How many mistakes can you have on the car theory exam? Discover the exact rules, the difference between serious and minor mistakes, and practical tips to pass.
Practice car theory exam in 2025? Discover smart strategies, current tips and reliable online platforms for success at the Belgian theory exam.
Get your AM license theory in 2025 with our complete guide full of exam requirements, tips and current practice platforms. Prepare optimally and pass directly.
Do you want to pass your car theory exam in one go in 2025? Then it's crucial to know how many mistakes you can have. This article is part of our complete guide on getting License B in Belgium.
The car theory exam how many mistakes question is one of the most frequently asked questions by candidates. Many people underestimate the strictness of the standards, causing them to fail unnecessarily. In this article, you'll discover exactly how many mistakes are allowed, what the difference is between serious and minor mistakes, and how you optimally prepare to stay within the error margin.
According to GOCA statistics, only 40% of candidates pass the car theory exam in one go. A large part of this comes from ignorance about the exact error margin and the importance of serious violations. By reading this article, you significantly increase your pass chances.
On the car theory exam in Belgium, you get 50 questions. To pass, you must answer at least 41 of the 50 questions correctly. This means you may make a maximum of 9 mistakes, but there's an important nuance: not all mistakes count equally.
The GOCA system makes a distinction between:
Serious violations: These mistakes count double and can make your exam fail directly
Minor mistakes: Regular mistakes that count in your total number of mistakes
This distinction is crucial to understand, because one serious violation can equal two minor mistakes. Want to know more about the exact rules? Then check the official GOCA website for current information.
The rule is clear: you must answer at least 41 of the 50 questions correctly to pass the car theory exam. This comes down to a pass rate of 82%. At first glance, this seems generous, but in practice, this proves to be a challenge for many candidates.
Important figures:
Minimum correct: 41 questions
Maximum mistakes: 9 questions (but watch out for serious violations!)
Pass rate: 82%
Average pass rate: 40% of all candidates
The reason that only 40% pass has to do with the complexity of the questions and the fact that many candidates are insufficiently prepared. By practicing specifically and understanding which mistakes count heavily, you significantly increase your chances.
The distinction between serious and minor mistakes is one of the most important aspects of the car theory exam. Serious violations are mistakes that directly pose a danger to traffic safety. These count more heavily and can make your exam fail directly, even if you're still within the 9 mistakes.
Examples of serious violations:
Mistakes in right of way situations that can lead to accidents
Incorrect interpretation of traffic lights
Mistakes in danger recognition
Incorrect speed choice in dangerous situations
Examples of minor mistakes:
Small knowledge questions about traffic signs
Details about administrative procedures
Technical knowledge questions without direct safety risk
It's important to understand that the GOCA system automatically detects serious violations. If you make too many serious mistakes, your exam can be assessed as insufficient, even if you're technically still within the 9 mistakes.
Do you want to increase your pass chance for the car theory exam? Then it's essential to develop a strategy that helps you minimize mistakes. Below you'll find practical tips that are directly applicable.
Always start with practicing topics that often lead to serious violations. These are especially:
Right of way situations: Practice complex intersections and right of way from the right
Danger recognition: Learn to quickly identify risks
Traffic lights: Understand all variants and exceptions
Speed choice: Know when you need to adjust speed
By giving extra attention to these topics, you prevent serious mistakes that can make your exam fail.
Always use current practice platforms that align with the latest GOCA standards. Old practice books often contain outdated information and question formulations that no longer match the current exam.
A good practice platform offers:
More than 1000 current exam questions
Realistic simulations of the exam
Direct feedback on each question
Mistake analysis per topic
Want to practice online directly? Then check the Car theory practice platform for complete preparation.
Practice exams are indispensable in your preparation. They not only help you get used to exam pressure, but also give insight into your weak points. Make at least 5 complete practice exams before you take the real exam.
After each practice exam:
Analyze your mistakes per category
Note which topics need extra attention
Repeat questions where you made mistakes
Focus extra on topics with serious violations
The GOCA standards for the car theory exam have been tightened in 2025. It's important to be aware of the latest rules and changes, because these come directly back in the exam.
Important changes in 2025:
More emphasis on danger recognition and traffic awareness
New question types with interactive scenarios
Stricter assessment of risk questions
Focus on current traffic situations
It's crucial to work with current practice material that aligns with these changes. Outdated books or practice platforms can surprise you on the exam.
For the most current information about GOCA standards, always consult the official GOCA website or recognized exam centers.
Many candidates make the same mistakes on the car theory exam. By knowing where it often goes wrong, you can easily avoid these pitfalls.
Top 5 common mistakes:
Answering too quickly without reading the question properly – Take the time to carefully read each question
Confusion in right of way situations – Practice extra with complex intersections
Incorrect interpretation of traffic signs – Learn the meaning of all important signs
Underestimating danger recognition – Spend extra time on risk perception
Insufficient preparation for new rules – Stay up-to-date with current GOCA standards
By avoiding these mistakes and practicing specifically, you significantly increase your pass chance. More practical tips? Then definitely check the Tips for your theory exam for extra strategies.
How many mistakes can you have on the car theory exam?
You may have a maximum of 9 mistakes, which means you must answer at least 41 of the 50 questions correctly. Note: serious violations count more heavily.
What is the difference between serious and minor mistakes?
Serious violations are mistakes that directly pose a danger to traffic safety and count double. Minor mistakes are regular knowledge questions without direct safety risk.
Can you pass with 9 mistakes if you have serious violations?
No, if you make too many serious violations, your exam can be assessed as insufficient, even if you're technically still within the 9 mistakes.
How do you best prepare to stay within the error margin?
Focus on practicing right of way situations, danger recognition, and traffic lights. Regularly make practice exams and analyze your mistakes. Use current practice platforms that align with the GOCA standards.
Have the rules changed in 2025?
Yes, the GOCA standards have been tightened with more emphasis on danger recognition and new question types. It's important to practice with current material.
The car theory exam how many mistakes question is crucial to understand for successful preparation. You may have a maximum of 9 mistakes (at least 41/50 correct), but watch out for the difference between serious and minor mistakes. By practicing specifically on risky topics and regularly making practice exams, you significantly increase your pass chance.
Want to know more? Check our complete guide on getting License B in Belgium for all information you need.
Ready to practice? Start directly with the Car theory practice platform and increase your chance to pass in one go!
