Part of the theory exams this year are still catching up that had to be made as a result of the corona pandemic.
For the first time in its almost hundred years of existence, the CBR conducts more than 1.000.000 theory exams in one year. The CBR is expected to reach a total of 1.052.500 theory exams this year. The total number of practical exams and tests this year is 755.000, also a record for the CBR.
In the photo: Bas van den Ing (19) from Moerdijk passed a module of his truck theory exam on Thursday at the CBR location in Barendrecht. He is congratulated by general manager Alexander Pechtold (right), manager Theory division Ed Eering (left) and Miranda Nederend, theory employee in Barendrecht.
The largest part of the exams, 700.000, is accounted for by candidates who take the theory exam for the B driving license. About 90.000 candidates have taken the theory exam for mopeds and approximately 70.000 for motorcycles. The small sailing license is good for 33.000 exams. In addition, there are more than 140.000 professional exams: from taxi and executive driver, to bus driver and truck driver, whether or not with a trailer or hazardous substances. The CBR also conducts theory exams for inland shipping and aviation. For aviation, the numbers are smaller. Although a pilot must take around ten – highly specialized – theory exams in order to be able to fly independently, after all practical exams as well.
'Unfortunately, one million exams does not mean that the CBR also produces one million successful candidates,' says Ed Eering, Manager Theory Division of the CBR. 'With a success rate of around 60, the theory exams for professional students score significantly higher than for private individuals. There the success rate does not exceed 40. We strongly suspect that many people underestimate the exam and some think they can take a chance. Waste of money! And not good for road safety, because often these candidates already have driving lessons! Our exam questions test whether a candidate has sufficient knowledge and insight to safely participate in traffic. So don't take it too lightly and prepare yourself well.'
"A million is a great milestone." the theory exam is also important for people who want to work professionally, for example as a truck driver, bus driver or in inland shipping."
no concessions
'As CBR we make no concessions when it comes to road safety,' says Alexander Pechtold. 'One million is a great milestone, which was achieved thanks to the great efforts of my colleagues. But in our opinion, this number should be lowered. I prefer to see other records: more successful candidates who have completed the exam after one exam.'
Part of the theory exams this year are still catching up that had to be made as a result of the corona pandemic. As a result, the CBR was closed for five months. By extending the opening hours of the CBR locations, the theoretical backlogs could be quickly cleared. As a result, a total of 2021 theory exams have been overtaken in 2022 and 400.000.
In the practical exams, the catch-up action takes longer, because the driving takes place one-on-one. In practice, 755.000 exams and tests will be taken this year. That is considerably more than last year's more than 580.000, and is also higher than the last normal years (before corona) with between 650.000 and 700.000 exams and tests taken per year. 'My colleagues do an awful lot of work. And we will all continue with that next year', says Alexander Pechtold.
By working overtime, seconding examiners from quieter areas to the Randstad conurbation, deploying pensioners and training extra examiners, the CBR will also be making considerable efforts to shorten the reservation period in the coming year.
