BELGIAN DRIVER’S LICENSE

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 a European Union country that has an agreement with Belgium that 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 with the town hall; in the case that your license is stolen or lost, you will be able to get a Belgian Driver’s license as a replacement.
You can exchange your EEA license for a Belgian Driver’s License 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 license for up to 6 months. If you stay longer than 6 months or register as a Belgian resident, you will require a Belgian license.
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 license.
Many non-EEA countries have made reciprocal arrangements with Belgium that allow for easy exchange of their driver’s licenses 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 an 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 license for a driver’s license 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 license, here are some important things you need to know:

The driving test will be at an official test center, and you can take the test in French or Dutch.
You can have a translator present during the theory test if you book an appointment at the test center 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 the 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 license until your full driver’s license is sent to you.

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