The number of people obtaining a driving licence last year fell sharply, as part of a growing trend following the Covid-19 pandemic, De Standaard reports. Young people in particular are holding off getting their driving licence.
In 2020, repeated lockdowns caused disruption to driving lessons and tests. In this year, the peak of the pandemic, only 73,736 people in Belgium obtained a category B licence – a sharp drop from the previous year. In 2021, as restrictions were lifted, there was a marked increase in permits attained, rising to 125,525.
This rebound has not lasted long. According to statistics from FPS Mobility, this number fell again to 119,764 in 2022.
The high cost of maintaining a car, insurance, and increased use of public transport is encouraging many to switch from using private vehicles towards more sustainable options, especially in large urban centres in Belgium.
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This decline is most notable among young people aged 18-25. This group is almost entirely responsible for the significant drop in new licences. Compared to 2021, 6.6% fewer young people got their licence last year.
