New Temporary Driving License Rules in Belgium

As of February 1, 2020, people in Belgium who failed to renew their temporary category B driving license can apply for a new temporary license if they complete six hours of driving lessons at an approved driving school.

Previously, people who missed the deadline to obtain or renew their temporary driving license had to wait three years before they could apply again. This three-year waiting period was considered a penalty in the Flemish part of Belgium.

Under the revised rules, applicants who complete six hours of driving lessons and receive an official certificate can apply for a new temporary driving license instead of waiting the full three years.

However, this option is only available once. The new temporary license is valid for 12 months, giving future drivers another year to practice before taking their practical driving test.

If the required six hours of driving lessons are not completed, the three-year waiting period remains applicable.

Cheaper Smoking Cessation Treatment in Belgium

Another change introduced in Belgium concerned the cost of treatment for people trying to quit smoking.

Smokers were able to receive financial support for smoking cessation treatment, with reimbursement available for up to three treatment attempts over a five-year period.

Before receiving the full treatment, smokers first had to purchase a starter kit and use it during a two-week trial period. The kit cost 49.95 euro and, under the previous system, the full cost had to be paid by the patient.

From February 1, the personal contribution was reduced to 9.80 euro for people covered by the preferential reimbursement scheme and 14.80 euro for other patients.

In addition, smokers became entitled to three full smoking cessation treatments reimbursed over every five-year period, replacing the previous arrangement for treatment reimbursement.

These measures were intended to make it easier and less expensive for people in Belgium to obtain support when trying to quit smoking.