On February 2, 2024, Mobility Minister Lydia Peeters announced an extension for taxi drivers in Flanders to fulfill Dutch language requirements. Originally set for July 1, 2024, the deadline

posed a risk of numerous drivers losing their licenses. In 2020, the new taxi decree introduced language proficiency obligations for drivers, linked to the compulsory license in Flanders since July 1, 2020. Initially given two years to meet the language requirement, the transitional period was extended by two years in 2022.

Now, with a further extension of one year, the transitional measure encompasses those who obtained their driving license before July 1, 2023. The extension aims to address challenges faced by a significant number of drivers in reaching the required language level by the initial June 2024 deadline.

To qualify for the transitional measure, drivers must enroll in a language course at an adult education center by June 30, 2024, to ensure the validity of their license. Education Minister Ben Weyts emphasizes the importance of enrollment before the specified date for an additional year to achieve the minimum Dutch proficiency level. Photo by Stratoswift, Wikimedia commons.