The three-year deadline — and how to ask for an extension

What has to fit into three years

• Your course and self-study.
• PVT and MAP, arranged through your municipality.
• Every exam part — and the wait for each result.
• At least one resit, because about half of B1 attempts do not pass.

Requesting an extension

1. 1

   Notice it early

   The moment you can see you will not make it is the moment. Not in the final month.

2. 2

   Go to your municipality

   They know your route and will discuss what options exist for more time.

3. 3

   Back it up

   Illness, pregnancy, caring for family, a move, or a school that failed you: write down what happened and gather evidence.

4. 4

   Record everything

   Put agreements in writing and keep them — if a fine follows later, that is your file.

An extension is neither automatic nor a right: your municipality assesses your situation. But someone who raises it early and can show what went wrong is in a far stronger position than someone who only responds to a fine letter.