How To Get A Driving License In Belgium – Belgian Driving License

Do you have plans to study or work in Belgium? Then, you may want to get a Belgian driving license. A Belgian driving license is an official document that authorizes you to drive a vehicle in Belgium. Driving license in Belgium can be obtained after finishing a driving school and passing a two-stage test; the theory test and practical test. However, If you are only in Belgium temporarily, you can use your international driving license.

The legal age to get a driving license in Belgium is 18 years. The age limit varies depending on the vehicle you wish to drive. Those aged 21-24 are permitted to drive the economy and compact cars, while those 25 and older have a more liberal choice for the vehicles they choose to drive. The minimum age for renting a car in Belgium is 21 years old. If you want to know more on how to get a Belgian driving license in Belgium here, then this detailed guide is for you.

belgian driving licence

Categories of Belgian Driving License

A – motorcycles and mopeds (Driving license categories AM, A1, A2, A).

B – cars, tractors and work vehicles (Driving license categories B, BE, W).

C – vans and trucks over 3,500kg (Driving license categories C, C1, CE, C1E).

D – buses (Driving license categories D, D1, DE, D1E).

CD – trucks and buses (Driving license categories C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE, D1E).

TMT – truck module (must have passed D test).

BMT – bus module (must have passed C test).

Driving Without a License in Belgium

Some vehicles do not require a driver’s license like;

• certain mobility devices,
• certain two-wheelers and tricycles,
• slow-moving vehicles and certain vehicles for the disabled.

In the category of two-wheelers, Class A mopeds do not require a driver’s license. Motorized vehicles for people with disabilities that run at a walk do not require a driver’s license. In the case of some slow-moving vehicles, whether or not you need a driver’s license depends on your age.

Is My Driving License Valid in Belgium?

If you are from a European Union nation, European Economic Area or a non-EU nation with agreements with Belgium, then your license is valid and can be used for driving in Belgium. The countries under the European Union acknowledged by Belgium are:

• Austria
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Republic of Cyprus
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Also recognized are those who are members of the European Economic Area;

• Iceland
• Norway
• Liechtenstein

For U.S. citizens, using an American driving license in Belgium is permitted. However, some car rental companies might require an International Driver’s Permit for Belgium before renting, so it is best to get one to be sure.

Depending on your nationality and how long you intend to stay in Belgium, you can use your international driving license for a certain period, or exchange it for a Belgian driving licence. There are agreements in place with certain countries where you can exchange your foreign driving license for a Belgian one. If your home country isn’t on the exemption list, then you will have to take a driving test within one year.

Belgian Driving License

EU/EEA Driving License in Belgium

If you are moving to Belgium from countries within the European Union or European Economic Area, then you don’t need to exchange your driver’s license. However, you should register your license with the driving license department in Belgium, in case of loss or theft. If a license from an EU country is lost or stolen, the replacement will be a Belgian driving licence.

You can also exchange an EU driving license for a Belgian one, this can serve as a local form of identification. EU licenses are valid for 10 years, however, if you hold a driving license that has an unlimited validity period issued by another EU country, you may be required to renew your license 2 years after officially registering your place of residence in Belgium.

To exchange a European driving license for a Belgian one, you need:

• ID paper obtained in Belgium
• Passport
• Recent identity photograph
• Double-sided copy of your foreign driving license
• Application fee