How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat, it is a good idea to enroll in driving schools. They will take care of all paperwork and reduce the time required to pass a test.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It can take between a few weeks to several months to get.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is an important step in the French license process. You can prepare by reading a manual and using mobile apps to help learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You can also take a test online for free practice test. The test is conducted digitally at the testing center using tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass.
Similar to other countries, you are able to get the French driving licence after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics it was 54.4 percent of males and 59.2 percent of women passed the theory test the first time. The rate of passing the practical exam was even lower, with 58.6% men and 52.8 percent women. People with medical conditions or disabilities may require additional tests.
You can choose to take the test through a driving school which will organize your classes and test or as an independent candidate. To do this, you must sign up for the number "NEPH Prefectoral Number" harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is needed to make a reservation for the test.
Many driving schools like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine online practice with live classes. These courses are costly, but can help you save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English people. However, they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.
If you have a valid driving licence from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it for one of the French licence if you hold a residence permit in France. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide an official translation from a translator.
You can still take the test if you don't speak French with a translation. You can also take the test for as many times as you like, and there is no waiting time between attempts. 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 exam to be qualified to drive in France. You can take both exams through a driving school who will arrange the tests and lessons for you, or on your own as an external candidate. If you decide to be an independent candidate you will be required to sign up for a NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise – on the website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam, 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 rules. It is possible to download free apps and study guides online or purchase a Code de la Route in a bookshop. It's possible to get an "A" grade if you score 20 or more points provided you don't make any errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing a solid line, driving to the left, not obeying a stop sign or ignoring the rules of priority).
During the practical test, a judge 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 takes about two hours. The examiner will also ask you to show your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test may be taken up to five times over the course of three years.
You can take a tutor accompanying you to the test as an outside candidate. However, they cannot charge more than a lesson. If you are an instructor at a driving school, you are able to bring an instructor along for the test. If you fail the test, you may retake it up to five times.
The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You'll require an excellent level of fluency. Begin to plan ahead and start learning the language prior to your move to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers, and you must aim to attain a reasonable level of fluency by the time you take it.
Passing the test
There are some things that new drivers should be aware of prior to taking the test for their French driving license. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical tests. In addition, they must have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
The first step is taking the theory exam that is also called le code. The exam is comprised of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The next step is to take the practical exam, which is more difficult and requires plenty of practice. The examiner will want you to demonstrate your knowledge of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency situation for instance, if someone is badly injured or unconscious.
Once you have passed the theory and practical tests, you will be issued the document known as the certificate d'examen du permis de conduire. This document is valid four months, and it can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. This is the document you must to show the police when you are stopped. The word "favorable" that will be located at the bottom of the documents and will be highlighted.
Your driver's license must be renewed every 15 years. You can do this by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your address and identity. You can do this on the internet or at the local prefecture office. You can monitor 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 driving license if you commit a serious offense or accumulate too many points. You may also get your license suspended if have not paid fines or involved in an accident that is serious.
It is also crucial 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 on the departmental and national 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 isn't easy to obtain a driving licence in France no matter if you've recently passed your French test or are a new expat driver. There are certain regulations and license requirements that you must be aware of to avoid being pulled over by the police or having an accident due to invalid driving licenses. To avoid any issues, it's best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper converts your license into several languages, and is a requirement to carry when you travel abroad. They are cheap ($20) and can be obtained from your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
Many expats are able to change their licenses to one with a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take anywhere between a few weeks to several months depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll need identification proof, two recent passport photos, a medical certificate and two self-addressed envelopes.
If you don't have a valid ID or your driving licence from another country is expired, you'll need to pass a theory and practical exam before obtaining a full licence. People with disabilities or specific health issues may be required to pass additional tests.
In the event of the second, doctors will conduct an exam to assess your driving ability. The test consists of a theoretical examination and a test drive in a parking lot and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all at all times. They must also carry an insurance policy for their cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to speak with your insurance provider to make sure your policy includes driving in France and is up to date.
Getting your license in the country of 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 require an instructor in driving to obtain your French license, they can assist you in taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.