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How to get a driving license in Belgium / Flanders?

How to get a driving license in Belgium / Flanders?

The driving training for category B (car driving) in Flanders is organized in several steps to prepare you for driving a car safely and independently. Below is an overview of the different components and requirements:

 

1. Theory
 

Theory exam:
 

Before starting practical training, you must pass the theory exam. Exception : practical lessons in the driving school may already be taken before passing the theory exam.

The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about traffic rules, traffic insight, and driving skills. You need to score at least 41/50 to pass.

You can take this exam from the age of 17.

If you fail, you can retake it the next day. There is no limit to the number of attempts, but after failing twice, you are required to attend 12 hours of theory lessons at a driving school.

Online booking of your theory exam: https://examencentrum.autoveiligheid.be/
 

Preparation:
 

Self-study with books, online platforms, or apps
 

English theory book (with login code for mock exam questions on their website).

https://www.mijnrijbewijsb.be/

https://www.drivinglicence-belgium.be/
 

Alternatively, you can attend theory lessons at a recognized driving school.

 

2. Practical Training
 

After passing the theory exam, you can start practical training. There are two possible routes:
 

Training through a driving school:

You take at least 20 hours of driving lessons at a recognized driving school.

You can choose manual or automatic.

If the driving school deems you fit, you receive a provisional driving license valid for 18 months (M18). With this, you can drive independently (manual and automatic) for 18 months without a supervisor. You are expected to pass your driving test within this period.
 

Training with a supervisor:

You practice with a supervisor (such as a parent, relative, or friend) who has held a driving license for at least 8 years and has not committed serious traffic offenses in the past 3 years.

You apply for a provisional driving license valid for 36 months (M36). With this, you can practice under supervision. You are expected to pass your driving test within this period.

 

3. Practice Period
 

During the practice period, you gain experience on the road to become proficient. This must last at least 5 months.

You are not allowed to take the driving test during this period.

With the M36, you can only drive with your supervisor present.

With the M18, you can drive independently and are allowed to carry a maximum of 2 passengers who have held a driving license for at least 8 years.

 

4. Risk Perception Test
 

This is a computer-based test where you assess traffic situations for potential risks.

The test takes approximately 15 minutes, and you must pass it before taking the practical exam.

You can take this test at an exam center, usually just before the practical exam.

 

5. Practical Exam
 

You can take the practical exam once you have gained enough experience and completed the minimum practice period.

The exam consists of several parts:

A vehicle check.

Maneuvers such as parking and turning in a narrow street.

A drive on public roads, during which an examiner evaluates your driving skills.

GPS driving.

If you fail, you can already retake the test the next day.

If you pass the exam with an automatic car, your final license gets "code 78", only allowing you to drive an automatic car.

 

6. Number of Attempts
 

You can attempt both the theory and practical exams an unlimited number of times.

If you don't pass your theory exam twice, you need to take just once 12 hours of theory lessons in an official driving school before you can take another exam.

However, every time you fail the practical exam twice in a row, you are required to take at least 6 hours of driving lessons at a driving school before being allowed to take the exam again (up to two attempts).

 

7. Final Driving License

Once you pass the practical exam, you receive a provisional certificate and can apply for your final driving license at the municipality. Six months after obtaining your license, you are required to attend a mandatory follow-up session (the "return moment"). This session lasts 4 hours and consists of group discussions and exercises on a private track.

 

8. Important Points to Note:
 

With a provisional license, you are not allowed to drive between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM on weekends and public holidays.

If you do not pass the practical exam within 36 months, your theory exam will expire, and you will need to retake and pass the theory exam.

During the validity of your provisional license, you can switch once between the two models (with or without a supervisor).

If your provisional license expires, you can continue your driving training under two conditions:

Take at least 6 hours of driving lessons at a driving school and obtain an M12, a provisional license with a supervisor valid for one year.

Surrender your M36 or M18 and receive a training certificate instead. With this certificate, you can take driving lessons and the exam through the driving school, provided you first complete 6 hours of mandatory lessons.

 

 

Goodluck!

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