Overbetuwe	85.9
Midden-Delfland	85.9
Noord-Beveland	85.8
Elburg	85.8
Heusden	85.8
Bergen (L.)	85.8
Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht	85.7
Hattem	85.7
Oudewater	85.7
Lingewaard	85.7
Opsterland	85.7
Peel en Maas	85.7
Losser	85.6
Beekdaelen	85.6
De Fryske Marren	85.6
Loon op Zand	85.6
Bunschoten	85.6
Nieuwkoop	85.5
Aalten	85.5
Leudal	85.4
Oostzaan	85.4
Westerkwartier	85.4
De Ronde Venen	85.4
Achtkarspelen	85.4
Nijkerk	85.4
Goirle	85.4
Coevorden	85.3
Olst-Wijhe	85.3
Cranendonck	85.3
Duiven	85.3
Tholen	85.3
Drimmelen	85.3
Wijchen	85.2
Hoeksche Waard	85.1
Tynaarlo	85.1
Horst aan de Maas	85.1
Meierijstad	85.1
Nunspeet	85.1
Gemert-Bakel	85.1
Oude IJsselstreek	85.1
Stein (L.)	84.9
Asten	84.9
Hollands Kroon	84.9
Drechterland	84.8
Neder-Betuwe	84.8
Zundert	84.8
Oisterwijk	84.8
Maashorst	84.8
Dongen	84.8
Schouwen-Duiveland	84.8
Land van Cuijk	84.8
Brummen	84.7
Zuidplas	84.7
Houten	84.6
Epe	84.6
Montferland	84.6
Bunnik	84.6
Moerdijk	84.6
Steenwijkerland	84.6
Deurne	84.5
Tytsjerksteradiel	84.5
Roerdalen	84.5
Goeree-Overflakkee	84.4
Druten	84.4
Urk	84.4
Weststellingwerf	84.3
Beek (L.)	84.3
Bodegraven-Reeuwijk	84.3
Rhenen	84.3
Schagen	84.2
Ooststellingwerf	84.1
Castricum	84.1
Dantumadiel	84.0
Hardinxveld-Giessendam	84.0
Pijnacker-Nootdorp	84.0
Landsmeer	84.0
Baarle-Nassau	84.0
Geertruidenberg	84.0
Oldenzaal	83.9
Noardeast-Frysl�n	83.8
Heumen	83.8
Halderberge	83.8
Barendrecht	83.8
Zeewolde	83.8
Best	83.7
Stichtse Vecht	83.7
Maasdriel	83.7
Brielle	83.7
Krimpenerwaard	83.6
Medemblik	83.6
Veldhoven	83.6
Albrandswaard	83.5
Geldrop-Mierlo	83.5
Edam-Volendam	83.5
Gulpen-Wittem	83.5
Soest	83.4
Waddinxveen	83.3
Reimerswaal	83.3
Teylingen	83.2
Meerssen	83.2
Lisse	83.2
Etten-Leur	83.1
Zevenaar	83.1
Wormerland	83.1
Maasgouw	83.1
Valkenswaard	83.1
Simpelveld	83.0
Huizen	83.0
Zaltbommel	83.0
Vught	83.0
Steenbergen	82.9
Heiloo	82.9
Gilze en Rijen	82.8
Dronten	82.8
Oosterhout	82.8
Vijfheerenlanden	82.7
Dijk en Waard	82.7
S�dwest-Frysl�n	82.7
Bloemendaal	82.6
Waadhoeke	82.6
Doetinchem	82.6
Noordoostpolder	82.5
Westervoort	82.5
Echt-Susteren	82.4
Woensdrecht	82.3
Ede	82.3
Papendrecht	82.3
Waterland	82.3
Oss	82.2
Gooise Meren	82.1
Heerenveen	82.1
Zoeterwoude	82.1
Westland	82.1
Utrechtse Heuvelrug	82.1
Harderwijk	81.9
