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The European Driving Licence
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Find out how long an EU-issued driver's licence is valid in Belgium..
The EU has worked to harmonise standards of the driving test and the appearance of the driving licence so that the licence issued in one country will be recognised by other member states. All driving licences issued since 1 January 1983 conform with the Community model, but they may be in paper or plastic form and can look quite different. In 2006 the Council of Ministers adopted a new directive, aimed at ensuring mutual recognition of driving licences by the Member States. The issuing of new licences is obligatory as of 2012. The validity of the new driving licence of category A and B will be 10 years - though Member States may extend it to 15 years. Categories C and D will only be valid for five years. People with EU-issued driver's licences who take up residence in Belgium are not required to exchange it for a Belgian licence. Belgian licence regulations apply to other EU licences used by residents of Belgium, regarding:- The period of validity of the licence
- Medical checks
- Minimum driver's age
- Penalties and restrictions, including suspension, withdrawal and cancellation of the licence
- For comprehensive information from the European Commission see: EU driving licence recognition and validity