To alleviate the heavy pressure on exam centers in the Flemish Periphery caused by the large number of candidates from Brussels and Wallonia taking the tests there, starting January 1, residents of Brussels and Wallonia who have taken their theory test in French will no longer be able to take their practical test in Flanders.

Flanders is following the lead of Brussels and Wallonia, where similar regulations have been in place since 2018 and 2024, respectively. The measure is also intended to help prevent fraud and strategic “shopping” between the various examination and education systems.

Pressure on exam centers

Anyone who wants to take their driver’s license exam in Brussels often has to wait months. As a result, candidates are turning to the Flemish Periphery, especially since Wallonia tightened access to exam centers.

But this has also put significant pressure on exam centers in the Flemish Periphery in particular, due to the influx of many candidates from Brussels and Wallonia.

So now the rules are being tightened in Flanders as well: starting in January, you’ll only be able to take the practical driving test in Flanders after you’ve also passed the written test there. The measure was definitively approved on Friday, according to Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA).

Prospective drivers remain free to choose which region they want to obtain their driver’s license in, but they must take both their written and practical exams in the same region.

Only 2 exam centers in Brussels

Brussels has only 2 exam centers, one in Anderlecht and one in Schaerbeek. Flanders has 16 exam centers, and Wallonia has 14.

Brussels Mobility says it is exploring ways to address the long wait times, including certifying additional examiners and implementing a broader overhaul of the testing centers.