The Brussels Times has created a comprehensive guide for English speakers on how to get a driving licence;
✔ Failed theory exams twice? Complete a 12-hour driving school course before retaking
✔ Taking a First Aid course is essential post-theory exam
✔ Practical training can cost up to €75 per hour at driving schools in Brussels
Belgium Unlocked
How to get a driving licence in Brussels as an English speaker
Credit: Belga / Siska Gremmelprez
Obtaining a driving licence can be particularly daunting for English speakers in the Belgian capital. The Brussels Times has created a guide of the key steps to ensure a smooth ride.
It typically takes three to nine months to get a driving licence in Brussels. The process has four main steps: a theory exam, practical driving lessons, First Aid training, and a practical driving test.
Driving classes can be done privately or through an approved driving school, while tests can be taken at two centres in Brussels (one in Anderlecht and one in Schaerbeek).
Theory training and tests
Training for the theory test can be done through self-study or a 12-hour course at an approved driving school. You can take the exam from the age of 17.
The exam is an online multiple-choice test with 50 questions. To pass you must score at least 41. Each question is worth one mark but you lose five points for mistakes regarding serious traffic offences (such as running a red light).
A driving test centre in Schaerbeek, Friday 27 April 2018. Credit: Belga / Camille Delannois
Theory tests in Brussels can be taken in French or Dutch and cost around €19. Those taking the test in German, English or sign language can ask for an interpreter, who will be appointed by the official test centre for around €50.
Importantly, if you intend to do your practical exam in Brussels, your theory exam must also be done in the capital.
If you fail two theory tests, you must take the 12-hour training course and obtain the training certificate before retaking the exam. If you pass the exam, you must then take your practical within three years.
First Aid course
After passing the theory exam, you can start the free mandatory roadside First Aid course. You can do this by signing up for the Red Cross course online.
This includes both an e-learning and face-to-face training course led by the Red Cross. Completion is proven by a participation certificate, which is valid for two years.
The course is officially only taught in French and Dutch, although the Red Cross hopes this will change in 2026. For now, those participating can ask a friend to act as an interpreter (for free) during both parts of the course. During the practical training, trainers can also help with quick translations.
Practical training and tests
You can train for your practical exam at a driving school, many of which offer options for lessons in English. Classes cost around €75 per hour. However, prices vary between schools and depending on the number of hours of classes you book ahead.
Alternatively, you can have private driving lessons with a guide. This can be a family member or friend who is registered in Belgium and has a valid driving licence.
From the age of 17, candidates can train for a minimum of nine months privately or do 14 hours of classes at a driving school with at least six months of training with a private guide.
From the age of 18, you can undertake either 20 hours of practical classes at a driving school and a minimum of three months of training, or 30 hours at a driving school.
Credit: Belga / Camille Delannois
Once you have completed the training requirements, the theory exam, and the first aid training, you can take your practical exam, which costs around €45. Candidates must pay for an interpreter to take their test in English.
The exam is divided into two parts. The first is a risk perception multiple-choice test. The pass mark for this is 60% and it is valid for one year. The second part is a road test, where candidates will be asked to drive and perform manoeuvres such as parking.
If you fail the practical exam twice, you must take a six-hour course at an approved driving school and obtain a certificate before retaking for a third time.
If you already have a licence from another country, you can exchange your foreign licence for a Belgian one.
Find more information online about getting a driving licence in Wallonia or Flanders.
