Description

HOW TO GET A BELGIAN DRIVERS LICENSE

Consider obtaining a Belgian driver’s license if studying or working in Belgium.

Exchange your foreign license for a Belgian one or undergo theory and driving tests if required.

And if you are from an European Union country that has an agreement with Belgium which recognizes foreign EU licenses, 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 license 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 license. 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 license at the town hall to facilitate the process of obtaining a replacement if it is lost or stolen. You can exchange your EEA license for a Belgian Driver’s License to serve as a local identification. Most EU licenses have a validity of 10 years, and those with unlimited validity may require renewal two years after officially registering 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 license for up to 6 months; however, exceeding this duration or establishing Belgian residency requires a Belgian license. It’s essential to check with your home country or local town hall for prerequisites, including an International Driving Permit (IDP) and license translation. Furthermore, in addition to this information, some non-EEA countries have agreements for a direct license exchange with Belgium. Nevertheless, note that you must register in a municipality with a Belgian residency permit for this process to succeed. Additionally, before initiating the exchange, it is advisable to conduct thorough research on specific requirements and procedures.

Check the government website for agreement details if you are a non-EEA national. If your country lacks such an agreement, passing the Belgian driving theory and practical exams is required. Visit Examination Centres (GOCA or SBAT), which can provide the theory exam in English if booked in advance. Additionally, if you’ve already exchanged a foreign driver’s license in another EU country, Belgium will accept it as valid.

TAKING THE BELGIAN THEORY AND DRIVING TESTS

For a Belgian Driver’s license, key details on theory and driving tests are crucial.

The driving test will be at an official test centre, and you can take the text in French or Dutch.
Book an appointment at the Schaerbeek, Brussels test center to have a translator present during the theory test. 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 three years, and the local commune issues a provisional license valid for 18 or 36 months. With this license as long as you are over 18, you can take the practical examination.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO GET A BELGIAN DRIVERS LICYour certificate is valid for three years; your local commune provides a provisional license valid for 18 or 36 months.ENSE?

moreover, 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 BELGIAN DRIVERS LICENSE?

After passing your practical test, take your certificate, two passport pictures, and proof of identity to your local Town Hall. They will issue a temporary license until they send you the full driver’s license.

YOU’RE NOW READY TO DRIVE IN BELGIUM! HURRAY!