Description
HOW TO GET A BELGIAN DRIVER’S LICENSE
If you will be studying or working in Belgium, you may want to get a
Belgian driver’s license while you are there. If you have a foreign
license, you may be able to exchange it for a Belgian one, or you may
need to pass a theory and driving test. Being well informed about your
options is the key to saving time and money when it comes to getting
your driver’s license in Belgium.
If you are from an European Union country that has an agreement with
Belgium which recognizes foreign EU licences, you are eligible to get a
driver’s license in Belgium. You may also be required to carry an
international license (possibly with a translation attached). You can
get more information on exchanging a license, registering for an
international driver’s licence and applying for a Belgian Driver’s
license by visiting your local town hall (maison communale/stadhuis) or
commune office.
WHAT ABOUT EEA CITIZENS DRIVING IN BELGIUM?
You won’t be required to exchange your driver’s licence if you are an
expat who is moving to Belgium from a European Economic Area country (EU
plus Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway).
Good things to know:
Register your driver’s licence with the town hall; in the case that
your licence is stolen or lost, you will be able to get a Belgian
Driver’s licencs as a replacement.
You can exchange your EEA licence for a Belgian Driver’s License one as a form of local identification.
Most EU licences are valid for 10 years and ones with an unlimited
validity period may have to be renewed two years after you have
officially registered as a Belgian resident.
WHAT IF YOU ARE A CITIZEN FROM A NON-EEA COUNTRY?
If you are a non EEA citizen, these are important things you need to know:
You can use your foreign licence for up to 6 months. If you stay
longer than 6 months, or register as a Belgian resident, you will
require a Belgian licence.
Check with your home country or local town hall office as you may
require an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as a translation
of the licence.
Many non-EEA countries have made reciprocal arrangements with Belgium
that allow for an easy exchange of their driver’s licence for a Belgian
equivalent. You will however, have to be registered in a municipality
and be able to show a Belgian residency permit. If you are a non-EEA
national you can visit the government website to see if there is
agreement for your country here.
If your country does not have such an agreement with Belgium, you
will have to pass the Belgian driving theory and practical exam. Visit
the Examination Centres (GOCA or SBAT). They can the theory exam in
English if you book well in advance.
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.
TAKING THE BELGIAN THEORY AND DRIVING TESTS
If you need to take the theory and driving test to get a Belgian
Driver’s licence, here are some important things you need to know:
The driving test will be at an official test centre, and you can take the text in French or Dutch.
You can have a translator present during the theory test if you book an
appointment at the test centre in Schaerbeek, Brussels. New Traffic
Books has an English theory book with exercises to help you prepare.
Click here for more information (in French and Dutch only).
Make sure to bring your ID and fee (EUR 15 for the basic or EUR 50
including translator) to the exam. You will be required to take an eye
exam
The cost of the driver’s test is from EUR 30 to 50+ depending on what is
required. You can see the price list here in French or Dutch.
Your certificate is valid for up to three years and your local commune
give you a provisional driver’s licence which will be valid for 18 or 36
months. With this licence as long as you are over 18, you can take the
practical examination.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO GET A DRIVER’S LICENCE IN BELGIUM?
Take the following original documents with you when you go to take your driving test:
Proof of identity
Provisional driving licence
Proof of the fee payment
Proof of insurance
Vehicle Registration documents
HOW DO I GET MY DRIVER’S LICENCE IN BELGIUM?
Once you have passed your practical test, take your certificate with two
passport pictures along with proof of identity to the Town Hall (Maison
Communale/Stadhuis) in your locality. They will issue a temporary
licence until your full driver’s licence is sent to you.
YOU’RE NOW READY TO DRIVE IN BELGIUM! HURRAY!
