How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good idea to learn driving at a driving school if you are an ex-pat. They will take care of all the paperwork for you and reduce your wait time for an exam date.
The French driving license (
Passez Votre Permis De Conduire DèS 749€ – 599€) is a pink credit card. It can take between several weeks to several months to obtain.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is a crucial step in the French license process. The test covers 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 may also take a test online for free test to practice. The test is administered digitally at the testing center using tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.
Like many countries in the world, the French driver's license can be obtained after passing the practical and theoretical test. However, the French driving test is known to be 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, at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8 percent women. For those with health issues or disabilities might need to take additional tests.
You can choose to take the test through a driving school which will manage your classes and test or as an individual candidate. To do this you must sign up for a "NEPH - numero
permis d'enregistrement prefectoral harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is needed to book a date for the test.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that mix live classes and online practice. These courses are expensive however they could save you time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach offer courses to English students. However they are more expensive than a traditional 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 one of the French licence if you hold an residence permit in France. The process can be 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 take the test any number of times you want, with no waiting period. The standard theory test costs EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be qualified to drive in France. You can take both exams through a driving school which will conduct the tests and lessons for you or on your own as an external candidate. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you need to register for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise number - on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, covering issues like traffic laws regulations, road safety and driving rules. You can download free apps and study guides online, or purchase a Code
prix du permis de conduire 2023 la Route in the bookshop. You can receive an A grade if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't commit any elimination errors (such a crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not observing the stop sign, or disregarding the rules of priority).
During the practical test, a judge will assess your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions in the car you choose. 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 knowledge of first aid. The test is repeated five times over three years.
As an outside candidate, you can bring a tutor to the test, but they cannot charge more than the price of a class. However, if you are studying at an driving school, they may provide an instructor to accompany you during the test. If you fail the test, you can take it again up to five times.
The tests for practical and theoretical are both in French. You'll need to be fluent in French. Begin to plan ahead and start studying the language before you move to France. The test can be challenging for non-French speakers. Therefore,
Permis de Conduire perdu you should aim to have an acceptable level of proficiency at the time you take the test.
Passing the test
There are a few points that new drivers must know before taking the test to obtain their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and practical test before they can drive on French roads. They also must be insured for their vehicle and purchase a pollution tag ("conduit accompagnée").
The first step is to take the theory exam, also called le code. The test is comprised of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The second part is taking the practical test, which is a more challenging test and requires a lot of practice. The test taker will require you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency, such as if someone is seriously injured or unconscious.
After passing the theory and practice test after which you will receive the certificate of examination for a permit to drive. This document is valid four months, and it can be downloaded on your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by the police, this is what you must provide them with. The word "favorable" will appear at the end of the document.
You have to renew your driver's license each 15 years. You can complete this process by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this online, or in person at your local prefecture. Enter the file number along with your personal number to monitor the status of your driver's licence online.
In addition to driving rules, it is important to be aware of the French demerit points system. You could lose your license after an aggravated offense or having too many points. You can also lose your license if you do not pay fines or been in a serious accident.
It is important to be aware that France drives on a right-hand side of the road and traffic coming from the left is given priority. 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
If you've recently passed your French driving test or are an expat driver moving to France and needing a licence in France can be a bit of a hassle. There are specific regulations and licensing requirements that you must be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by police or having an accident because of insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any hassle, the best thing to do is to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home. This little piece of paper can translate your license into several languages and is a requirement to be carried when driving across the globe. They are cheap ($20) and are easily obtainable at your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
Many expats are able to exchange their licenses for one with a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can last between a few weeks to several months, depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll also need two passport photographs taken recently along with a medical certificate and two envelopes that are self-addressed.
If you don't have a valid identification or your driving licence from another country has expired, you'll have take a theoretical and practical test prior to obtaining the full license. Those with disabilities and specific health issues may be required to pass additional tests.
In the case of the second option, the doctor will conduct an examination to assess your driving ability. The test consists of a theoretical examination and a drive in a parking area, as well as an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to keep their driving licence and vehicle registration with them at all at all times. Drivers in France must also have a policy of insurance for their vehicles and cars. Check with your insurance company to confirm that your policy covers 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 assistance of a driving school it will be a breeze. While you don't need an instructor to obtain your French license, they will assist you in taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.