As a professional driver, you undergo regular medical examinations to check whether it is still safe for you to drive a truck or bus. It’s good to know, but these examinations also come with costs. So how much does a medical examination for a category C driving licence cost? And how are the costs calculated?
When do I need to undergo a medical examination?
As a professional driver, you undergo a medical examination when applying for a heavy vehicle licence. After that, you are checked again every five years. You also need a medical examination when renewing or extending your heavy vehicle licence. This ensures that you are fit to drive and that your safety and the safety of others on the road are protected.
Breakdown of the costs
The cost of a medical examination for a category C driving licence consists of three components, each with its own rates:
- Gezondheidsverklaring
Voor het aanvragen van een medische keuring voor het rijbewijs C moet je een ingevulde Gezondheidsverklaring overleggen. Deze Gezondheidsverklaring haal je bij het CBR en kost in 2025 €45,25. Ook de kosten voor een eventuele rijtest zitten hierbij in, tenzij je hiervoor een lesvoertuig moet huren bij een opleider.
- Medical examination
The rates for the medical examination vary by examiner. General practitioners, neurologists/psychiatrists and other specialists all charge different rates. So always ask for a quote in advance.Usually, you pay around €85, but sometimes more. For a driving licence medical examination in 2025, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) has set a maximum rate of €112,22 (excluding VAT). Including VAT, that is €135,79. Please note that if medical examiners need more time, they may charge an additional fee. More on that later.
- Additional tests
Sometimes it becomes clear during the medical examination that additional tests are needed, such as a blood test or a more extensive eye test. In that case, you will also have to pay additional costs for the medical examination for a category C driving licence. You pay these costs to the specialist in question, so always ask for a quote in advance.
Total cost of the medical examination for a category C driving licence
The total cost of the medical examination for a category C driving licence often comes to €45,25 + €135,79 = €181,04. But note that there may sometimes be additional costs for hiring a training vehicle or for further examinations. Medical examiners, psychiatrists and neurologists may also charge up to 2 additional surcharges (for direct and indirect time) if they need more time for the medical examination itself or to complete the required forms!
What do direct and indirect time mean?
- Direct time is the time during which the examining physician sees you in person and carries out the examination. This is 15 minutes by default. If it takes longer, they can charge for additional time in 5-minute increments, up to a maximum of six times.
- Indirect time is the time the doctor spends on preparation or reporting, without you being present. Only psychiatrists or neurologists may charge for this, in blocks of 15 minutes, up to a maximum of 2 times.
The fixed maximum rate of € 135,79 standardly includes 15 minutes of direct and 15 minutes of indirect time. That is the portion already covered as standard.
| rate type | amount excl. VAT | amount incl. 21% VAT |
|---|---|---|
| maximum rate without surcharge(s) | € 112,22 | € 135,79 |
| maximum rate with 1 direct-time surcharge and 1 indirect-time surcharge | € 187,02 | € 226,29 |
| maximum rate with 2 direct-time surcharges and 1 indirect-time surcharge | € 205,72 | € 248,92 |
| maximum rate with 2 surcharges for direct time and 2 surcharges for indirect time | € 261,82 | € 316,80 |
In a nutshell:
- The € 112,22 price includes 15 min of direct time and 15 min of indirect time as standard.
- If the examination takes more time, a direct-time surcharge will be added for each 5-minute increment (up to a maximum of 6 times).
- Is additional preparation or reporting by a psychiatrist or neurologist required? Then an indirect-time surcharge applies, per 15 minutes (up to a maximum of 2 times).
Do I have to pay in advance or afterward?
The examining physician may ask you to pay the costs of the medical examination for a category C driving licence in advance. If you ultimately need to pay more or less, the amount will be adjusted after the examination. However, you are not required to pay in advance. If you would rather pay afterward, you can ask the CBR to arrange for you to be examined by a physician who allows payment afterward.
Are the costs of the medical examination for a category C driving licence tax-deductible?
It would be great for many professional drivers if the costs of the medical examination for a category C driving licence were tax-deductible. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. You cannot claim the standard periodic examinations as a deduction with the Tax Administration.
But do you need to undergo a medical examination that is separate from the periodic examination? For example, after an accident or an illness? In some cases, you can claim the examination as a specific healthcare expense and deduct it on your tax return!
Are the costs reimbursed by health insurance?
Unfortunately, the costs of a medical examination for a category C driving licence are often not covered by health insurance either. At least, not by the basic insurance policy. However, supplementary insurance policies sometimes do cover these costs. So always check your policy or ask your health insurer.
That’s one less thing to worry about!
Learn more?
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