Provisional Driving Licence in Belgium: When Can You Drive?

Can’t wait to hit the road with your provisional driving licence? Great! But be aware: in Belgium there are strict rules on when, where and how you may drive. This guide covers everything about the provisional driving licence B, including the latest rules from 2024.

---

What is a provisional driving licence?

A provisional driving licence is a temporary document that allows you to learn to drive a car, either with a supervisor or on your own. There are two main types:

• M18: Provisional licence with supervisor, valid for 18 months
• M36: Provisional licence without supervisor, valid for 36 months (only after 20 hours at a driving school)

New: If your provisional licence expires, you can apply once for an M12 (valid for 12 months), provided you complete 6 hours of practical lessons at an approved driving school.

---

From what age can you drive a car in Belgium?

From your 17th birthday you may learn to drive, provided you have passed the theory exam. Want to start well prepared? Do the free practice questions on theoriedoen.be and start your learning journey with confidence.

---

Types of provisional licences (M18, M36 & M12)

M18: With supervisor

• Validity: 18 months
• Always a supervisor on board (listed on supervisor card)
• Supervisor: min. 8 years’ driving experience + no recent driving ban
• Maximum 2 supervisors allowed

M36: Without supervisor

• Validity: 36 months
• Only possible after 20 hours of lessons at an approved driving school
• You drive alone, without a supervisor
• Your driving school certificate must always be in the vehicle

M12: Replacement provisional licence

• Validity: 12 months
• Only available after M18 or M36 has expired
• Required: 6 hours of practical lessons + supervisor

Note: you may only switch once between M18 and M36 while your provisional licence is valid. The validity period then starts again.

---

When can you drive with a provisional licence?

The law is strict. Here are the official driving times:

You must not drive between 10pm and 6am:

• On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
• On the eve and day of public holidays

This restriction applies to all types of provisional licence, whether you are supervised or not.

Outside these times you may drive, provided that:

• You hold a valid provisional licence
• You meet the conditions of your licence type (supervisor or driving school certificate)

---

Can you drive abroad with a provisional licence?

No. A Belgian provisional driving licence is only valid on Belgian territory. Driving abroad on a provisional licence is illegal and not insured.

---

Can you take passengers?

M36 (without supervisor):

• No passengers allowed. Only you may be in the vehicle.

M18 (with supervisor):

• You may take up to 2 passengers
• Conditions:
  • At least 8 years with a Belgian driving licence B
  • No driving ban in the last 3 years
  • Registered in Belgium

---

The 20-hour driving course: what does it involve?

If you want to drive on your own (M36), you must complete a practical course of at least 20 hours at an approved driving school. These lessons cover traffic situations, manoeuvres, defensive driving and emergencies.

When you finish, you receive a certificate of competence that you must carry on every trip.

---

Practice period: mandatory 5 months since 2024

From 1 March 2024 the minimum practice period was extended:

• You must practise for at least 5 months on your provisional licence before you may take the practical exam
• This rule applies to both M18 and M36

---

Getting your driving licence B: step by step

---

How long is a provisional licence valid?

• M18: 18 months
• M36: 36 months
• M12 (replacement licence): 12 months

If your provisional licence expires, you must complete 6 hours of practical lessons and can apply once for an M12. After that, you must wait 3 years before applying again.

---

Checklist: Ready to start learning to drive?

• Theory exam passed (valid for 3 years)
• Supervisor card applied for (if M18)
• 20 hours at driving school completed (for M36)
• Licence applied for at municipality
• Certificate of competence to hand (if applicable)

---

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I drive after 10pm? Not on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights, or on the eve and day of public holidays. Exceptions only for approved driving instructors.

Can I drive with my friends? Only with an M18 and provided they meet the accompanying driver requirements.

My provisional licence has expired. What now? Complete at least 6 hours of driving lessons and apply for an M12. You must then wait 3 years before applying for a new provisional licence.

---

Summary

A provisional driving licence opens the door to learning to drive, but it comes with clear rules. Thanks to the latest 2024 legislation you now know:

• When you may drive
• Whether and with whom you may take passengers
• How long you must practise

Haven’t passed your theory yet? Start practising on theoriedoen.be and prepare properly!