Cars in the Netherlands drive on the right hand-side of the road. Vehicles coming from the right have priority and so do trams, buses pulling out, and cyclists. Take care when going around roundabouts, as you have to give way to cars entering from the right (unless they have a traffic sign telling them to wait). Seatbelts are compulsory, in both the front and back. Children under 12 must not travel in the front without a restraint. Unless otherwise marked, the speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour in the city, 80 on other roads and 100/120 on motorways.

Mobile phone use is illegal for drivers, even when you are stationary at a red light. Parking is problematic in Amsterdam with approximately 100,000 (expensive) metered parking places on the streets and ten multi-storey car parks (including seven in the centre). Meter hours are 09:00-24:00 Monday to Saturday and 12.00:00-24:00 on Sundays. Parking is zoned and costs €4.40 an hour in the centre, and less outside the centre. Failure to observe parking procedures will result in your car being clamped or towed away by the 'Dienst Stadstoezicht'. Amsterdam operates a park and ride scheme at four locations, with free public transport by tram, train, metro or bus into the city centre At two of these (Sloterdijk and the Olympic stadium) you can borrow bicycles. (See www.bereikbaaramsterdam.nl for more driving and parking information). Most Dutch drivers are members of the ANWB (www.anwb.nl) which provides breakdown cover wegenwacht at home and abroad, and fuel discounts. If you only need a car now and then, car share scheme Green Wheels (www.greenwheels.com) is an option to consider. The distinctive red and green cars are parked in bays all over the city and you can book one over the phone or internet for a minimum hire of one hour. It's a great system, but you do need a Dutch driving licence.