Belgian Driving License Category B

Belgian Driving License: Categorie B

In Belgium, a driving license, also known as a rijbewijs or permis de conduire, is a pink plastic card that identifies the holder as a licensed driver. Categorie B is the category for driving cars in Belgium. To obtain a Categorie B driving license, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a theoretical exam on traffic regulations and road safety. The minimum age to apply for a full driving license is 18, but you can take the driving theory test after turning 17 and apply for a provisional driving license to begin taking lessons.

Existing Driving License Holders

If you already hold a valid driving license from another EU country, you can continue to use it in Belgium. However, you must exchange it for a Belgian driving license after 185 days of registering in Belgium. This requirement also applies to UK driving license holders due to Brexit.

Foreigners

Foreigners who are residents of Belgium must obtain a Belgian driving license. The process involves passing the theoretical exam on traffic regulations, which requires 41 correct answers out of 50. After passing the exam, you will need to complete a practical examination. The duration of the practical exam is not specified in the given search results. Candidates for category B driving licenses must be aware of laws related to the police and road traffic.

Driving Theory Exam

To obtain the theoretical examination, candidates must register at a recognized test center and pass the exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and aims to test the candidate's knowledge of traffic regulations and road safety.

Driving Tests in Belgium

Candidates can take a driving test in the private sector or through traditional schools. In the private sector, they obtain a temporary driving license valid for 36 months, and the teaching period can be a minimum of three months with an instructor who has held a driving license for over eight years. In traditional schools, candidates obtain a temporary driving license valid for 18 months, and the teaching period includes 20 hours of practice.

Costs of a Driver's License in Belgium

The theoretical exam for a driving license in Belgium costs between €15 and €87, depending on the type of driving license. The temporary driving license costs €27, and some cities may charge an additional communal tax. The practice examination for a car or motorcycle license costs between €30 and €50. The delivery of the driving license typically costs between €20 and €35, depending on the city.

Driving Lessons in Belgium

Driving schools in Belgium offer lessons for candidates looking to obtain a driving license. The average cost for ten lessons in a driving school is approximately €1,000. When driving alone or with a supervisor, you must maintain a logbook that tracks your driving experience, including the kilometers traveled and the driving circumstances encountered on each trip. You will need to complete 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers of driving before taking the practical test.

Supervisor Requirements

If you choose to train on your own, your supervisor must be registered in the country and must have held a Belgian or European driving license for at least eight years. This supervisor must also have a valid license for the vehicle you are learning to drive.

Logbook

When training on your own, you must maintain a logbook (also called the Road Book). This is not necessary when training at a driving school. In the logbook, you will need to note down the kilometers traveled and the driving circumstances encountered on each trip. You will also need to complete 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers of driving before taking the practical test.

Driving with a Foreign Driver’s License in Belgium

If you hold a valid driving license issued in another EU country or from a country in the broader EEA (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), you can continue to use it in Belgium. When it is about to expire, you can exchange it for a Belgian one if you plan to continue living in Belgium. You must wait 185 days after registering in Belgium to do this. If you are importing a car into Belgium from abroad, you must also register it in Belgium.

Exchanging a Foreign Driver’s License in Belgium

To exchange your foreign driving license for a Belgian one, you must submit your application at the local council office. You must be registered in Belgium for at least 185 days and must hold a valid foreign license.

Lost or Stolen Driving Licenses

If your driving license is lost or stolen, you should report it to the local council office as soon as possible. You will need to provide proof of identity and pay a fee to obtain a replacement.

Driving Licenses for Other Vehicles

Belgium has different categories of driving licenses for various vehicle types, including mopeds, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and agricultural vehicles.

Useful Resources

For more information on driving licenses in Belgium and the process of obtaining a license, you can visit the following resources:

• Expat.com Guide to Driving in Belgium
• Expatica Guide to Getting a Driving License in Belgium
• U.S. Embassy in Belgium: Driver's License