Flanders approves more difficult driving test

The government of Flanders has approved a new, more challenging driving test, both theoretical and practical. The new rules, however, make it easier to renew a provisional licence that has expired.

Under the new system, mistakes in the written test will be more strictly penalised, with serious mistakes weighing more heavily in the result. In the practical exam, the two manoeuvres required at present – parking behind a parked car and making a three-point turn – will be drawn from a possible six, including reversing, parallel parking, an emergency stop and driving on a wet surface.

According to the federation of driving schools, the new practical requirements mean those learning to drive will need to train more on the open road, rather than learning to manoeuvre, for instance, in a car park. “No good can come of that,” a federation spokesperson said. “That will result in more accidents and even more traffic problems.”

The provisional licence obtained on passing the written test is valid for three years, during which time the holder has to take a practical test. If they do not, the licence expires and can only be renewed after three years and a new theory test – a system described by Weyts as “absurd”.

“The rule was introduced to stop learner drivers from hopping from one provisional licence to the next,” Weyts explained. “But it was taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.” Under the new rule, a provisional licence can be renewed after six hours of driving lessons.

Photo: Ingimage