BELGIAN DRIVING LICENSE

HOW TO GET A BELGIAN DRIVING LICENSE

If you are studying or working in Belgium, you may want to obtain a Belgian driver's license during your stay. If you have a foreign driver's license, you may be able to exchange it for a Belgian one, or you may be required to pass a theory test and a driving test. Being well-informed about your options is key to saving time and money when obtaining your driver's license in Belgium.

If you come from an EU country that has an agreement with Belgium on the recognition of foreign EU driving licenses, you can obtain a driving license in Belgium. You may also be required to carry an international driving license (with a translation if necessary). For more information on exchanging a driving license, registering an international driving license, and applying for a Belgian driving license, contact your local town hall (Maison Communale/Stadhuis) or municipal office.

WHAT ABOUT EEA CITIZENS DRIVING IN BELGIUM?
You do not have to exchange your driving license if you are a foreigner moving to Belgium from a country in the European Economic Area (EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).

Good to know:

Register your driver's license with your local authority. If it's lost or stolen, you'll receive a replacement Belgian driver's license.
You can exchange your EEA driving license for a Belgian driving license as a local ID.
Most EU driving licenses are valid for ten years. Unlimited driving licenses may need to be renewed two years after you officially register as a resident of Belgium.

WHAT IF YOU ARE A NON-EEA CITIZEN?
If you are not an EEA citizen, you should know the following:

You can use your foreign driving license for up to six months. If you stay longer than six months or register as a resident of Belgium, you will need a Belgian driving license.
Check with your home country or local municipality to see if you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a translation of your driving license.
Many non-EEA countries have agreements with Belgium that allow for easy exchange of their driver's license for a Belgian one. However, you must be registered with a municipality and have a Belgian residence permit. If you are a national of a non-EEA country, you can check the Belgian government website to see if a similar agreement exists for your country.

If your country doesn't have such an agreement with Belgium, you must pass the Belgian theoretical and practical driving tests. Visit the test centers (GOCA or SBAT). There, the theory test can be taken in English if you book in advance.
If you have already exchanged a foreign driving license for a driving license from another EU country, it will also be recognized in Belgium.
COMPLETION OF THE BELGIAN THEORY AND DRIVING TEST
If you have to take the theory and driving test for a Belgian driving license, you should know the following:

The driving test takes place at an official testing center. The test can be taken in French or Dutch.
If you book an appointment at the test center in Schaerbeek, Brussels, you can take the theory test with a translator. New Traffic Books offers an English theory book with exercises to help you prepare. Click here for more information (French and Dutch only).
Be sure to bring your ID and the fee (€15 for the basic exam or €50 including a translator) to the exam. You will be required to take an eye test.
The driving test costs between EUR 30 and 50, depending on your requirements. The price list is available here in French or Dutch.
Your driver's license is valid for up to three years. Your local authority will issue you a provisional license valid for 18 or 36 months. With this license, you can take the practical test if you are over 18 years old.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO OBTAIN A DRIVING LICENSE IN BELGIUM?
Bring the following original documents with you to the driving test:

Proof of identity
Provisional driving license
Proof of fee payment
Proof of insurance
Vehicle registration
HOW DO I GET MY DRIVING LICENSE IN BELGIUM?
After passing the practical test, take your certificate, along with two passport photos and your ID, to your local town hall (Maison Communale/Stadhuis). There, you will be issued a provisional driving license until your full driving license is sent to you.

Now you're ready to drive in Belgium! Hooray!