Driver-assistance systems
Rijhulpsystemen · 10 min
Modern cars have many driver-assistance systems (rijhulpsystemen, ADAS). They help you, but you always stay responsible. Since 2026 they are also part of the theory exam.
You stay responsible
A driver-assistance system does not drive for you. Keep your hands on the wheel, look around yourself and step in when the system misses something. In an unfamiliar car, first learn how the systems work before you drive.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
ACC keeps a set speed and adjusts it to keep a distance to the vehicle in front.
Note: ACC sometimes detects stationary traffic, such as the end of a queue, too late. In slippery conditions, snow or heavy rain switch off cruise control and control your speed yourself.
Lane assist
Lane assist warns you or steers back when you are about to drift out of your lane. It uses a camera that reads the lines on the road.
It works less well with worn or missing lines, with yellow temporary lines at roadworks and with snow on the road. Never take your hands off the wheel.
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
An emergency braking system brakes automatically when a collision is about to happen and you do not brake (enough). It can prevent an accident or make it less serious, but it does not work in every situation. So never rely on the system.
Traffic sign recognition and speed assistance
Many cars show the speed limit on the dashboard and warn you when you drive too fast (intelligent speed assistance, ISA).
The camera can misread or miss a sign. The sign beside the road always applies, not what the dashboard shows.
Blind-spot warning and parking aids
A light in your door mirror warns you when someone is in your blind spot. If it is on, stay in your lane. If it is off, still look over your shoulder yourself.
Parking sensors beep faster as you get closer to something; a continuous tone means: stop. Even with a rear-view camera, look around yourself.
What makes systems work less well?
- Dirt, ice or snow on a sensor or the windscreen
- Low sun shining straight into the camera
- Heavy rain or fog
- Worn or unclear road markings
Keep sensors and the windscreen clean.
Hands on the wheel
Even with lane assist or 'steering assist' you keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. If the car asks you to take over, do so immediately.
A driver-assistance system is a help, not an autopilot.
Drowsiness warning
Some cars notice from your steering that you are getting tired and show a coffee cup or message. Take that warning seriously: stop and take a break.
Automatic high beam
Automatic high beam dips when it sees an oncoming vehicle. A cyclist or pedestrian is sometimes not detected. Then switch to dipped headlights yourself so you do not dazzle anyone.
An unfamiliar car
Driving a rental, lease or someone else's car? Find out before you leave which systems it has, how to switch them on and off, and what the lights and sounds mean.