Exam Preparation

Retaking the Theory Exam

Failed your theory exam? You can retake it unlimited times, but not on the same day. Here are the costs, waiting times, and rules.

Failed your theory exam? You can retake it unlimited times, but not on the same day: you must wait at least until the next working day. Each attempt costs the exam fee again (19 euros in Flanders). And if you fail twice in a row, you must first take 12 hours of theory lessons at an accredited driving school before you can participate a third time.

When can you retake?

A retake on the same day is not allowed. You also cannot go to another exam center on the same day to try there. You must wait at least until the next working day for a new attempt.

What does a retake cost?

Each time you take the exam, you pay the full exam fee at the counter. There is no discount for a retake. In Flanders, this is 19 euros per attempt. In Brussels and Wallonia, the rates are in the same range, but they differ by region. A complete overview can be found in what does the theory exam cost.

After two failures: 12 hours of theory lessons

If you fail twice in a row (each time scoring less than 41 out of 50), you cannot simply participate a third time. You must first take 12 hours of theory lessons at an accredited driving school. You must submit the certificate of those lessons at the exam center before you can take the exam again.

How quickly can you retake?

Since exams are only conducted by appointment, a quick retake depends on the busyness of the center. The waiting time varies by center and period, so book in advance via the exam center's website. Keep in mind that you cannot take the exam before the next working day anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you must wait at least until the next working day, not even at another center.

The full exam fee, 19 euros per attempt in Flanders. There is no discount.

Then you must take 12 hours of theory lessons at an accredited driving school before you can retake.

Avoid unnecessary retake costs

Only go to the center when you consistently pass our free practice exams, built according to the official GOCA standards.

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Further reading: What does it cost? · Request Exam · Pass Rate

Last updated: June 2026 · Content verified by Mathieu, instructor · Source: GOCA and the Belgian Highway Code

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