Can you take the Belgian theory exam in English?

The short answer

You can receive English-language support for the Belgian Category B theory exam. What that sentence means depends on the region.

In Flanders, you hear the Dutch question first and then an English audio translation. In Brussels, English is available in a special session with an interpreter. In Wallonia, an English test can be taken by appointment at two named centres.

That difference is easy to miss. “Available in English” does not describe the same exam experience everywhere.

Flanders

Dutch exam with English audio translation

Brussels

Special session assisted by an English interpreter

Wallonia

English by appointment at Couillet or Wandre

English audio translation in Flanders

The standard theory exam in Flanders is in Dutch. You can request audio translation in English, French or German.

You hear each question and its answer options in Dutch first, followed by the chosen translation. You select your answer on the same computer system. The Flemish authority says you should request the audio translation when you report at the examination-centre desk.

The translation carries an additional fee on top of the normal exam fee. Check the official page before booking because fees and centre arrangements can change.

An interpreter session in Brussels

The standard Brussels theory exam is organised in Dutch or French. Candidates who need English or German can book a special theory-test session with an interpreter.

These sessions are by appointment. This is not the same setup as the Flemish audio translation, so ask the examination centre about availability, timing and the interpreter charge when you book.

English at two centres in Wallonia

The standard language in Wallonia is French, with German available at the Eupen centre. The Walloon authority says the test can also be taken in English or Dutch, by appointment, at Couillet and Wandre.

If one of those centres is practical for you, confirm the language appointment directly before making travel plans.

Language is not the only reason to choose a region

The traffic rules you study are Belgian. The exam administration is regional.

That means the region can affect the language procedure, examination centre, fee and later route to the practical exam. Brussels currently requires candidates taking the practical test there to have passed the theory test in Brussels. Flanders has announced a similar same-region rule from 1 January 2027.

Choose your exam region as part of your complete licence plan, not only by looking for the nearest English option. Our Belgian Category B theory exam guide keeps the main regional differences together.

Preparing in English is a separate problem

Getting English support during the exam does not automatically give you a good way to learn the material beforehand.

Traffic theory depends on exact words. A translated question can still test the difference between must, may, except and unless. Build your understanding in clear English first, then learn any Dutch or French terms you are likely to hear during your chosen exam procedure.

A useful order is simple: learn one topic, apply it in several situations, review each mistake and only then take full mock exams. If a picture changes slightly, you should be able to explain why the answer changes.

The language should help you see the rule. It should not become another rule to decode.

Official regional information

Language arrangements were checked against the regional authorities on 30 August 2026.

• Flanders: Category B theory exam and audio translation
• Brussels: Category B theory-test sessions
• Wallonia: Category B theory-test languages