Comments on: My Belgian Driver’s License

By: Dallas

Dallas — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:08:33 +0000

Whoops, I just learned from my husband that you don’t need an international license for Belgium, but you do for France, Germany, or Netherlands. But they’re pretty easy to get – just $50 and a photo at AAA. Also, check this with someone official – we’re just going by our best understandings, but we’re not official or anything.

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:10:05 +0000

Congrats! It was news to me that you need an international license in addition to the US license to drive in Belgium… Is this the one issued by the AAA? Happy feet!!

By: Marion

Marion — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:13:25 +0000

In Germany we actually had to go through the whole driver’s education classes, driving, paper test and everything. It was a huge a deal as we wanted to obey “the rules.”

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:23:57 +0000

Technically, as you mentioned, to get your US license again you’re supposed to turn in your Belgian license, but this becomes a pain if you ever need to go back to Belgium, or anywhere in EU assuming your Belgian license is valid in the EU.

There’s a trick… If you want to keep your Belgian license, when you get back to the US just say that you lost your US license, and they’ll give you a new one. We’d have done this if we’d known, because Nui had to turn in her license for Thailand and now whenever we go back to visit she can’t drive.

Anyway, pretty cool piece of history to hold on to and show to your kids and grandkids.

By: mub

mub — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:11:57 +0000

I'm jealous you were able to just trade your US license in! I have to do horrible expensive tests here in NL. Don't you think the huge paper licenses are so strange? They finally started doing the credit-card sized ones here, but my husband still has the old style until his expires in 8 years or so. .-= mub´s last blog ..Happy Feet =-.

By: Dallas

Dallas — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:09:44 +0000

Michaela – No idea on the no license until the 60s. I do pretty well without a car, except I would love one to do some exploring of the French countryside. So far, we’ve always gone on Thomas’ motorcycle, but being the passenger in the back isn’t the most fun.

Lydia – I *think* they start counting when you get your residency card (the official plastic one, I suppose), since your home country’s license plus an international license is valid until then…but as you know, this is Belgium and with that, you never know. :) Plus each commune is probably different. I did need my plastic residency card to get it. Good luck.

By: Lydia

Lydia — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:04:47 +0000

Congratulations. I am very jealous. I also need to do this soon.

Do you know when they start counting up to one year? I arrived in the country in February, but didn’t get my orange-paper temporary permit until April, and I am still waiting on my official plastic ID card.

Also, did you need your plastic ID card to swap over your license?

Ahh, the joys of paperwork.
.-= Lydia´s last blog ..MSC Fantasia review =-.