Every year, tens of thousands of young people in Belgium take their chance at the theoretical driving test B. And yet, a surprisingly large number do not succeed. Why is that? Is the exam really that difficult, or is the problem somewhere else?

In this blog, we explain why so many young people fail on their first attempt, what the biggest pitfalls are, and how you can seriously increase your chances of passing.

1. Starting to study too late

Many young people underestimate the theoretical exam. "It will be fine, it’s just learning some traffic signs." But the exam tests more than that: priority situations, hazard recognition, exceptions, environmental rules, you name it.

Tip: Start practicing on time. Even 20 minutes a day is better than one big cramming session right before the exam.

2. Just 'learning', not practicing

Knowing the traffic rules is one thing. But applying them in exam questions is something else. You need to learn to think like the exam centre thinks. Those who only read and do not practise exam questions are often unprepared.

Tip: Test yourself with exam questions that resemble the real exam. Practicing with RAPP helps you get familiar with the question style and time pressure.

3. Using the wrong apps or outdated information

Some apps or websites are outdated or even provide incorrect info. As a result, you study incorrectly and believe you are doing well on the exam — while that is not the case.

Tip: Use an app like RAPP, which is 100% based on the official Belgian traffic rules (GOCA guidelines).

4. No focus on pitfalls

Some questions are notorious: exceptions for trams, bus lanes, priority at roundabouts... These are pitfalls where many young people stumble.

Tip: Focus on the themes where you score poorly. In RAPP, you can see after each test which types of questions you got wrong — handy for targeted learning.

5. Too nervous during the exam

Failing anxiety, insufficient sleep, wanting to click through too quickly... The exam is short, but if you lose your head, it goes wrong quickly. Being nervous + doubting = mistakes you wouldn't otherwise make.

Tip: Practice with realistic simulations. In RAPP, you encounter real exam conditions (50 questions, time pressure, random order), so the actual exam feels like something you’ve already done.

Conclusion

The theoretical driving test is not impossible. But do not underestimate it. Many young people do not pass because they are unprepared or ill-prepared.
Do you really want to be ready?

Practice smart, practice realistically. And definitely check out other blogs like "5 common mistakes on the theory exam" and "New traffic rules for the theory exam 2025: Electric scooters"

With RAPP, you test yourself with real exam questions. Ready to start?