Last year, some 2 000 more theory exams for the B driving license were taken in Flanders. In Wallonia, on the other hand, there was a notable drop. The pass rate did fall further in Flanders while it remained plus-minus stable in Wallonia. This is according to figures from the respective sector federations.

In 2022, 129 909 people in Wallonia took the theoretical exam for the B driving license, compared to 163 557 a year earlier. Back then, there was undoubtedly a ‘catching-up effect’ as there were still a lot of restrictions due to the Covid-19 health crisis the year before.

Drop in Wallonia

According to SPW Mobility Infrastructure, in Wallonia, 79 686 people took part in the practical exam, compared to 84 968 in 2021. The risk perception test (RPT) also saw a downward trend with 58 081 people (70 012 in 2021).

The pass rates were stable: 35% for the theory exam, 55,7% for the practical exam, and 76% for the RPT. They were 34,9%, 60,3%, and 76,7%, respectively, in 2021. While the difference between men and women is marginal, the success rates are higher for those under 20: 38% for the theoretical test, 61% for the practical test, and 80% for the RPT.

On the other hand, people over 30 have the lowest rates, with 27% for the theory exam, 47% for the practical, and 60% for the RPT.

Regaining popularity in Flanders

If we look at Flanders, more people took their driving tests in 2022 than in 2021, but pass rates continue to fall. The B driving license seems to be thus regaining popularity.

According to figures from GOCA Flanders, the sector federation for examinations for driving licenses, 213 540 theory exams for the B driving license were taken in Flanders in 2022. This was more than in 2021 (211 335) when there was catching up after the corona crisis, but also quite a bit more than in the pre-corona year 2019 (184 255) and previous years.

The success rate was 37,9%, compared to, for example, 53,1% in 2016, which suggests that people are taking the theory exam less prepared. In fact, in Flanders, too, we see the trend that the success rate decreases with age.

In addition, 141 142 practical exams were taken. About half (50,8%) passed. Finally, 145 757 RPTs were taken, with a pass rate of 74,8%. As driving, in general, has become more complex, the exams have also become more rigorous.