Getting a Driving License in Belgium: Process & Requirements

Everything you need to know about getting a driving license in Belgium, whether you’re a local resident or an expat. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process—from passing the theory exam and applying for a provisional license to completing practical driving lessons and taking the on-road test. Learn about the different licensing pathways available in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, including age requirements, costs, restrictions, required documents, and training options with driving schools or private instructors.

We also explain how to schedule your exams, prepare for the risk perception test, and understand region-specific rules such as the mandatory refresher course (Terugkommoment) in Flanders. Discover useful tips for choosing between automatic or manual transmission testing, retaking failed exams, and getting your full license issued at the town hall. Whether you’re starting from scratch or navigating Belgium’s licensing system as a newcomer, this guide provides all the essential details, practical advice, and updates you need to get behind the wheel legally and confidently.

General Requirements for getting a Belgian Driving License

Before starting your driving license journey in Belgium, you must meet several basic requirements. These conditions ensure you are legally eligible to drive and have the necessary documentation to begin the process.

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Minimum Age and Residence Requirements

You must be at least 17 years old to take the theoretical driving test in Belgium. However, you need to be 18 years old to apply for your permanent driving license and take the practical test. Additionally, you must have a Belgian residence card or an “Attest van Immatriculatie” (Orange Card) as proof of your legal residence in Belgium.

Physical Fitness and Legal Declarations

All applicants must declare that they are not banned from driving or have successfully completed a reintegration test after a driving ban. You must also declare that you have no physical disabilities that would prevent safe driving. In some cases, a compulsory medical examination may replace the physical disability declaration to ensure you meet the health requirements for driving.

No Existing Foreign License? Start From Scratch

This guide is specifically for people aged 18 and older who do not have a previous driving license. If you already hold a foreign driving license, the process for converting it to a Belgian license is different and involves an exchange procedure rather than taking new tests.

The Step-by-Step Process to Getting a Belgium driving license

Getting your Belgian driving license involves several stages, from passing the theory test to completing practical training and exams. The process is designed to ensure all new drivers have the knowledge and skills needed for safe driving.

1. Theoretical Driving Test in Belgium

The theoretical test is your first step toward getting a Belgian driving license. This computer-based exam tests your knowledge of traffic rules, signs, and road safety.

Test Format and Scoring System

The theoretical test is a 30-minute multiple-choice exam with 50 questions about traffic signs, rules, speed limits, safety, and real-life traffic situations. You need to score at least 41 out of 50 points to pass. The test includes 45 questions about minor traffic offenses (worth 1 point each) and 5 questions about serious traffic violations (worth 5 points each).

Languages, Interpreters, and Booking in English

Tests are available in Dutch, French, or German. English interpreters are available for an extra fee of €50-€55, usually once per month, requiring early booking. However, Brussels has banned translators and offers pre-recorded translated tests instead. Only legally licensed and sworn-in translators with proof of oath may be used where interpreters are allowed.

Cost, Preparation, and Retake Rules

The theoretical exam costs €15-€19, depending on your region. You can prepare by taking lessons at a driving school or self-studying using websites or books. If you self-study and fail, you can only retake the test twice. After two failures, you must complete 12 hours of driving theory lessons at a recognized driving school before retaking the test.

Validity and Required Documents

A passed theoretical exam remains valid for three years. You must bring your residence card as identification. If it’s your third attempt, you’ll also need proof of completing 12 hours of theory lessons at a driving school.

2. Provisional Driving License

After passing your theory test, you’ll need a provisional license to practice driving before taking your practical test.

How to Apply and Costs Involved

Visit your local city hall to apply for a provisional driving license after passing the theoretical test. The cost is approximately €25-€30, and you’ll need to complete an application form and provide the required documentation.

18-Month vs 36-Month License: What’s the Difference?

You can choose between two types of provisional licenses. An 18-month license requires a minimum of 20 hours of lessons at a recognized driving school and a certificate of competence, allowing you to drive without an instructor. A 36-month license allows you to practice with a private instructor who must be a Belgian resident with a Belgian or European driving license for at least 8 years and complete 3-hour preparatory training.

Driving Restrictions and “L” Sticker Rules

Provisional license holders cannot drive abroad and may not drive with a trailer or transport commercial goods. In Flanders, you cannot drive between 10 PM and 6 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, evenings before public holidays, or on public holidays themselves. You must display an “L” sticker in your car’s rear window at all times.

Logbook and Training Requirements

If training privately, you must keep a logbook detailing kilometers traveled and driving circumstances. You need to complete 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers before taking the practical test. This requirement doesn’t apply if you train with a driving school. After 3 to 9 months with your provisional license, you can apply for the practical test.

3. Practical Driving Test in Belgium

The practical test consists of two parts: a risk perception test and an on-road driving examination.

Scheduling, Costs, and Test Center Locations

You must make an appointment with your closest exam center at least 6 weeks in advance. The practical test costs €40-€50, depending on your region. Driving schools can help organize this appointment for you. A cancellation fee applies if you cancel less than two full working days in advance.

