How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat, it is a good idea to enroll in a driving school. They will handle all paperwork and reduce the time required to pass 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, or the code, is an essential step in the French driving license process. You can prepare by studying the manual and using mobile apps to help learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You may also take a free online test to practice. The test is administered digitally in the testing center, using tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.
Like in most countries, you are able to get the French driving licence after passing both the theory and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the latest statistics, only 59.2 percent of men and 54.4 percent of women passed their test on their first attempt, while the passing rate for the practical test was lower at 58.6 percent for males and licencefrancexpress 52.8% for women. For those with disabilities or health conditions might require additional tests.
You can either take the test through an instructor who will manage your lessons and the test or as an individual candidate. To do this, you must register for the number "NEPH Prefectoral Number" harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a date for the theory test.
Many driving schools such as Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine online practice with live classes. These courses are costly, but can help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach are designed specifically towards English speakers, but they may cost more than a normal French driving school.
If you hold a valid driving licence from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it to a French licence if you hold an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you will need to provide the official translator.
You can still take the test if you don't speak French by using a translator. You can take the written test as many times you wish, with no waiting period. The regular theory test costs EUR30.
Practical test
If you are planning to drive a car in France, you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take both tests via a driving school, which will conduct the tests and lessons for you or on your own as an external candidate. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you must sign up for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise number - on the official website of the agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice tests that cover subjects like traffic laws and road safety rules, as well as driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice apps online, or purchase an Code de la Route book from a bookshop or online. You can get an A+ grade if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't make any elimination errors (such crossing an unmarked line or turning left, not obeying a stop sign, or disregarding the priority rules).
In the practical test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal conditions of traffic and in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving time and will last for approximately two hours. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your understanding of basic first aid. The practical test can be taken five times over the course of three years.
You can bring a tutor along to the test as an external candidate. However, they cannot charge more than a lesson. If you are taking a driving course, you can bring an instructor with you to the test. If you fail the test, you can take it again as many times as you would like in the next five years.
The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You'll need a high level of fluency. Plan ahead and begin studying the language before you move to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers. Therefore, you should aim to achieve a reasonable level of fluency before you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to obtain their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware of certain things. They must pass both the theory and the practical exam before they can drive on French roads. In addition, they must have their vehicle insured in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
The code is the first step. The test consists of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to pass the test in practice which is more challenging and requires plenty of practice. The test will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what to do if you encounter an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or badly injured.
After having passed the theory and practical test, you will be given the certificate exam de permis de conduire. This document is valid four months, and it can be downloaded on your tablet or phone. If you are questioned by the police, this document is what you must present to them. The word "favorable" will be noted at the end of the document.
Your driver's license must be renewed every 15 years. This is done by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this online, or in person at the local prefecture. You can track the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
In addition to the driving regulations, it is important to be aware of the French demerit points system. You could lose your driving license if commit a serious crime or accumulate too many points. You can also have your license suspended if have outstanding fines or involved in a serious accident.
It is also important to be aware that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. Also, you should be aware that the speed limit for the national and departmental highways is 80 km/h. On local roads, and in cities, however the speed limit is 50 km/h.
Getting your license
It isn't easy to obtain a driving licence in France, whether you have recently completed your French test or are a new expat driver. You must be aware of the rules and requirements for the license in order to avoid being stopped by police or getting into an accident due to invalid driving licenses. In order to avoid any trouble the best thing you can do is to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This tiny piece of paper converts your license into multiple languages and is required to be carried with you when you travel across the globe. They're inexpensive ($20) and simple to obtain from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies will accept them.
The majority of expats can exchange their licenses for one that is a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take a couple of weeks to a few months depending on how busy the prefecture is. You'll also require two passport photos taken recently along with a medical certificate and two self addressed envelopes.
If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your foreign driving license is expired, you will be required to pass a theoretical and a practical test before you are able to obtain an official license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the case of the second, the doctor will conduct a test to assess your driving ability. The test consists of a theoretical examination and a test drive on a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must have their driver's license and registration for their vehicle at all at all times. French drivers also need to carry a policy of insurance for their vehicles and cars. Contact your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
Getting your license in the country you've chosen to call home may seem daunting however with a bit of preparation and the assistance of a driving instructor it will be easy. Although you don't necessarily need a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can facilitate the process by taking care of the paperwork and scheduling the process for you.