What do I need to drive in Belgium?
- A valid UK driving licence.
- Your insurance documentation.
- Proof of ownership, the V5C certificate.
- If you're driving a vehicle that's not yours, written permission from the registered owner may be required.
If you're planning to drive from London to Belgium, or from anywhere else in the UK, using Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is also your easiest and fastest option. With the journey time from Folkestone to Calais being so short, you could be in Belgium in little over one hour and 15 minutes.
Candidates must bring proof of identity, and must pay a small fee. To pass the exam, candidates must answer 41 out of 50 questions correctly and must have replied correctly to all the questions regarding serious driving offences. The theory test is valid for three years.
Indian license are NOT recognized by Belgium and, if you become a resident, you will need to pass both the theory test and the driving test. You may however drive with an Indian International license as long as you have not become a resident and up to 6 months at the most after having registred in the commune.
You must exchange your non-EU driving licence immediately after moving to Belgium. To exchange your non-EU driving licence: go to your local municipality. hand in the following documents: your foreign driving licence, and if required, a certificate from your embassy.
How to pass your driving test first time
- Practice driving a lot - then practice some more. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
- Know what to expect in your driving test.
- Learn from other people's mistakes.
- Visit the driving test centre before your test.
- Prepare to the hilt.
- Breathe through your nerves.
International Driving Permit FAQ
- International Driving Permits are Required* in the following countries for US Licensed Drivers: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain.
- *IDP enforcement may vary based upon car rental supplier as well as renting country.
Whether you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket).
The mechanics of driving in Europe aren't all that different from home, but the first day or two can be an adjustment. Drive defensively, observe, fit in, avoid big-city driving when you can, have a good map on hand, and wear your seat belt. Below are my top tips for driving safely, and enjoyably, on European roads.
Important documents for driving in Europe
- Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number.
- Proof of vehicle insurance.
- Proof of ID (passport)
- V5C certificate (the 'log book')
- Travel insurance documents.
- European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents.
While Germany does not require foreign citizens to acquire international driver's permits, the neighboring country of Austria and many other European countries do.
U.S. driver's licenses are valid in both Canada and Mexico. But many other countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, according to the U.S. State Department. For those countries, you'll typically need an International Driving Permit.
If you are a Belgian citizen residing in the United States, you should obtain an American driver's license. In some states, you may be able to exchange your Belgian driver's license for an American one; in other states, you have to pass a test.
A foreign license to drive in the United States will be considered valid in 49 states, except for Georgia, which requires a US driver's license for foreigners, known as an International Driving Permit (IDP). A European driver's license in the USA is also valid to rent a car and drive in the country.
Are you planning to drive on your UK vacation? These days, you may need an International Driving Permit or IDP. If you have a valid driving licence from your own country, you can drive in the UK for up 12 months. You may not need an IDP but as they are easy to obtain, it might be a good idea to get one anyway.
IDP needed for car hire. If you have an older, paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you're involved in an accident. You'll need a 1968 permit instead to drive here on or after 18 October 2019.
Ensure that your state is selected. Select 'Start IDP online application'. Fill in the required details, upload the necessary documentation, and make your payment. Your IDP will be posted to you, and arrive within 5 to 7 working days.
International driver's permit (IDP) allows an individual to drive a private motor vehicle in another nation when accompanied by a valid license from their home country. That means, you need the Indian driver's licence and the IDP to drive a vehicle in the EU during the initial 6 months period.
As of January 1, 1999, U.S. driver's license holders must be in possession of a German license six months after entering the country, if they wish to continue driving. U.S. citizens planning to stay less than a year, however, may legally drive in Germany for up to 364 days in Germany on their U.S. driver's licenses.
You can drive a car rented in Western Europe from most companies into nearby eastern countries such as the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia without paying extra.
To obtain an international drivers license online you will need to complete an application, provide two passport photos, and submit a payment for the license, which is typically $20. To apply online, visit one of the company websites listed above.
The site you refer to international-license.com/ issues an "International Drivers License". This is a supposed license card with your details on. It is not legally recognized anywhere in the world. An International Driving Permit is a different document and is legally recognized under convention.
European driving licence areaDriving age for cars is 16 with supervision. Unrestricted licence available at 18.
The IDL must be collected, in person, at the appropriate section of the municipal authority of a municipality with delegated powers, or of the town hall of a city in the Czech Republic. The processing of the application is, by law, subject to an administrative fee of CZK 50.00, payable in cash.
The most important condition to get a driver's license exchanged is proof of a 6 months stay in the Czech Republic. Be advised, a temporary residency certificate is not proof of a 6-month stay! The proof of stay in the Czech Republic can be a lease agreement, bank statement, or work contract for the past 6 months.
Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S. Tourists may also use their valid American driver's license if accompanied by an official translation in Italian.
Is my driving licence valid in the Czech Republic? If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and your driving license complies with the conditions of road traffic of the Czech Republic, you may retain and use your driving license from your native country, but only for one year for a short or long-term stay.
If you intend to get an IDP, you must do so in advance of your travel: The United States does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. To get an IDP, contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver's license. If you want to rent a car, you may need both your license and an IDP.
Roads subject to tolls and compulsory vignette in Czech Republic. A vignette obligation exists in the Czech Republic for all vehicles, up to and including 3.5 tons, on all roads which are identified with sign-posting “Highway” and “Express Way”.
When driving in Czech Republic the following documents should be carried:
- Full, valid driving licence*
- Proof of Insurance (third party or above)
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Proof of ownership (V5C certificate)
- International Driving Permit (see driving licence section)
