Passed your theory exam? Then you can apply for your provisional driving license at your municipality. With this, you practice on public roads until you are ready for the practical exam. You can choose between two models: M36, which allows you to drive with a supervisor (from 17 years), or M18, which allows you to practice independently (from 18 years, after 20 hours of driving lessons). In Flanders, you must practice for at least 5 months before you can take the practical exam, and an L sign must be displayed on the back of your vehicle.
The Road After Your Theory Exam, Step by Step
- Theory passed. You apply for your provisional driving license at your municipality.
- Practice period. You practice for at least 5 months with your provisional driving license.
- Practical exam. Passed? Then you apply for your definitive driving license at your municipality.
- Follow-up moment. This takes place 6 to 9 months after obtaining your definitive driving license.
Which Model Do You Choose?
You have two options for practicing. The main differences lie in age, validity period, and whether you need a supervisor.
| M36 (with supervisor) | M18 (without supervisor) | |
|---|---|---|
| From | 17 years | 18 years |
| Valid | 36 months | 18 months |
| Driving lessons beforehand | Not mandatory | At least 20 hours |
| Passengers | Only supervisor(s) | Max. 2, same conditions as supervisor |
M36: With Supervisor
You can apply for the provisional driving license with a supervisor from the age of 17. It is valid for 36 months. You learn to drive with one or a maximum of two chosen supervisors. Your supervisor must:
- be registered in Belgium,
- have held a valid Belgian or European driving license for at least 8 years,
- not have had their right to drive revoked (and not have been revoked in the last 3 years),
- not have supervised another learner in the past year (family is an exception),
- have completed a 3-hour training session since March 1, 2024.
M18: Without Supervisor
You can apply for the provisional driving license without a supervisor from the age of 18. It is valid for 18 months. You must first complete at least 20 hours of driving lessons at a certified driving school. If the driving school deems you competent, you will receive a competency certificate valid for 3 years. With this, you may practice independently. You can take a maximum of 2 passengers who meet the same conditions as a supervisor; no other passengers are allowed.
How Do You Apply?
You will receive an application form at the exam center after you have passed the theory. You apply for your provisional driving license at the civil affairs department of your municipality, with the completed and signed form and your identity card. For the model without a supervisor (M18), you can also submit the application online via BelDrive, the application of the Federal Public Service Mobility. This way, you only need to go to the municipality once to collect your driving license. The cost is around 25 euros and varies slightly by municipality.
The practice period of 5 months
Since March 1, 2024, you must have practiced on public roads for at least 5 months before you can take the practical exam. This period starts on the day you receive your provisional driving license (the date in section 4a). During the practice:
- you must display a clearly visible L-sign on the rear window,
- you may drive with both a manual and an automatic transmission.
The extended period is for traffic safety: studies show that practicing for at least 5 months significantly reduces the risk of serious accidents.
When are you not allowed to drive with your provisional driving license?
With your provisional driving license, you are not allowed to drive between 10 PM and 6 AM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, the eve of a public holiday, and the public holiday itself. Additionally, you are not allowed to:
- transport goods commercially,
- drive with a trailer,
- drive abroad.
What if your provisional driving license expires?
If you do not pass your practical exam in time, you have two options:
- A new provisional driving license M12 (12 months). One-time, and only for driving license B. You will need 6 hours of driving lessons, a certificate, and a valid theory exam for this. A supervisor is mentioned on this model.
- A waiting period of 3 years. If you still want to take the exam, your theory must still be valid (or you take it again) and you must complete at least 6 hours of driving lessons.
You can switch once between the model with and without a supervisor as long as your provisional driving license is still valid. The already completed practice period will count.
After your practical exam: the return moment
If you pass your practical exam and have your definitive driving license, you will still need to attend a mandatory return moment in Flanders. This takes place between 6 and 9 months after the date on your driving license. Expect a half-day commitment and a cost of approximately 122 euros.
Useful links and official sources
- Apply for a provisional driving license via BelDrive (Federal Public Service Mobility)
- All about the practice period (Vlaanderen.be)
- Find an exam center or recognized driving school
Frequently asked questions
With M36, you drive with a supervisor (from 17 years old, valid for 36 months). With M18, you practice independently (from 18 years old, valid for 18 months, after 20 hours of driving lessons).
In Flanders, at least 5 months, starting from the issuance of your provisional driving license.
Yes, a clearly visible L-sign on the rear window is mandatory during the practice period.
No, not between 10 PM and 6 AM on weekends and public holidays.
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