rijtest

Rijtest is a Dutch term meaning a driving test. It can refer to different kinds of assessments of driving ability, depending on context: a formal licensing examination and a consumer or media road test of a vehicle. In the formal sense, rijtest commonly describes the practical portion of obtaining a driver's license in Dutch‑speaking regions such as the Netherlands and Flanders. The practical test assesses a candidate's vehicle control, signaling, observation, adherence to traffic rules, hazard perception, and the ability to operate the vehicle safely in traffic. Examiners evaluate maneuvers such as parking, lane changes, merging, and complex junctions. Theory exams are usually required separately, and pass criteria and retake rules vary by jurisdiction. The process is administered by national or regional licensing authorities, and successful completion leads to a driver's license after meeting any waiting periods or renewal requirements.

In automotive journalism and consumer testing, rijtest can refer to a professional road test of a vehicle. In this sense, a rijtest evaluates driving dynamics, ride comfort, handling, braking, steering, engine and transmission performance, safety features, ergonomics, and fuel efficiency on public roads and, sometimes, on test tracks. While the tests aim to be objective, results are influenced by route selection and testing conditions, and reports typically present a summary score or rating along with qualitative observations and comparisons to rivals.

Note: the term’s usage varies, and the official terminology for licensing tests is typically rijexamen or rijvaardigheidstest in some regions.