Woerden	81.9
Hoogeveen	81.9
Haarlemmermeer	81.9
Meppel	81.9
Aalsmeer	81.8
Heemstede	81.8
Laren (NH.)	81.8
Veenendaal	81.8
IJsselstein	81.8
Hellevoetsluis	81.7
Hulst	81.7
Bergen (NH.)	81.7
Emmen	81.6
Berg en Dal	81.5
Waalwijk	81.5
Kampen	81.5
Ameland	81.4
Beesel	81.4
Pekela	81.3
Sluis	81.3
Hengelo (O.)	81.2
De Bilt	81.2
Gennep	81.2
Venray	81.1
Texel	81.1
's-Hertogenbosch	81.1
Valkenburg aan de Geul	81.1
Westerwolde	81.0
Culemborg	81.0
Voorschoten	80.9
Doesburg	80.9
Ermelo	80.9
Veendam	80.9
Alphen aan den Rijn	80.9
Het Hogeland	80.8
Apeldoorn	80.8
Winterswijk	80.8
Amersfoort	80.8
Uithoorn	80.7
Hillegom	80.6
Boxtel	80.4
Noordwijk	80.4
Renkum	80.3
Heemskerk	80.3
Leiderdorp	80.2
Bergen op Zoom	80.1
Landgraaf	80.1
Goes	80.1
Alblasserdam	80.1
Midden-Groningen	80.0
Oldambt	80.0
Terschelling	80.0
Stede Broec	79.9
Weert	79.9
Smallingerland	79.8
Stadskanaal	79.8
Oegstgeest	79.8
Roosendaal	79.6
Assen	79.4
Katwijk	79.4
Sittard-Geleen	79.4
Zwolle	79.3
Nieuwegein	79.3
Terneuzen	79.2
Breda	79.1
Brunssum	79.0
Baarn	79.0
Velsen	78.9
Krimpen aan den IJssel	78.8
Deventer	78.6
Ridderkerk	78.5
Zwijndrecht	78.5
Ouder-Amstel	78.5
Middelburg (Z.)	78.4
Hoorn	78.4
Zoetermeer	78.3
Zutphen	78.2
Gorinchem	78.1
Rheden	78.0
Tiel	78.0
Alkmaar	77.9
Maassluis	77.9
Helmond	77.8
Purmerend	77.7
Nissewaard	77.6
Eemsdelta	77.5
Almelo	77.5
Roermond	77.2
Sliedrecht	77.1
Zeist	77.0
Wassenaar	76.8
Weesp	76.7
Beverwijk	76.7
Zandvoort	76.5
Enkhuizen	76.4
Venlo	76.4
Harlingen	76.4
Almere	75.8
Hilversum	75.7
Nijmegen	75.5
Leidschendam-Voorburg	75.5
Zaanstad	75.4
Dordrecht	75.4
Leeuwarden	75.2
Den Helder	75.2
Capelle aan den IJssel	75.2
Gouda	75.0
Vlissingen	74.9
Tilburg	74.6
Enschede	74.6
Lelystad	74.5
Heerlen	74.3
Haarlem	74.3
Utrecht (gemeente)	74.0
Kerkrade	74.0
Rijswijk (ZH.)	73.7
Eindhoven	72.9
Amstelveen	72.8
Arnhem	72.7
Vlaardingen	72.1
Schiermonnikoog	71.9
Vlieland	70.1
Groningen (gemeente)	70.0
Leiden	69.3
Wageningen	69.1
Schiedam	68.4
Diemen	67.5
Delft	66.3
Rotterdam	64.9
Vaals	64.0
's-Gravenhage (gemeente)	63.7
Maastricht	63.7
Amsterdam	61.8
* Reference date for driving licence holders is 1 January 2023, reference date for population is 1 January 2022.

Sources

StatLine - People with a driving licence; driving licence type, age, region, 1 January