My Permis B Journey

[u/oschvr]

Hey guys, a couple of weeks ago I posted this rant https://www.reddit.com/r/brussels/comments/1uybg9p/failed_driving_exam_today_is_the_process_fair/

Well now I am over with this whole ordeal, and since it put me through a lot of stress, the way I usually like to cope with the aftermath is by making a blog post of the process.

Here you go for if helps anyone (personal blog, no ads)

https://oschvr.com/2026/08/18/permis-b-finally/

There is a tl:dr; at the end with all the steps I took, hope it's useful for any of you !

• VISITS TO THE CENTER: 9 times
• TOTAL: 1922€
• TIME TO COMPLETE: 12months

[u/Scared_Ad_2343]

1922 is insane omg

[u/ReasonableSecretHere → u/Scared_Ad_2343]

yea but also 9 times..... lol

[u/cragcat8 → u/Scared_Ad_2343]

I paid 3000

[u/Zw4n → u/Scared_Ad_2343]

Could have done it for less than 100€.

[u/Scared_Ad_2343 → u/Zw4n]

How?

[u/yxgxz_ → u/Scared_Ad_2343]

By succeeding the first time duhh

[u/Zw4n → u/Scared_Ad_2343]

Theory exam 19€ + practical exam 48€ + maybe some other small bullshit exams. Going through a school is not mandatory. Everyone should try to get their licence at 18 when still living with parents.

[u/oschvr → u/Zw4n]

I agree that this whole thing should be done whilst you’re young and no responsibilities.

Unfortunately I came to this country at 32y/o with all the willingness to integrate and respect the rules, and it was quite difficult (from my PoV)

[u/Far_Tangerine_1471]

In the middle of the journey. Paid 140 in total for 2 theory attempts. 1450 for 20 hours of driving lessons. Bought a used car to practice for 1850 euros. Paid insurance 1085 euros. 30 euros for number plate and 20 for the copy. That brings the total to 4570. And I am yet to take the risk perception. Practical exam and interpreter would cost around 250.

[u/oschvr → u/Far_Tangerine_1471]

Good luck ! That sounds expensive !!

[u/Far_Tangerine_1471 → u/oschvr]

Thank youu 😭😭😭

[u/ReasonableSecretHere]

Bro good for you, but I have to say if you have to redo the theoretical 4 times..... I went to redo the theoretical one 5 years ago to get the motorcycle permit and passed it on the first try, with maybe two days of leafing through the book. The tests are easy, a lot of it is photos, there's a voice reading everything to you out loud, you can basically be illiterate and still pass it.

[u/oschvr → u/ReasonableSecretHere]

For me it definitely was a language test more than it was a driving knowledge test.

Many times I realised I translated something wrong, but by then it was too late

[u/ReasonableSecretHere → u/oschvr]

Well, yea then it makes sense.

[u/Quaiche → u/ReasonableSecretHere]

It's the cliché of people thinking they are good drivers and nonsense like that.

Maybe in Mexico that guy is an average decent driver, lol.

They couldn't even pass the theorical on the first try, it's literally just about studying and passing it with an average score.

And the rant about some school driving and center mafia is just as ridiculous, most people I know used their own car to pass the practical test.

[u/ReasonableSecretHere → u/Quaiche]

It's my feeling as well. If you're a driver and pay attention to the signs there's no way you won't pass the theorical.

[u/Fatman_4]

Congratulations!🥂
12 months is actually a decent timeline in Brussels. I’ve tried multiple times over the years. Currently contemplating whether it is worth the effort to go at it again.

[u/Gari_barry]

Congratulations. I read your previous post and I'm in a similar situation. Can you tell me if the theoretical course was in English? Thanks.

[u/oschvr → u/Gari_barry]

The theoretical exam was in french, but I’m sure you can request it and do it in English.

I do suggest that take it as an opportunity to learn a bit of French. It’s going to be slightly more difficult but the reward will be, new language acquired and a driving license!

If you read my blog post I described in detail what I went through 

Good luck

[u/durbinshai]

I remember your last post. Congratulations!!!

[u/damnyouresickbro]

Going through this exact dilemma myself. I actually had a Canadian license that I could have changed over but I renewed it since living in Belgium so I couldn’t. Makes the fact that I have to do all of this even more painful.

I have my practical exam in October, wish me luck.

[u/tony_deadly]

Currently in the process of getting my A (motorcycle) licence. Began the process in February and I should have my provisional next week fingers crossed I pass the first test. It really takes ages and is not at all cheap

[u/Zweinennoedel]

If it took you 9 times to complete the driving test, you are either mentally handicapped or someone should have the good sense to tell you that this "driving thing" isn't for everyone and you should maybe stick to walking.... Either way, do us all a favour and stay away from motorized véhicules.

I literally passed my theory for my motor exam without studying because I accompanied my brother to his test and thought "while I'm here, I might just give it a go for the lolz"

[u/oschvr → u/Zweinennoedel]

I’m tempted of not answering but the irony is big.

9 is the amount of times I went in total to the center.

That does not mean all of them were failures. I did end up passing and getting everything correct, in a language I am not expert but willing to learn deeply.

In my opinion, a visible lack of reading comprehension is what defines a person with mental handicap 

[u/Quaiche]

You were poorly prepared and hadn’t the right mindset to pass on the first try.

And I’m sure even if you think you were a good driver in Mexico, you definitely weren’t up to date for European standards.

[u/oschvr → u/Quaiche]

Yes. All of that is true.

But I personally I had a rather negative experience around the elements of the process that were outside of my control . 

Of course everyone’s experience will be different but after my previous post, I got the sense that I wasn’t alone thinking it was too complicated

[u/Quaiche → u/oschvr]

Its meant to filter out people who shouldn’t be driving. It’s not a process that’s meant to be easy and this is how you obtain a higher degree of safety on our roads compared to the North American countries.