You have studied well. You know the signs, the right of way rules and the speeds... and yet you fail. Why? Because the theory exam in Belgium is full of clever traps. Some questions not only test your knowledge but also your logical thinking and attention to detail. Here we outline 3 of the most treacherous types of questions – including explanations and tips to tackle them flawlessly.

1. How long is your stopping distance at a certain speed?

“You are driving at 100 km/h. What is your stopping distance?”

A classic trick question. Many candidates guess based on feeling and think: that should be around 50 meters. But in reality, the stopping distance is much higher. At 90 km/h it is already about 70 meters, so at 100 km/h you will be well above that.

What helps? Memorising four simple reference numbers:

• 50 km/h → ± 30 meters

• 70 km/h → ± 45 meters

• 90 km/h → ± 70 meters

• 110 km/h → ± 95 meters

These are the figures that make the difference between right and wrong – especially if the exam question throws you off balance.

Practice question: You are driving at 40 km/h. What is your stopping distance? The answer is between 10 and 30 meters.

2. Speed limits on motorways outside built-up areas

“What is the maximum speed on a road outside built-up areas in Flanders, with directions separated by road markings?”

Possible answers:
a) 90 km/h
b) 70 km/h (correct answer)
c) 120 km/h

Sounds simple, but there are pitfalls.

The road has no central reservation. And that matters. Because in Flanders and Brussels, the maximum speed is then 70 km/h. In Wallonia, it is 90 km/h. As soon as there is a central reservation and two lanes in each direction, you may drive up to 120 km/h.

In short: the region and the infrastructure determine the correct answer – and you only see that if you read carefully. Once there is a central reservation and 2x2 lanes in each direction, you may drive up to 120 km/h. Don't forget: signs can impose a lower speed at any time.

3. Bus lane or special lane? Watch out for the lines!

“Are you allowed to drive in this lane to turn?”

Possible answers:
a) Yes, always
b) Only if it is a bus lane (correct answer)
c) No, never

Finally, a real classic. The image shows a lane for public transport, but the difference between a bus lane and a special lane can only be seen in the markings.

A broken white line means: bus lane – you can drive short distances on it, for example to turn. A solid line? Then it's a special lane: you can only cross it at an intersection or to take an exit, but you can never drive on it.

In summary

It's not the difficult definitions that trip you up, but the subtler details. Those who read carefully, think logically, and practice sufficiently can recognise and avoid these traps. A smooth preparation helps as well! See our tips for this on the blog “How to pass your theory exam in 1 week” and "Why do so many young people fail the theoretical driving test".

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