Dear Editor

Some of us, expats are not allowed to drive in Belgium with driving licenses  from our native countries and we need to obtain a Belgian license if we wish  to drive here. Although this is sad, things get worse.

We need to pass a theory exam and a practical exam. The theory exam is on a
computer - a set of 50 or so questions with multiple choice answers, from which you choose the answer you think is right. If you get 41 or more correct, you pass. If not, you fail. Easy ? No, not really.

The computer puts up questions in Dutch or French. Of course ! Welcome to Belgium !

'For Brutus is an honourable man'   Julius Caesar (Act 3, Scene 2)

If you wish to take the test in any other language, for example, in this apparently "alien" language called English, you need to register for a special test with a translator. The special test is held regularly - a bit more frequently than the appearance of the Halley's comet. Well actually, you need to sign up well in advance - say a month or more - for a test with the translator. And of course you pay for the services of the translator.

The tests in Dutch/French cost you Euro 15, but one with a translator costs you Euro 65 - yes, Euro 50 goes for the translation !

How is the test ? Well, the computer throws up the questions in Dutch/French on your screen. As this happens, the translator reads out the questions, in English, once only per question - to a hall filled with license seekers. You hear the translated question, relate it to the picture on your screen and make your choice of answers. The question and the possible answers are *NOT* repeated. If you missed it, too bad - because the translator and your screen will proceed to the next question.

Yes, this is a way to do it. And yes, you pay Euro 50, a bit expensive, but still tolerable.

But hey, are we living in the bronze age or what ? What does it take to translate the damn 50 questions on the computer into the top 10 "alien" languages - English being at the top of that list.

Marcus Brutus

The message, unfortunately seems to be this :

If you are from a country whose license is not recognized here, then we discourage you from driving. Unlike Dutch/French speakers, you cannot walk into a theory exam when you wish - you need to register months in advance. Then you pay Euro 50 extra for a manual translation service - which has a number of drawbacks. And with all this, if you fail, you go through this nice drill again.

Basic point is : It is so damn easy /cheap / obvious to get the questions on the computer translated in a number of alien languages. What prevents the authorities from doing this ? Maybe it is the lack of a civil suit against them ?

Belgium is an equal opportunity country. And Brutus is an honorable man.

I passed the theory test on my second appearance. But it took me 4 months or  so, since I landed in Belgium to get past the first hurdle.

relief !

Vinay Deshpande


Non-EU nationals can check the government web site for licence validity: www.mobilit.fgov.be

Expatica Belgium May 2007