The training system to take driving tests in Flanders is changing from 1 March. The changes impact both those looking to get their driving licence and those supervising their training.
To improve road safety and reduce the number of road accidents, the Flemish Government is tightening the rules related to when people can take their driving test and the conditions of their training.
The first step to obtaining a driving licence in Flanders is passing the theoretical test at a recognised driving school centre. Those who pass must then apply for a provisional driving licence.
There are three types of such licences for driving a normal vehicle: a licence without a supervisor giving informal lessons, but with 20 hours of lessons at a driving school, which is valid for 18 months (M18); a licence with a supervisor valid for 36 months (M36); and a licence with a supervisor valid for 12 months (M12, only for people whose previous licence has expired).
What are the changes?
One of the changes applies to new drivers who have their provisional licences and applies to the practice period.
They will now have to practise for at least five months before they can take their practical test, up from three months previously.
The second change applies to the supervisors of prospective drivers with the M36 or M12 licence. Candidate drivers with this driving licence can choose up to two companions to teach them how to drive. The supervisor must be registered in Belgium, have had a Belgian or European driving licence for at least eight years and not have been banned from driving in the past three years.
These supervisors are now obliged to attend a training session at a recognised driving school at least five months before the prospective driver takes the practical exam.
"Unlearning something learned incorrectly is very difficult, which is why we firmly believe in the usefulness of these training sessions," said VAB Driving School director Peter Landsheere. "The sessions are also a unique opportunity for people who opt for free coaching to understand how a professional handles various situations."
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The training session takes three hours, during which a professional gives practical tips on how to guide candidate drivers safely and correctly. It can be attended digitally (online via VAB) or on-site for €20. Participation in this course is valid for ten years, meaning a supervisor does not have to take the test every time they guide a prospective driver.
"In this way, we are avoiding dangerous driving behaviour and potentially failed driving tests right from the start," Landsheere said.
The training session was previously mandatory between October 2017 and March 2020, but it was dropped at the time due to a conflict of competence.
