How the exam works
- The exam has 50 multiple-choice questions.
- Each question appears on a computer screen and is read aloud. The questions are close to real traffic situations.
- After a question has been read completely, you have 15 seconds to answer.
- Right after the exam you can look at your wrong answers. Later that is no longer possible.
Scoring and serious faults
You start with 50 points. You pass with at least 41/50.
- A wrong or unanswered question: −1 point.
- A mistake on a question about a serious offence (3rd or 4th degree) or about the speed limit: −5 points.
So one serious fault and four small mistakes still give a pass (50 − 5 − 4 = 41). Two serious faults give a fail (50 − 10 = 40).
Language: Dutch, with an optional audio translation
The exam is in Dutch. Since 1 January 2023 you can choose an audio translation in French, German or English. You first hear the question and the answers in Dutch, then in the language you chose. Ask for it at the counter when you register. It costs €43 extra.
You may not bring an interpreter. There is no audio translation in other languages.
Booking, price and what to bring
- You can take the exam from age 17, at an exam centre of your choice in Flanders.
- Check on your exam centre's website whether you need to book (online) in advance.
- The price is €19 per attempt, plus €43 if you choose the audio translation.
- Bring your identity card. A copy is not accepted. Lost it? Bring the official proof that you reported it lost or stolen.
- No Belgian identity card? Bring your foreigner's card (residence card).
After a pass: valid for 3 years
- Right after the exam you do an eye test at the exam centre.
- You receive the document to apply for your provisional driving licence.
- Your theory pass is valid for 3 years. The date is on the back of your provisional licence.
- You can take the practical exam from age 18, with a valid provisional licence and usually after at least 5 months of practice.
After a fail: retakes and the 12-hour rule
- You can take the exam again, but not on the same day.
- After 2 failed attempts you must follow 12 hours of theory lessons at a recognised driving school before your 3rd attempt. You hand in the school's certificate at the exam centre.
- Those lessons stay valid for 3 years. After a 4th failed attempt you do not have to take them again.
- After 5 failed attempts you can ask for a slower exam: an examiner reads the questions and you get more time. People with dyslexia or other reading difficulties can also ask for it, with a certificate. It costs the same €19.
New from 1 January 2027: a theory pass from a Flemish exam centre
On 3 July 2026 the Flemish Government approved a new rule in principle. If you take your practical exam in the Flemish Region from 1 January 2027, you must have passed the theory exam at a Flemish exam centre.
In practice, a theory pass from an exam centre in Brussels or Wallonia will not count for a practical exam in Flanders. There are no transitional measures, so plan ahead if you passed the theory exam outside Flanders.
Tips to prepare
- Learn the Dutch words of the exam: voorrang (priority), rijstrook (lane), inhalen (overtaking), stilstaan (stopping), parkeren (parking).
- Practise with a timer. 15 seconds is short, especially when you still translate in your head.
- Give speed limits and serious offences extra attention: they cost 5 points.
- Learn traffic signs by their meaning, not only by their shape.
- Take full mock exams of 50 questions before you book.
