How to Get a French Driving License

If you are an expat it is an excellent idea to attend driving school. They will take care of all the paperwork for you and decrease your wait time for the test date.

It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months to obtain your French license (permis d passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ conduire), which is 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. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety regulations, and you can prepare for it by reading a manual or using mobile apps that are designed to help you learn. You may also take a no-cost online test to practice. The test is conducted digitally at the testing center using tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass.

As in many countries, you can only get a French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. However the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to statistics that only 54.4 percent of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the theory test the first time. The pass rate for the practical test was lower, with 58.6% men and 52.8% women. For those with medical conditions or disabilities may need to take additional tests.

You can take the test through a driving school which will organize your lessons and exam or as an individual candidate. To do this you must sign up for a "NEPH Prefectoral Number" harmonise" on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is required for booking an appointment for a test in theory.

Many driving schools like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine online practice with live classes. These courses can be expensive however they also save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach are designed specifically towards English learners, but they can cost more than a typical French driving school.

If you possess an official driving license from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it for a French licence if you possess an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you'll need to provide the official translator.

If you do not speak French however, you can take the theory test by using an interpreter. You can also take the test for as many times as you'd like and there is no time limit between tests. The cost for the regular theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

If you are planning to drive a car in France, you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can pass both tests via a driving school, which will organise the tests and lessons for you, or you can do it yourself as an external candidate. If you decide to be an independent candidate you will have to apply for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the website of the government agency ANTS.

The theoretical exam, known as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answer covering topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice programs on the internet, or purchase a Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. It is possible to earn an A+ grade with 20 points or more, provided you don't make any eliminatory mistakes (crossing a solid line, driving on the left, not obeying a stop sign or ignoring priority rules).

During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal conditions of traffic in the vehicle you select. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving and will last for about two hours total. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid skills. The practical test may be taken up to five times in three years.

As an external candidate, you may bring a tutor to the exam however, they are not allowed to charge more than the price of permis a – permis a2 session. If you are taking a driving course, you can take an instructor along to the practical test. If you fail the test, you may retake it in as many times as want in the next five years.

Be aware that the theory and the practice tests are conducted in French and you'll need a good level of fluency in the language. It is recommended to plan ahead and start learning early prior to moving to France. The test is difficult for non-French speaking people So you must be fluent before you take it.

Passing the test

There are a few things that new drivers need to know before taking the test for their French driving license. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical exams. They also must have their car insured and obtain a pollution certificate ("conduit accompanye").

The first step is taking the theory test, also known as the code. The exam is comprised of multiple-choice tests and an oral explanation. The second step involves taking the practical test, which is a harder test that requires a lot of practice. The examiner will test your knowledge of road rules and what you should do if you encounter an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or seriously injured.

After passing the theory and practical test After passing the test, you will receive the certificate d'examen de Permis d suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré conduire. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. If you are questioned by the police, this is what you must present to them. The word "favorable" is going to appear at the bottom of the document and will be highlighted.

Your driver's licence must be renewed every 15 years. This is completed by filling out an administrative form and paying a fee. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this via the internet or at the local prefecture office. You can track the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.

It is crucial to understand the French demerit points system, in addition to the driving rules. You can lose your license following an aggravated offense or having too many points. You can also have your license suspended if have outstanding fines or involved in an accident that is serious.

It is also crucial to be aware that France drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Moreover, you should keep in mind that the speed limit on national and departmental roads is 80 km/h. However the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h for local roads and in cities.

Getting your license

Whether you've just completed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France and needing a licence in France can be a bit of a hassle. There are certain rules and licence prerequisites that you need to be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by police or having an accident because of insufficient driving documents. To avoid any trouble the best thing you can do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home. This little piece of paper can translate your license into a variety of languages and is a requirement to be carried when you travel abroad. These are a bargain ($20) and are easily obtainable from your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.

Most expats can exchange their licenses for a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take from a few weeks up to a few months, based on the prefecture's workload. You'll need a identification proof, two recent passport photos, a medical certificate and two envelopes with self-addressed addresses.

If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your driving license from another country is expired, then you'll need to pass a theory and a practical test before you can obtain an official license. Those with disabilities and specific health conditions may have to pass additional tests.

In the event of the latter scenario, a test will be conducted by a doctor who will assess your capability to drive. The test consists of a theoretical exam, a practice driving test in a parking space and a conversation with the examiner.

All French drivers are required to keep their driving licence and vehicle registration at all times. They must also have an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. Contact your insurance company to make sure that your policy covers driving in France and is up-to-date.

The process of getting your license in the country you've chosen to call home might be a daunting task however with a bit of preparation and the assistance of a driving school it will be a breeze. While you don't need an instructor to get your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling the process for you.