Wallonia License Reform 2026: theory and practice on the same territory

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New requirement in Wallonia from 2026: to take your practical driving licence exam, you must have passed your theoretical exam in Wallonia. Discover the details of this reform.

Since January 1st, Wallonia is imposing a new rule: taking the practical exam only if you have passed the theory in Wallonia.

Since January 1st, 2026 , Wallonia has implemented a new rule that changes the path for driving licence candidates. To take your practical exam in Wallonia, you must have successfully passed your theoretical exam in Wallonia . This reform marks an important turning point in the organisation of driving licence exams in Walloon territory. What does this new obligation mean in practice ? The rule is simple but strict : the entire driving licence exam process must take place in Walloon territory . This means you can no longer take your theoretical exam in another region and your practical exam in Wallonia. It is important to note that a passed theoretical exam remains valid for three years . You therefore have a three-year window to take your practical exam after passing the theory, provided that the latter is taken in Wallonia. Key takeaway : Theoretical exam passed in Wallonia → Practical exam mandatory in Wallonia, within the three years that follow . Why this reform ? A matter of regional competence This decision is part of a well-established legal framework. Since the sixth state reform , each Belgian region is responsible for driving training and driving licence exams. This means

that Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels-Capital can each define their own rules. The regions want driving licence candidates to complete all tests and training on their territory, to ensure pedagogical and administrative consistency. Your licence remains valid throughout Belgium and abroad , regardless of where you obtained it. Wallonia aligns with Brussels Wallonia is not a pioneer in this matter. Brussels-Capital had already introduced this obligation well before 2026. The Brussels decree already provided that a practical exam candidate must have passed the theoretical exam in the Brussels-Capital Region. It can therefore be said that the Walloon Region is aligning with the Brussels system , harmonising its rules with the Capital. This convergence strengthens consistency between regions. Situation in Flanders : a different approach Flanders has not yet amended the basic texts relating to driving licences on this point. You could therefore, in principle, take the theoretical exam in another region and the practical exam in Flanders. However, this situation should only affect a limited number of people. Apart from moving from one region to another between the two phases of the

licence, there is little incentive to take the theoretical exam in one regional system and the practical exam in another. Practical implications for Walloon candidates If you live in Wallonia or are planning to take your driving licence in Wallonia, here is what you need to remember : Plan your journey : start with the theoretical exam in Wallonia, then organise your practical exam within the three years that follow . No exceptions possible : you cannot get around this rule by taking the theory elsewhere. Your licence remains national : once obtained, it allows you to drive throughout Belgium and abroad. To go further Now that you understand this new Walloon reform, here is how to deepen your knowledge and prepare : Prepare for the theory : access our complete road code lessons to master all the topics of the theoretical exam. Test your knowledge with a free simulation to check your progress before the official exam. Train on road signs via our BeGame , the interactive game of Belgian road signs. Consult our articles to discover other important rules of the Belgian road code on our blog .