The exam at a glance

You can take the Category B theory exam from the age of 17. It is a computer-based multiple-choice test covering road signs, priority, speed, positioning, stopping and parking, vulnerable road users, motorways, alcohol, vehicle safety and other parts of Belgian road law.

Questions
50 multiple-choice questions
Pass mark
At least 41 points out of 50
Minimum age
17 on the day of the exam
Validity
A passed theory exam remains valid for three years
After two failures
Complete 12 hours of theory lessons at an approved driving school before the next attempt

How the scoring works

You begin with 50 points. An ordinary wrong or unanswered question costs one point. A wrong answer about a third- or fourth-degree offence, or the maximum permitted speed, costs five points.

This changes the maths. Two five-point mistakes reduce a perfect starting score to 40, below the 41-point pass mark, even if the other 48 answers were correct.

50starting score −5serious mistake −5serious mistake 40not enough to pass
Ordinary mistakes and five-point mistakes do not have the same effect.

What counts as a serious fault?

For exam scoring, serious faults are questions about third- or fourth-degree traffic offences and questions about the maximum permitted speed. These concern behaviour with a high safety risk, such as running a red light, entering a one-way street in the wrong direction or making a U-turn on a motorway. Our guide to Belgian speed limits by region explains why the right number depends on more than the road in the picture.

The useful study lesson is not to hunt for a secret list of trick questions. Learn why these rules are safety-critical, then practise recognising them when the picture, sign or road user changes.

A familiar scene can have a different answer because one relevant detail changed.

What changes by region

The core 50-question structure and 41-point pass mark are shared. The administration is not. Fees, examination centres and language support are organised by Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia.

Flanders
€19. The exam is in Dutch. Audio translation is available in English, French or German for an additional €43.
Brussels
€19. The exam is in Dutch or French. An English or German interpreter appointed by the centre costs an additional €50.
Wallonia
€17. The exam is normally in French, with German in Eupen and English or Dutch by appointment at Couillet and Wandre.

If you want to sit the test with English support, read how the English-language procedure differs by region before choosing a centre.

Choose the region deliberately. Rules about where you must have passed theory before taking the practical exam now differ, so the nearest theory centre is not always the right choice.

What happens after the result

If you pass, the result is valid for three years. You need to complete the later stages of the licence process before that period ends.

If you fail twice in succession, all three regions require 12 hours of theory lessons at an approved driving school before another attempt. Keep the certificate from the school because the examination centre may require it.

Prepare for decisions, not screenshots

The exam covers too much to learn as a collection of isolated answers. Start with one topic, understand the rule, practise it in different situations and explain every mistake before taking full mock exams.

Our guide to why the theory exam is harder than it looks explains why recognising a familiar question is not the same as understanding the rule. You can then apply that approach to priority to the right or the difference between stopping and parking.

Official regional information

Fees and procedures can change. These details were checked against the regional authorities on 30 August 2026.

Learn each topic first, then test the whole course under time pressure.

Explore Theory B →