How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat it is an excellent idea to take lessons at driving schools. They will take care of all the paperwork and cut down the time required to pass an exam.
It can take a couple of weeks or even months to obtain your French license (permis de conduire), which is in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test, also known as le code, is an essential step in the French driving license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety regulations, and you can prepare for it by studying the manual or using mobile apps to assist you in learning. You can also take a free test online. The exam is conducted digitally using tablets in the test center. You must be able to answer at least 35 questions in order to pass.
Like in most countries, you are able to obtain a French driving licence after passing both the theory and practical tests. However, the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to statistics from the last few years, only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4% of women passed their test on their first try, while the pass rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8 percent for women. People with health issues or disabilities might have to take additional tests.
You may take the theory test at a driving school which will arrange your lessons and the test for you, or you can take it as an independent candidate. To do this you must register for a "NEPH - numero d'enregistrement prefectoral harmonise" on the 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 live classes with online practice. These courses can be expensive however they also help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach, cater to English students. However they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.
If you hold a valid driving license from a member state of the European Union and a residence permit, you may swap your license to a French one. The process can be lengthy 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 the help of a translator. You can also take the test in writing for as many times as you want, and there is no waiting time between tests. The regular theory test costs EUR30.
Practical test
If you want to drive a vehicle in France you must pass a theory test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can pass the theory and practical tests through a driving school which will organize your tests and lessons, or you can do it on your own. If you choose to become an independent candidate, you'll need to register for a NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise – on the website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice programs online, or buy a Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. You can earn an A grade with 20 or more points, as long as you don't commit any elimination errors (such a crossing an unmarked line or turning left, not respecting the stop sign, or not following the rules of priority).
In the practical test the examiner will assess your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic and in the car of choice. The test is comprised of 25 minutes of driving and lasts for around two hours in total. The examiner will also require you to show your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test can be repeated five times over three years.
You can bring a teacher along to the test as an external candidate. But, they can't charge more than a single lesson. However, if you are studying at a driving school, they can send an instructor to accompany you during the practical test. If you fail the test, you may repeat it up to five times.
Be aware that the theory and the practice tests are conducted in French, so you'll need a good level of fluency in French. It is recommended to plan ahead and begin learning early prior to moving to France. The test may be difficult for non-French speakers, and you should aim to achieve a reasonable level of fluency at the time you take the test.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to get their French driving licence, new drivers should be aware of certain things. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical exams. In addition, they need to have their vehicle insured in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
The first step is taking the theory test, which is called the code. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and an oral explanation. The second part is taking the practical test, which is a harder test and requires a lot of practice. The test will test your understanding of road rules and what to do if you are faced with an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or seriously injured.
After passing the theory and practical test after which you will receive the certificate d'examen de Permis d 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 is the document you must provide them with. The word "favorable" will be indicated at the bottom of the document.
You must renew your driver's license each 15 years. This can be done by filling in an administrative form and paying an amount. You must also provide proof of your address and identity. You can do this on the internet or at your local prefecture office. You can monitor the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system in addition to the driving regulations. You can lose your driving license if you commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You could also lose your license if you do not pay fines or been in a serious accident.
It is crucial to understand that France drives on a right-hand side of the road, and traffic coming from the left side is given priority. Also, you should 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 on local roads and in cities.
Getting your license
It can be difficult to get a driver's license in France, whether you have recently completed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. There are certain rules and licence prerequisites that you need to be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by the police or causing an accident due to insufficient driving documents. In order to avoid any hassle 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 a variety of languages, and is a requirement to carry when you travel in foreign countries. They are cheap ($20) and easy to obtain at your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept them.
Most expats can exchange their licenses for a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can last from a few weeks up to several months depending on the prefecture's workload. You'll also need two passport photos recently taken, a medical certification, and 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 before getting a full licence. Individuals with disabilities or health conditions might have to take additional tests.
In the case of the latter, a test will be administered by a doctor who will assess your capability to drive. The test includes a theoretical exam, a practical driving test in a parking area and a conversation with the examiner.
French drivers must carry their driving license and registration for their vehicle at all times. They also must carry an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
Getting your license in the country of your new home might seem daunting 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 in driving to get your French driving license, they can facilitate the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling for you.