Do you need a Belgian driving licence? This guide explains the rules for driving licences in Belgium, where to take the Belgian driving theory test in English, plus tips on the Belgian driving test.
Not everyone needs a Belgian driving licence to drive in Belgium. Depending on your nationality and how long you are in the country, you can typically use your foreign driving licence in Belgium for a certain period. Otherwise, it is an easy process to exchange your foreign licence for a Belgian driver's licence.
Certain nationalities, however, have to pass a Belgian driving test (including theory and practical tests) before they can receive their Belgian driving licence. This can make getting a Belgian driver's licence more costly and time-consuming, which you might weigh against Belgium's notoriously bad traffic jams and whether driving is best for your commuting requirements. It is possible to find centres that conduct the Belgian driving theory test in English (usually for a fee), and some centres may allow an interpreter on the practical driving test in Belgium.
This guide to Belgian driving licences explains who can use their driving licence in Belgium, who must exchange their foreign licence for a Belgian driver's licence, and what to do if you are required to take a Belgian driving test or practical driving test in Belgium. It also lists the driving centres where you can take the Belgian driving theory test in English.
Belgian driving licence updates 2017
The Belgian government has announced changes to the conditions for qualifying for a Belgian driver's licence, which are expected to become operational by 1 October 2017. Changes include a nine-month driving requirement (instead of three months) for new drivers before they can take the official test, which will also cover more manoeuvres and GPS skills. Drivers who want to train learners privately, such as parents, will only be able after taking a course; either a three-course at a private driving school or a course from an independent instructor. As a result of the rules becoming stricter, driving centres have reported an increase in requests for Belgian licences.
Starting in 2017, Brussels will impose a ban on translators in driving licence tests in an attempt to improve the consistency of interpretation. Instead pre-recorded and approved translations will be available for all questions in the most frequently spoken languages, such as English, German, Spanish, Polish, Turkish, Arab and Italian.
As of March 2017, the Flemish Region announced that theoretical driving licence tests can only be taken in Dutch, or with the assistance of an interpreter for French, German and English only. Fees range from EUR 50-90 for the assistance of an interpreter depending on the test.
From June 2017, it has also become more difficult to pass the theoretical test; five points will be deducted for serious mistakes, instead of previously one.
Is your driving licence in Belgium valid?
European Union countries have agreements in place with Belgium that recognise foreign EU licences and allow their citizens to drive in Belgium. Similiarly, non-EU drivers can also drive in Belgium using their foreign driver's licence, although in some cases an international driving permit may be requested, so check with your home country.
But non-EU drivers will typically need to exchange their foreign licence for a Belgian driving licence after six months or once registered as a Belgian resident. Read on to find out if you need to exchange your foreign driver's licence, and see more about the rules for driving and parking in Belgium.
EU driving licence in Belgium
Expats moving to Belgium from countries from within the European Union or European Economic Area (EEA - EU plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein) are not required to exchange their driver's licence. However it is recommended to register national licences with the driving licence department of the local town hall in case of loss or theft. If a licence from an EEA country is lost or stolen the replacement will be a Belgian driving licence for those who have taken up residency. It is also possible to exchange an EEA licence for a Belgian equivalent, if you wish, which can serve as a local form of identification.
EU licences are typically valid for 10 years, however, if you hold a driving licence for life (ie. one that has an unlimited validity period) issued by another EU country, you may be required to renew your licence two years after officially registering your place of residence in Belgium.
Non-EU driving licence in Belgium
Although third country nationals can use their foreign driver's licence in Belgium for short stays or up to six months - although sometimes an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required - they typically will need a Belgian driver's licence if they plan to stay long-term or once they register as an official Belgian resident. For information on IDPs, ask the driving authorities in your home country or visit your local town hall office.
Reciprocal arrangements are in place with numerous non-EEA countries that permit a driver to easily exchange their driver's licence for a Belgian equivalent, but the individual must be registered within a municipality first and show a Belgian residency permit. Non-EEA nationals can check the government website to see if there is agreement for their country: www.mobilit.fgov.be.
If your country has no such agreement with Belgium, there is a requirement to pass the Belgian driving examination comprising a theory and practical test. The Examination Centres (GOCA or SBAT) can arrange English versions of the theory exam, although it is recommended to book well in advance.
Driving license Belgium
Non-EEA residents can typically get a one-year grace period if they need to pass a Belgian driving test. However, when driving in Belgium, the person must carry their licence at all times, together with the International Driving Permit (IDP), which contains a translation of the licence. An international driving licence has a lifetime of three years.
If you have already exchanged a foreign driver's licence for a driver's licence in another EU country, it will also be accepted as valid in Belgium.
How to get a Belgian driving licence
Further information on registering for an international driving licence, exchanging a licence or applying for a Belgian driving licence can be found by visiting the town hall (maison communale/stadhuis) of most towns. Contact your local commune office to kickstart procedures.
Processing times for Belgian driving licences can be from one or two weeks up to a couple of months, so at the point of exchanging licences you will typically be given a temporary issue licence.
The main categories of Belgian driver's licences include:
Category AM: scooters/mopeds
Category A1/A2: motorcycles
Category B: cars
Category C/D: trucks/buses and coaches
Category G: agricultural vehicles
Category A3: scooters/mopeds
Category A: motorcycles
Category B: cars
Category G: agricultural vehicles
Comments
Post a Comment