The 10 serious mistakes that prevent you from passing the Belgian theoretical exam the first time

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Certain mistakes in the Belgian theoretical exam are more serious than others. Here are the 10 major pitfalls that cause candidates to fail and how to keep them under control.

Discover the most common mistakes and how to avoid them to get it right the first time

The theoretical exam for driving license B in Belgium consists of 50 questions, and you must score at least 41/50 to pass. But be careful: if a classic mistake costs you 1 point, certain serious violations cost you 5 points directly . Two serious mistakes, and you automatically fail! Discover the 10 pitfalls that cause candidates to fail and learn how to avoid them. 1. Mistakes about seatbelts and children Wrong answers about seatbelts for children cost 5 points directly . This is one of the heaviest penalties. Children older than 3 years and smaller than 1.35 m must use an adapted retention device (ARD) . If you don't master this rule, it's better not to answer than to get it wrong. 2. Signals for dangerous loads The three signals relating to dangerous goods, flammable/explosive and polluting substances cost 5 points for a wrong answer. These signs are critical: a driver transporting these goods must not pass them. Learn to recognize them. 3. Confusing overtaking on the right with traffic jams On a motorway, overtaking on the right is a serious violation . In traffic jams, however: if the right lane is driving slightly faster than the left lane, this is not considered

overtaking. Don't let this nuance trap you. 4. Regional speed limits Belgium is regulated: speed limits differ between the Flemish Region, the Walloon Region and the Brussels-Capital Region . In a built-up area in Brussels, for example, the limit is 30 km/h . Confusing the regions is a common mistake. 5. Ignoring blind spots Every vehicle has blind spots that mirrors don't cover. If your car is equipped with a detection system (LED light), you must not overtake as long as the light is on. Looking over your shoulder is mandatory. 6. Lateral overtaking distances Overtaking a cyclist, moped rider or pedestrian requires a minimum lateral distance. Outside built-up areas: 1.5 meters ; in built-up areas: 1 meter . These precise figures are often tested. 7. Orders from qualified agents Road users must immediately obey orders from qualified agents. A rotating arm movement means increase speed. The whistle is only a warning signal, not an order. Confusing these signals is a serious mistake. 8. Right-of-way from the right and exceptions The right-of-way from the right is the general rule, but has exceptions. A driver crossing a sidewalk or cycle path, for example, must give way to

users riding there. These nuances are regularly tested. 9. Fog lights and high beams Front fog lights are not mandatory. Rear fog lights must be on in fog or snow (visibility less than approximately 100 meters) or heavy rain . Confusing these conditions is a common mistake. 10. All four turn signals at once The four turn signals can only be on simultaneously in three cases: breakdown, imminent accident risk, or school bus with children getting in or out. Turning them on to indicate bad parking is an additional violation . Tips to pass Absolutely remember : questions about children's seatbelts and dangerous loads cost 5 points each. Better not to answer than to get it wrong. Learn the precise figures (distances, regional speed limits) and nuances between similar rules. Go further Now that you know the main pitfalls, here's how you can move forward: Test your knowledge with a free simulation on these critical topics. Deepen each topic through our detailed traffic rules lessons . Prepare for exams with our full simulations . Exchange experiences with other candidates on the community space to share your experiences.