According to figures given in response to a question tabled by the Christian democrat member of the Flemish parliament Sofie Mertens, half of all candidates fail their driving test at the first attempt. Women generally do better than men in the theoretical driving test with 55% of female candidates passing at the first attempt compared with 50% of the men that sit the test.
53% of all candidates sitting the theoretical test pass at the first attempt, while 52% of thosse sitting the test for a second time pass. A large portion of those taking the theoretical test for the first time are aged between 17 and 25. Among this age group 56% pass at their first attempt. This percentage is higher than among other age demographics.
After having failed twice, candidates are obliged to take theory lessons at driving school. However, this does not guarantee success and just 6 out of 10 candidates pass the theoretical test at the third attempt.
Fraud a big problem in Antwerp Province
Candidates in Antwerp Province have the lowest pass rate in Flanders. Fraud also appears to be an issue in Antwerp. 52% of the cases of test fraud detected in Flanders between 2021 and 2024 were in Antwerp Province, while Antwerp Province only accounts for just under 30% of our region’s population.
The Deurne Test Centre in Antwerp had the largest number of recorded cases of test fraud of any Test Centre in Flanders.
Practical driving tests
The practical driving test also remains a challenge for many. Only 47% of candidates pass at their first attempt. It is only at the third attempt that the pass rate rises above to above 60%.
Age appears to be a determining factor with young people aged between 17 and 25 doing better. 49% of candidates aged between 17 and 25 pass at their first attempt, while 57% pass at their second attempt.