Risk Perception Test (GRPT) Details

The computer-based risk perception test involves watching five short videos of traffic situations and answering multiple-choice questions. You’ll see 10 risks total and need to identify at least six correctly to pass. In Flanders, this test is taken right before your road test. In Brussels and Wallonia, it’s taken separately. The cost is around €15 or included in the €43 practical test fee in Flanders.

On-Road Test: What to Expect and Required Documents

The driving test lasts about 40 minutes and includes a self-assessment questionnaire. You’ll drive in real traffic, demonstrate maneuvers like parking and three-point turns, and drive independently for 10-15 minutes following GPS directions or examiner instructions. You can use a driving school vehicle or your own car, but if using your own, you need valid inspection and insurance certificates, plus an extra rear-view mirror.

Retake Policy and Special Requirements for Automatic Cars

If you fail the practical test twice, you must complete at least 6 hours of lessons at a driving school before retaking it. Each retake requires a new appointment and fee. You can take the test with an automatic transmission car, but your license will likely be restricted to automatic vehicles only.

Language Options and Sworn Translator Rules

Translators for French, German, or English are available if you cannot take the test in Dutch. Flanders and Wallonia require certified sworn translators, while Brussels has banned translators entirely. Translators and candidates may need to arrive 20-30 minutes early for the risk perception test.

4. Applying for Your Full Belgian Driving License

Once you pass both parts of the practical test, you can apply for your permanent driving license.

Process After Passing the Practical Test

After passing your practical test, you’ll receive proof of passing. Take this document to your local city hall to apply for your full driving license. You’ll need to complete another application form and pay the required fee.

Cost, Collection Time, and Validity of the License

The full license costs €26-€30 and can be paid by Bankcontact or cash. Your license card will arrive at the town hall within 3 to 5 working days. You’ll receive a mail notification to pick it up, and you’ll need your ID and notification document. A Belgian driving license is a pink plastic card typically valid for 10 years.

Important Note: Not a Valid ID Document

Remember that your Belgian driving license cannot be used as an official identification document. You’ll still need your national ID card or passport for official identification purposes.

5. Refresher Course (Terugkommoment) – Flanders Only

If you get your license in Flanders, you must complete an additional mandatory course after receiving your full license.

Mandatory Follow-Up Training 6 to 9 Months Later

Flanders requires all new drivers to attend a refresher course 6 to 9 months after receiving their full driving license. This additional training is mandatory and cannot be skipped or avoided.

Course Content, Duration, and Fees

The refresher course is a 4-hour training session that includes an introductory interview, practical exercises, and group discussions about road user attitudes and safe driving practices. The course costs €125 and focuses on reinforcing good driving habits developed during your first months of independent driving.

Who Can Postpone and Under What Conditions

Postponement is only allowed for specific reasons including medical conditions, being abroad for work or study, or serving a prison sentence. You must provide appropriate documentation to support your postponement request.

Driving Lessons and Schools in Belgium

You have several options for learning to drive in Belgium, each with different requirements and benefits.

Choosing Between Driving School and Private Training

You can train with a private supervisor or take lessons at a recognized driving school. Private training requires a supervisor who is registered in Belgium and has held a valid Belgian or European driving license for at least 8 years. Driving schools offer structured programs with certified instructors and often provide better preparation for the practical test.

Supervisor Requirements for Private Lessons

Private supervisors must complete a 3-hour preparatory training course that remains valid for 10 years. You can have one or two appointed supervisors, and at least one must always be present in the front passenger seat when you drive. The supervisor takes responsibility for your safety and compliance with traffic rules during practice sessions.

Driving School Options for Expats and Multilingual Students

Many driving schools offer lessons for expats in different languages, making it easier for non-Dutch speakers to learn. Prices vary between schools, so research different options in your area. Some schools specialize in helping international students understand Belgian traffic rules and cultural driving practices.

Regional Differences in the Licensing Process

Belgium’s federal structure means some aspects of the driving license process vary between regions.

Flanders vs Brussels vs Wallonia: What Changes?

The basic process remains similar across all regions, but there are differences in test center operators, specific requirements, and costs. Flanders has the mandatory refresher course, while Brussels and Wallonia do not. Some regions have different minimum training hours and provisional license validity periods.

Training Hours, License Validity, and Restrictions by Region

Required training hours vary significantly by region and chosen pathway. Some regions require minimum training hours ranging from 20-30 hours with driving schools for direct access routes. Night driving restrictions for provisional license holders may also differ between regions.

Test Centers and Exam Statistics

Understanding where to take your tests and what to expect can help you prepare better.

Where to Take Your Driving Exams (By Region)

Different operators run test centers in each region. GOCA Vlaanderen operates in Flanders, ACT/La Sécurité Automobile in Brussels, and Autosécurité in Wallonia. For example, Ghent residents take their tests at SBAT in Sint-Denijs-Westrem. Contact your local test center for specific scheduling and requirements.

