Types of Driving Licenses in Belgium
Belgium offers different driving licenses for various vehicle types. Each license has specific age requirements, training hours, and eligibility criteria. The Royal Decree regulates all vehicle categories and their requirements.
Mopeds (AM Category)
The AM category license is required to drive two-wheeled mopeds. Mopeds are two-wheeled vehicles with a capacity not exceeding 50 cm³ and a maximum speed not exceeding 45 km/h. This is the entry-level license for motorized two-wheeled transport.
Age requirement: Minimum 14 years old. Must complete mandatory training (3 hours minimum) and pass a theoretical test.
Motorcycles (A1, A2, A Categories)
- License A1: For light motorcycles with max 125 cm³ engine and max 11 kW (15 bhp) power output. Accessible from age 16. 6 hours mandatory training required.
- License A2: For restricted motorcycles with max 35 kW (47 bhp) power output and max 70 kW/t power-to-weight ratio. Accessible from age 18. Can be upgraded to A after 2 years.
- License A: For all motorcycles without restrictions (unlimited displacement and power). Accessible from age 24 or after 2 years of holding an A2 license.
Car License (B Category)
License B in Belgium is the standard driving license for light vehicles, such as cars, vans, and motorhomes. It allows driving vehicles whose maximum authorized mass (MAM) does not exceed 3,500 kg and designed to carry up to 8 passengers, besides the driver. This is the most common license type.
Age requirement: 18 years old minimum (or 17 with provisional license). Minimum 12 hours professional driving instruction required. Valid for 15 years.
Heavy Vehicles (C and C1 Categories)
License C1: Required for vehicles with MAM between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg. Generally used for medium-sized trucks and larger motorhomes. Age requirement: 18 years old minimum.
License C: For heavy utility vehicles (trucks and heavy goods vehicles) with MAM exceeding 7,500 kg. This includes articulated lorries and large cargo vehicles.
Age requirement: At least 21 years old. Must hold a B license. Require specific theoretical exam, medical certification, and practical training. Valid for 5 years.
Public Transport Vehicles (D and D1 Categories)
License D1: For public transport vehicles (minibuses) designed to carry between 9 and 16 passengers, besides the driver. Used for shuttle services and small bus operations.
License D: For public transport vehicles (buses and coaches) designed to carry more than 16 passengers, in addition to the driver. Required for professional bus drivers.
Age requirement: At least 24 years old (or 21 in specific conditions). Must hold B license, medical certification required, specific theoretical and practical exams mandatory. Valid for 5 years.
Agricultural Machinery (G Category)
License G is required to drive agricultural machinery, such as tractors, combine harvesters, and agricultural trailers on public roads. This category serves farmers and agricultural workers.
G license is divided into two subcategories: standard G license for regular agricultural vehicles and G license with authorization to drive self-propelled agricultural machines.
Age requirement: At least 18 years old. Must pass specific theoretical exam for agricultural machinery operation and safety rules. Valid for 10 years.