How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat, it is an excellent idea to attend driving school. They will take care of all the paperwork and shorten your wait for an exam.
It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks or even months to obtain your French license (permis de conduire) that comes in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is a crucial step in the French license process. You can prepare by studying a manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You can also take a test online for free test to practice. The test is conducted digitally using tablets in the test center, and you must correctly answer at least 35 of the questions to pass.
Like many countries, the French driver's license can be obtained after passing the practical and theoretical test. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the statistics that only 54.4 percent of males and 59.2% women passed the test on the first time. The pass rate for the practical test was lower, at 58.6% males and 52.8% women. People with disabilities or health issues may need to take additional tests.
You can take the theory test at a driving academy, who will manage your lessons and the exam for you, or you could take it as an individual candidate. You need to register for the number "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise” on the website of the agency for government ANTS. This number is needed to book a date for the theory test.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine online practice with live classes. These courses are expensive, but can help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach, cater to English speakers. However, they are more expensive than a traditional French driving school.
If you have an active driving license from a member country of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to swap your license for a French one. The process can take a long time and you will need to provide a translation by an official translator.
If you don't speak French, you can still take the test using a translator. You can take the test as many times you like and without a waiting time. The cost for a regular theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be legally able to drive in France. You can take the theory and the practical tests at a driving academy which will organize your classes and tests or you can take it by yourself. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you must register for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise number - on the website of government agency ANTS.
The exam, also known as le Code, consists of 40 questions that have multiple-choice answers that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can download free applications and study guides online, or purchase a Code de la Route in bookstores. You can receive an A grade if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't commit any elimination mistakes (such a crossing a solid line or turning left, not respecting the stop sign, or disregarding the rules of priority).
In the practical test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving, and will last for about two hours in total. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your understanding of basic first aid. The practical test can be repeated up to five times within three years.
As an external candidate you may bring a tutor along to the test however they cannot charge more than the price of a lesson. If you are an instructor at a driving school, you are able to bring an instructor along to the test. If you fail the practical test, you can take it again up to five times.
Note that the theory and the practice tests are conducted in French which means you'll need an excellent level of proficiency in the French language. It is recommended to plan ahead and begin learning the language early even before moving to France. The test is difficult for non-French speakers So you must be fluent before you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to earn their French driving licence, new drivers should be aware some important points. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical exams. They also must be insured for their vehicle and obtain a pollution certificate ("conduit accompanye").
Le code is the first step. The test is comprised of oral and multiple-choice questions. The second step is to take the practical exam which is more challenging and requires plenty of practice. The test will test your knowledge of road rules and what to do in the event that you encounter an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or severely injured.
After having passed the theory and practical test after which you will receive an official document referred to as a certificate of examination for a permit to drive. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. This is the document you must to show the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" will be noted at the end of the document.
Your driver's licence must be renewed every 15 years. This can be done by filling out an administrative form and paying an amount. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can complete this online or in person at your local prefecture. You can check the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
In addition to driving rules, it is important to be aware of the French demerit points system. You could lose your driving license if commit a serious offense or accumulate too many points. You can also lose your license if you don't pay fines or have been in a serious accident.
It is important to be aware that France drives on a right-hand side of the road, and that traffic that is coming from the left is given priority. It is also important to be aware that the speed limit on the national and departmental highways is 80 km/h. However, the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h for local roads and in cities.
Getting your license
If you've just passed your French driving test or are an expat driver moving to France, getting a license in the country can be quite a challenge. You must be aware of the rules and requirements to get a license to avoid being stopped by the police or getting into an accident due to invalid driving permits. To avoid any issues, it's best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper translates your license into multiple languages and is a requirement to be carried with you when driving across the globe. These are a bargain ($20) and can be obtained at your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
For most expats, they can exchange their license to one with a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process could take from a couple of weeks to a few months, dependent on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You'll need proof of identity and two passport photos from recent times as well as a medical certificate. two self-addressed envelopes.
If you don't have a valid ID or your foreign driving permit has expired, you'll have to pass a theory and practical test prior to obtaining a full licence. People with disabilities or specific health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the case of the second option, doctors will conduct an examination to evaluate your driving abilities. The test consists of a theoretical exam, a practice driving test in a parking lot, and an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to carry their driving licence and registration for their vehicle at all times. They also must carry an insurance policy for their cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to speak with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy includes driving in France, and that it is current.
Getting your license in the country where you have made your new home might seem daunting but with a little preparation and the help of a driving instructor it is easy. While you don't have to attend an instructor in driving to get your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling your appointment for you.