First-Time Pass Rates for Theory and Practical Tests

In 2022, GOCA Vlaanderen reported a 37.9% pass rate for the theory test on the first attempt and 50.8% for the practical test. These statistics show that proper preparation is essential for success, and many candidates need multiple attempts to pass their tests.

Foreign Driving Licenses: Exchange Rules

If you already have a driving license from another country, you may need to exchange it for a Belgian one.

Who Needs to Exchange a Foreign License?

Holders of non-EU/EEA driving licenses must exchange their license for a Belgian one after 185 days of registering in Belgium. This rule also applies to UK license holders following Brexit. EU/EEA licenses can typically be used without exchange, but check current regulations.

Costs, Timelines, and Document Requirements

The exchange process takes 4-6 weeks and costs €25-€30. You’ll need your original license, residence documents, and other supporting paperwork. The process involves document verification and may require translation of foreign licenses into one of Belgium’s official languages.

Non-Return Policy for Exchanged Licenses

Your original foreign driving license will not be returned during the exchange process. Belgian authorities keep the original license as part of their records, so make copies before submitting if you need them for any purpose.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen Belgian License

If your Belgian driving license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement through your local authorities.

Steps to Report and Reapply

If your license is stolen, first report the theft to the police. Then apply for a replacement at your local council office. You’ll need to complete an application form and provide identification documents to verify your identity and driving license status.

Fees and Processing Times

Replacing a lost or stolen license costs €25-€30 and takes about five working days. You may receive a temporary driving document while waiting for your new license card to be processed and delivered to your local council office.

Disclaimer and Verification of Information

Always verify information independently with official sources, as driving license requirements and procedures can change. This guide reflects general processes but individual circumstances may vary, and regional authorities may have specific additional requirements or updated procedures.

Preparing for the Theory Test

Many candidates underestimate the difficulty of the Belgian theory test. The questions cover not only basic traffic rules but also complex real-life scenarios that require good judgment. Practice tests are available online, but make sure to use official or recommended study materials. Focus extra attention on Belgian-specific traffic signs and rules that may differ from your home country.

The language barrier can make the test more challenging, even with interpreters. Translation quality sometimes makes questions unclear, so consider improving your Dutch, French, or German skills before taking the test. If you must use an interpreter, book well in advance as slots are limited and fill up quickly.

Mastering the Practical Test

The practical driving test evaluates not just your driving skills but also your ability to handle real Belgian traffic conditions. Belgian driving culture can be quite different from other countries, with different expectations for right-of-way, roundabout navigation, and city driving.

Practice driving in the area where you’ll take your test. Each region has different traffic patterns, road layouts, and common test routes. Familiarize yourself with local parking rules, bike lanes, and pedestrian areas, as these are often included in the practical examination.

The risk perception test requires quick decision-making skills. Practice with online simulations if available, and remember that you’re looking for potential dangers rather than obvious ones. Pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, and road conditions that could create hazardous situations.

Managing Costs and Time

Getting your Belgian driving license involves multiple fees that can add up quickly. Budget for theory test fees (€15-19), provisional license (€25-30), practical test (€40-50), full license (€26-30), and potentially the Flanders refresher course (€125). Add driving lesson costs, which vary significantly between schools and regions.

The entire process typically takes 6-12 months from start to finish, depending on your preparation time, test scheduling, and whether you need retakes. Book practical test appointments well in advance, as popular test centers can have waiting times of several weeks or months.

Understanding Belgian Driving Culture

Belgian drivers follow certain unwritten rules and customs that aren’t covered in the official handbook. Right-of-way rules are strictly enforced, and Belgian drivers expect others to follow them precisely. Merging techniques, highway driving patterns, and city navigation may differ significantly from your home country’s practices.

Belgian roads often have complex intersection designs, multiple bike lanes, and pedestrian areas that require careful attention. Tram lines in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent create additional traffic patterns that new drivers must navigate safely.

Special Considerations for Different Nationalities

Expats from countries with different traffic patterns may need extra preparation time. For example, drivers from right-hand traffic countries need to adjust to European road layouts, while those from countries with less cycling infrastructure must learn to share roads with numerous cyclists.

American and Canadian expats often find Belgian roundabouts, narrow city streets, and parking regulations particularly challenging. Asian expats may need to adjust to more aggressive driving styles in some Belgian cities, while maintaining the precision required during practical tests.

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After Getting Your License

New drivers in Belgium should continue developing their skills after passing the practical test. Consider taking additional lessons for highway driving, night driving, or adverse weather conditions. The Flanders refresher course provides valuable feedback, but drivers in other regions might benefit from voluntary advanced courses.

Belgian car insurance companies often offer discounts for additional driver training, making post-license courses financially beneficial. Some insurers also provide discounts for drivers who complete defensive driving courses or advanced safety training programs.

Everything you need to know about getting your Category B driving license in Belgium, whether you’re a local resident or an expat. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process—from passing the theory exam and applying for a provisional license to completing practical driving lessons and taking the on-road test. Learn about the different licensing pathways available in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, including age requirements, costs, restrictions, required documents, and training options with driving schools or private instructors.

General Requirements for a Belgian Driving License