THE ESSENTIALS
To get your driving license in Brussels, you’ll first need to pass the theoretical exam from age 17, then choose your practical training path (free with a guide or via a driving school) from age 18. The process also includes a risk perception test and the practical road exam. Prepare well, because each step has its cost and specific requirements to avoid pitfalls and unnecessary expenses.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You can start the theoretical exam from age 17 and get your provisional driving license. But for the practical exam and the definitive license, you’ll have to wait until you’re 18.
The theoretical exam (price in 2026)
- It costs €19.00 in Brussels.
- It’s a 50-question multiple-choice test; you need at least 41/50 to pass.
- Watch out for serious errors: two 5-point errors mean direct failure.
- If you fail twice, you’ll have to take 12 hours of theoretical lessons at a driving school before you can retake it. These courses can cost between €150 and €350.
- Your theoretical pass is valid for 3 years.
- You must take your theoretical exam in Brussels to be able to take your practical exam in Brussels.
Practical training options (rules in effect since 01.11.2018)
In Brussels, you have a choice of four paths:
- Free option (with a guide): You learn with one or two guides who meet the legal conditions. You must complete a minimum 9-month internship. There are no mandatory driving school hours.
- Mixed option (with a guide + driving school): You complete a minimum 6-month internship with a guide and take at least 14 hours of driving school lessons.
- Driving school with internship (without a guide): You take at least 20 hours of driving school lessons and complete a minimum 3-month internship without a guide.
- Driving school without internship (direct access): You take at least 30 hours of driving school lessons and can then take the practical exam directly, without a provisional license.
The provisional driving license is valid for 18 months for options with an internship. It costs around €30-40 at the commune (in 2026).
The risk perception test (RPT) (price in 2026)
- This is a mandatory test for all options; you take it on a computer at an approved examination center.
- It costs €17.00.
- If you fail the RPT twice (or the practical exam), you’ll have to take 6 hours of practical lessons at a driving school.
The practical exam on public roads (price in 2026)
- It costs €42.00.
- It includes maneuvers like parallel parking and a U-turn, in addition to road driving.
- After two failures in the practical exam (or the RPT), 6 hours of practical lessons at a driving school are mandatory.
- Renting a driving school car for the exam costs between €80 and €120.
First aid training
In Brussels, you must complete first aid training before taking your practical exam if your provisional license was issued after November 1, 2018, or if you opt for direct access after 30 hours at a driving school. This training is free for candidates taking their exams in Brussels.
Real budget (estimates in 2026)
- The theoretical exam: €19.00.
- The risk perception test: €17.00.
- The practical exam: €42.00.
- The provisional license at the commune: around €30-40.
- The definitive license at the commune: around €25-45.
- If you choose a driving school, a 20-hour package costs between €1,000 and €1,400. An additional hour can cost between €50 and €80.
- In the free option, the “pedagogical appointment” (mandatory) costs between €60 and €80.
- A total budget can range from €500 to €800 for the free option, and from €1,500 to €2,500 for a driving school.
HOW TO DO IT
- Pass your theoretical exam: From age 17, you can prepare alone or take 12 hours of lessons at a driving school. Make an appointment at an examination center in Brussels (Anderlecht or Schaerbeek).
- Request your provisional driving license: Once you’ve passed the theoretical, go to your commune to get it.
- Start your practical training: Choose your option (free, mixed, driving school with or without internship) and start
Verified sources
- permisrapide.be
- permisbelges.be
- autosecurite.be
- bruxelles-j.be
- permispass.be
- aibv.be
Information verified on 05/09/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.