The driving school market - Belgium

Since 2020, the Belgian driving school market has continued to experience a shift in demand, not least because young Belgians are increasingly delaying obtaining their driving license, the trend being most pronounced among the under-30s. This trend is attributed to a number of factors, not least the high costs associated with buying, maintaining and insuring vehicles for new drivers, as well as the fact that the number of new drivers is increasing.hicles for new drivers, increasing traffic congestion and parking difficulties, improved public transport options and growing environmental awareness.

Despite these changes in licensing trends, the automotive market in Belgium remains buoyant, with the country experiencing average annual growth of 1.3% in the number of passenger cars on the road, indicating a thriving automotive sector that supports demand for driving licenses. Online driver training platforms have emerged, providing theoretical content and practical tests to help drivers obtain their license, although their success rate and impact on road safety have been the subject of debate. The market is marked by the presence of both traditional and digital offerings, with the latter offering more attractive margins despite the criticism they have received. In terms of demographics, the 15-29 age group represents a significant segment of driving schools' potential clientele, even if purchasing power is eroding, with an average annual decline of 0.3%.

Regulatory changes, such as the introduction of a risk perception test, continue to influence the market, potentially leading to an increased need for candidates to prepare more thoroughly. Driving schools are unevenly distributed across Belgium, with a higher concentration in the more densely populated Brussels-Capital region than in Flanders and Wallonia. The market offers a range of licenses, including for motorcycles, cars, trucks and buses, with the cost and structure of training varying according to multiple factors. Overall, demographic and economic factors, competition from alternative means of transport and changing regional regulations will continue to shape the Belgian driving school market beyond 2020. Note: the summary provided is based on the scope of the data presented in the original user text, which offered statistical data and demographic estimates. Any developments or trends beyond this period could not be incorporated due to the lack of up-to-date data in the original text.

The Belgian driving school market: changing demographics and consumer preferences The driving school market in Belgium is linked to the country's automotive industry.

An upward trend in vehicle registrations indicates a healthy automotive market, which generally stimulates demand for driver training services. Despite this positive correlation, the age at which Belgians obtain their driving license is increasing, with less enthusiasm among the under-20s and a greater tendency to obtain a license between the ages of 20 and 30. This development can be attributed to a range of factors, including soaring insurance costs for young drivers, improved public transport infrastructure in urban areas, and growing ecological concerns encouraging the use of public transport over car ownership. A notable trend in the Belgian market is the emergence of a preference for online access to theoretical driving knowledge. Traditional driving schools are facing fierce competition from digital platforms and mobile apps offering theory content and test simulations, although their success rates and impact on road safety have come under close scrutiny.

French driving school companies have expressed interest in the Belgian market, taking advantage of their considerable size and resources. The main factors influencing the driving school sector are household purchasing power and demographic changes, particularly in the 15-29 age bracket, which represents around 15-20% of the population. These young people, who number over two million, are seen as potential customers for driving schools. Regulatory changes, such as the compulsory risk perception test introduced in mid-2018, are also contributing to growth in the driving school market by requiring more comprehensive preparation for applicants. in Brussels, specifically, the number of driving licenses successfully issued paints a distinct picture. While practical tests validated in the region grew by 11%, a national decline of around 10% was observed.

Trends show a decline in the number of people obtaining their license before the age of 20, and an increase in the number of people obtaining their license between the ages of 20 and 30. Driving school prices in Belgium appear to be on a par with neighboring countries such as France, where 20 hours of lessons cost an average of around 1,000 euros, or almost 50 euros per hour. Taking into account additional costs for tests and permits, an aspiring driver can spend in excess of 100 euros for a completely independent route to a license, often relying on personal guides for practical experience. The breakdown of driving schools in Belgium shows a concentration in Flanders, with around 87 schools, compared with 57 in Wallonia and 32 in Brussels. These figures suggest that the driving school market in Belgium is highly competitive The Belgian driving school market is a complex network of traditional establishments, newer online offerings and a mix of large and multi-regional players. These players position themselves in the market according to their service models, geographical coverage and adoption of technology.

We will look at the main players highlighted in the previous text and explore their distinctive roles.

• Traditional driving schools: These form the backbone of the sector, being present in local communities and offering practical, face-to-face driving instruction. Their services generally encompass both theoretical and practical training, with a particular emphasis on preparing candidates for both parts of the driving test. These schools are often well-established, with a loyal clientele, and have the advantage of providing direct, personal advice and instruction.
• Online platforms and applications: A fast-growing segment of the market, online platforms have revolutionized access to theoretical knowledge for aspiring drivers. By offering paid access to a repository of courses and sample tests, these digital services meet the needs of technophile users looking for convenience and flexibility. Some platforms are extending their reach regionally or nationally, positioning themselves as a direct competitor to traditional driving schools.
• French market entrants: Due to the similarities between the Belgian and French driving license models, some major French players are showing a keen interest in expanding into the Belgian market. Their size, experience and financial resources give them a competitive edge in acquiring customers and expanding their market share.
• Feder Drive members: The federation of driving schools, known as Feder Drive, brings together accredited establishments throughout Belgium. By affiliating with Feder Drive, members are represented with public bodies, receive advice on regulatory changes and often benefit from negotiated discounts on relevant training and resources.
• Regionalized operators: After the sixth reform, which regionalized the driving school sector, various operators emerged with distinct offerings tailored to the Flemish, Walloon and French regions.these are tailored to the specific regulations and learner profiles of the Flemish, Walloon and Brussels-Capital regions. Although the segmentation does not highlight specific company names, it does describe the structure of the market and indicates the range of service providers from which aspiring drivers can choose. It's a diverse sector, with traditional mainstays, young innovators and regional specialists all vying to train the next generation of Belgian drivers.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/10/2021

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