International Driving Permit for Belgium
Belgium drives on the right and has a famously dense motorway network, much of it lit at night across Flanders and Wallonia. A notable local quirk is the priority-from-the-right rule, where traffic entering from the right often has priority unless signs indicate otherwise, so stay alert at unmarked junctions.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Belgium?
EU and EEA licence holders do not need an IDP in Belgium, and visitors from many other countries can drive on a valid licence for short stays, though an IDP can be a helpful translation.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 17 years
- Region
- Europe
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: Dutch, French, German
Driving in Belgium: key facts
- Driving is on the right, and the priority-to-the-right rule applies at many junctions unless signposted otherwise.
- Motorways have a speed limit of 120 km/h, while the blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, lower for professional drivers.
- Low-emission zones operate in cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent, and you may need to register your vehicle to enter.
How to get your IDP for Belgium
Getting your International Driving Permit for Belgium takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Belgium.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Belgium
Do I need an IDP to drive in Belgium?
EU and EEA drivers need only their home licence. Visitors from outside the EU can usually drive on a valid licence for short stays, with an IDP serving as a useful translation if your licence is not in a Latin script.
Can I rent a car in Belgium with a foreign licence?
Yes, you can rent with a valid foreign licence, and an IDP may be requested if your licence is in a non-Latin script or from a country the rental firm does not recognise.
What side of the road does Belgium drive on?
Belgium drives on the right.
What is the minimum age to drive in Belgium?
The minimum age to hold a full licence is 18, with supervised learning possible from 17, while rental companies generally require drivers to be at least 21.
Other countries in Europe
International Driving Permit for Belgium
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