Of all those who had to retake their practical driving test last year (for example, after being revoked for driving under the influence), one in three candidates failed. The pass rate for the theoretical retest was even lower, GOCA Vlaanderen, the sector federation of vehicle inspection and driving licence examination centers, explains.

In Belgium, drivers whose licence is withdrawn by a court (for example, due to alcohol or drug offences) are often required to pass re-exams before they can regain their driver’s license. These can include a theoretical exam, a practical driving exam, and additional medical or psychological checks.

Several attempts

Last year, more than 7,000 drivers took a practical driving re-exam in Flanders. About one-third (33%) failed, and roughly two-thirds (67%) were able to get their driver’s licenses back. About 16,000 theoretical re-exams were also taken, and only one-third (33%) passed. Many drivers needed several attempts before passing.

Not only did car drivers have to renew their driver’s licenses in 2025. New licenses were also obtained for motorcycles and mopeds (26 exams), trucks (222), and buses (9, of which one failed). Four candidates even retook the exam for agricultural vehicles.

Other countries

Unfortunately, no statistics are available for the Brussels-Capital and Walloon Region. That means there is a lack of transparency for those two Belgian regions.

Also, in the Netherlands, drivers must usually reapply for a valid license after a serious ban by retaking the standard theoretical and practical exams. In France and Germany, drivers must pass a medical and/or psychosocial assessment after serious offences, sometimes combined with practical re-exams. However, no national pass-rate statistics are publicly available.