How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat it is recommended to enroll in a driving school. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten the time required to pass a test.
The French driving license (permis B1) is a pink credit card. It could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to obtain.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is an important step in the French license process. You can prepare for the test by reading an instructional manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You may also take a no-cost online practice test. The test is conducted digitally at the testing center with tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.
As in many 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 the statistics, only 54.4 percent of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the theory test for the first time. The pass rate for the practical exam was even lower, at 58.6% men and 52.8 percent of women. People with disabilities or health issues may need to take additional tests.
You may take the theory test at a driving school which will arrange your lessons and test for you, or you can take it as an independent candidate. To do so you need to sign up for an "NEPH - numero d'enregistrement prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is required to book a date for the test.
Many driving schools such as Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses can be costly however they can save you time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach, cater to English students. However they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.
If you have valid driving licenses from a country that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it for an French licence if you possess an residence permit in France. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide an official translation from a translator.
If you do not speak French however, you can take the test using the help of a translator. You can also take the written test at any time you want and there is no time limit between attempts. The cost of a regular test in theory is EUR30.
Practical test
If you want to drive a vehicle in France, you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take both exams at a driving school who will arrange the tests and lessons for you, or on your own as an external candidate. If you choose 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 answers that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. There are free study guides and practice apps online, or purchase the Code de la Route book from a bookshop or online. It's possible to get a pass mark with 20 or more points as long as you don't make mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not obeying a stop sign or ignoring the priority rules).
In the practical test, an examiner will assess your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving, and is expected to last around two hours in total. Additionally, you will be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The practical test can be repeated five times over the course of three years.
You can bring a tutor with you to the test as an external candidate. However, they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. However, if you're studying at an accredited driving school, they can assign an instructor to accompany you during the test. If you fail the test, you can retake it at as many times as you want in the next five years.
The tests for practical and theoretical are both in French. You'll require to be fluent in French. Plan ahead and begin studying the language before you move to France. The test can be challenging for non-French speakers. You should aim to have a decent level of proficiency by the time you take it.
Passing the test
There are a few things that new drivers need to be aware of prior to taking the test for their French driving license. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical exams. In addition, they need to have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
The first step is to take the theory test, which is known as the code. The test is comprised of oral and multiple-choice questions. The second part is taking the practical test which is a more difficult test that 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 badly injured.
Once you have passed the practical and theory tests, you will receive the document known as the certificate of examination du permit de conduire. 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 appear at the bottom of the document.
Your driver's licence must be renewed every 15 years. This is done by filling out an administrative form and paying a fee. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this online or in person at the local prefecture. Enter the file number along with your personal code to keep track of the status of your driver's license online.
In addition to the driving regulations It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system. You can lose your license following the commission of a serious offense or when you accumulate too many points. You may also get your license suspended if you have outstanding fines or involved in an accident that is serious.
It is important to know that France operates on the right-hand side of the road and that traffic that is coming from the left is given priority. Also, you should be aware that the speed limit for 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 can be a challenge to get a driver's license in France no matter if you've just passed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. There are specific regulations and licensing requirements that you must be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by the police or having an accident due to invalid driving licenses. To avoid any hassles, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper converts your license into a variety of languages and is required to be carried when traveling in foreign countries. They're cheap ($20) and easy to get from your local AAA office and even car rental companies accept them.
The majority of expats can exchange their licenses for one that is a French one, provided that 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 need a proof of identity and two passport photos from recent times, a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you do not have a valid ID or your foreign driving license expires, you'll have take a theoretical and practical test before getting the full license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the event of the latter, an exam will be administered by a doctor who will assess your ability to drive. The test includes a theoretical exam, a practical driving test in a parking space, and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must carry their driving license and registration for their vehicle at all time. They must also carry an insurance policy for their cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
The process of getting your license in the country you've chosen to call home may seem daunting, but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving school, it will be a breeze. While you don't 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.