How to Get a French Driving License

If you are an expat it is recommended to enroll in driving schools. They will handle all the paperwork for you and cut down on the wait time to get an exam date.

It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks or even months to obtain your French license (Permis D de conduire) It comes in the form of a pink credit card.

Theory test

The driving theory test (le code) is an essential step in the French license process. The test covers traffic laws and road safety rules and you can prepare for it by reading a manual or using mobile apps to help you master. You may also take a free online practice test. The test is administered digitally in the testing center with tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.

Similar to other countries, you are able to get a French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. However the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to the latest statistics that only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4 percent of women passed their test on their first try, while the pass rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8 percent for women. Those who suffer from disabilities or health issues might have to take additional tests.

You can choose to take the test in conjunction with an instructor who will organize your classes and test, or as an independent candidate. You must sign up for the number "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise" on the website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to book the date for your theory test.

Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that mix live classes with online practice. These courses are expensive however they can save you time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English people. However, they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.

If you possess an official driving licence from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you may exchange your license to one that is a French one. The process can take a long time and you will need to provide an official translator.

You can still take the test if you do not speak French with a translation. You can take the written test for as many times as you want and there is no waiting time between tests. The cost for the regular theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and a practical exam to be legally able to drive in France. You can either pass the theory and practical tests at a driving academy which will organize your classes and tests or you can take it by yourself. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you'll be required to sign up for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonised Record - on the website of the government agency ANTS.

The theoretical exam, known as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answers, covering topics like traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving regulations. It is possible to download free apps and study guides online, or purchase the Code suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré la Route in the bookshop. It is possible to earn an "A" grade if you score 20 points or more, in the event that you don't commit eliminatory mistakes (crossing an unmarked line, driving on the left, not observing a stop sign or ignoring the priority rules).

During the test the examiner will assess your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic and in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving. It lasts for around two hours total. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test can be taken up to five times within three years.

As an external candidate you may bring a tutor along to the exam, but they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you are taking a driving course, you are able to bring an instructor with you to the test. If you fail the practical test, you may retake it up to five times.

The tests for practical and theoretical are both in French. You'll require to be fluent in French. Start learning the language before you move to France. The test is challenging for non-French speakers Therefore, you should be fluent by the time you sit it.

Passing the test

There are some things that new drivers should know before taking the test for their French driving license. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical exams. They also need to be insured on their car and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompagnée").

The first step is to pass the theory test, which is known as Acheter le permis de conduire français B en ligne code. The test is comprised of oral and multiple-choice questions. The next step is to take the practical test which is more challenging and requires a lot of practice. The examiner will ask you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency situation, such as if someone is badly injured or is unconscious.

After passing the theory and practical test after which you will receive an official document referred to as a certificate d'examen de cerfa permis de conduire de conduire. This document is valid four months, and can be downloaded onto your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by police, this is what you must present to them. The word "favorable" will be noted at the bottom of the document.

Your driver's licence must be renewed every 15 years. This can be done by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can either do this online or in person at the local prefecture. You can check the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.

In addition to the driving regulations It is essential to be aware of the French demerit point system. You could lose your driving license if commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You can also lose your license if don't pay fines or have been involved in a serious accident.

It is also crucial to be aware that France drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. You should also be aware that the speed limit on 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 a challenge to get a driver's license in France regardless of whether you've just completed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. You must be aware of the rules and prerequisites for a license to avoid being stopped by police or being involved in an accident because of invalid driving licenses. In order to avoid any hassle, the best thing to do is to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This little piece of paper converts your license into multiple languages and is a requirement to carry when you travel in foreign countries. They are cheap ($20) and simple to obtain from your local AAA office and even car rental companies accept them.

Fortunately for most expats, they are able to exchange their license to a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with France. The process can take anywhere between a few weeks to several months depending on the prefecture's workload. You'll need identification document with two recent passport photographs along with a medical certificate, and two self-addressed envelopes.

If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your driving license from another country has expired, you will need to pass a theory and a practical test before you can obtain a full license. Individuals with disabilities or other health conditions may have to undergo additional tests.

In the event of the second scenario, the doctor will conduct an examination to evaluate your driving abilities. The test consists of a theory test and a drive in a parking lot, as well as an interview with the examiner.

All French drivers are required to have their driving license and registration for their vehicle at all time. French drivers also need to carry a policy of insurance for cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to ensure that your policy includes driving in France and is up to date.

It can be a challenge to obtain your license in the new country you're moving to but with the help of a good driving school you can do it. Although you don't require an instructor to obtain your French license, they can make the process easier by taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.