Search form

menu menu

Driving License

Question

Hello together,

I stay at Ixelles ,1050. I would like to apply for the driving license and mostly like to take the exam in English. Could anyone guide me on from where I can get the form or from where I can get myself registered for the same?

Thanks in advance!

R.Harris

You go to the Borough Hall of Ixelles (Place F. Cocq).

Mar 20, 2017 13:34
anon Mar 20, 2017 14:40
MRK

We have been stuck in this process since late last year (as my husband's driving licence from a Commonwealth country expired before the commune registration process was complete, and thus before he had been issued with a Belgian ID which is required for this process), and our experience has been just awful, so I would advise you to proceed with caution.
Based on all the advice we have been given - including that from an English driving school - the only place that you can take the test in English is at Schaerbeek. The English test is only run every few months, and the next scheduled is 26 June 2017 (the one before that was in February). Apparently it used to be more frequent, and at one point it was possible to take the test through at least a couple of the English driving schools, but sadly this is a thing of the past.
The test itself is difficult to pass - many people mistakenly assume that it Is a formality if you're an experienced driver, but that is not the case. When my husband (who has been driving for 35 years on two continents with a maximum no claims insurance rating and an exemplary safety record) sat it for the second time in February, there were about 15 other people, and less than 20% passed. Sadly he was not one of them.
Part of the reason for the high failure rate is that the Belgian highway code contains interpretations that are unique to Belgium (one in particular about the driver's right to overtake on a level crossing would result in automatic licence disqualification in neighbouring Germany) and a cynic might venture that the test is overly loaded with trick questions which are aimed at tripping candidates up, rather than focusing on the key issue of road safety. There is also a requirement for each test to include a certain number of questions on topics that may be significant in other contexts, but actually have no relevance to road safety - just once example would be which fuel type is most eco-friendly.
Be careful that many of the guides (which sadly include those provided by some driving schools) do not provide complete coverage of the subject matter, and be aware that the authorities reserve the right to include questions on issues not specifically addressed in the Highway Code. The best of the lot appears to be Driving In Belgium from A to Z by Flor Koninckx & Daniel de Neve.
So that's our experience. And, judging by this article, we are far from being alone: http://www.fansofflanders.be/Categories/Blogs/30_February_2015/18022015_...
If anyone else has information to the contrary which would help us and others to progress this issue, then I'd be delighted to be proved wrong.
Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

Mar 21, 2017 11:16
Mimi

Indeed many people do not pass from the first time and the some types of questions can be questioned. However, memorize the book and you pass with a good margin of safety. I only missed one question, but I studied seriously.

Mar 21, 2017 16:59
E.Ash

Exams in English in Brussels are currently only available with an official translator translating all questions and possible answers from French to English. The cost is € 15 + € 50 (translation fee).

From 2018, it will be possible to take the multiple choices test in English directly on a computer like as it is the case for French & Dutch.

2 failures of the "theory" test result in an obligation to follow 12 hours of theory in a driving school. So be sure to master the theory well before taking the theory test. You need to have 41/50 to succeed.

From 01.06.2017, the test in Flanders will be revised and traffic offenses of 3rd & 4th category will result in a loss of 5 points rather than 1 and you will still need 41/50 to succeed. In Brussels, it does not change, for the time being, you only lose 1 point for each mistake.

If you hold a foreign license still valid (not expired), you can take the practical test as soon as you have passed the theory and do not have the min 3 months period to improve your skills. If you fail, you can do it over and over again without having 6 hours of compulsory driving school.

Note that taking 2 hours revision in a driving school with an English speaking instructor is worth the cost as the instructor will show you possible examination routes, check on your skills and advise you if you have over the years developed some habits that will not be accepted at the test: failure to use engine brake, blind spots,..... The test cost €36 + a fee for the translator of about € 50-60.
For the test, you need to be accompanied by a guide, someone with a valid European license since more than 8 years or go via a driving school.
Also make sure all documents (yours and those of the car are in order) because that is being checked before the test, as well as the good technical condition of the cars (lights, tires,...)

I went to the European Driving School of Ixelles, Avenue de la Couronne, 43 and was very pleased with their services and way to explained everything and prepared me for the practical test.
http://www.autoecoleeuropeenneixelles.sitew.be/#Contact.D

Good luck to you

Mar 26, 2017 10:44
atanusil29

Thanks a lot for your responses.

Mar 28, 2017 11:51