How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good choice to learn driving at a school if are an expat. They will take care of all the paperwork for you and decrease your wait time for the test date.
It can take a couple of weeks to a few months to get 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 the most important step in the French licensing process for drivers. You can prepare for the test by reading a manual and using mobile apps to help you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a test online for free test to practice. The exam is conducted digitally using tablets at the test center. You must be able to answer at least 35 questions to pass.
As in many countries, you are able to get the French driving license after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. However the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to recent statistics that only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on their first attempt, while the passing rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for males and 52.8 percent for women. For those with disabilities or health conditions might have to undergo additional tests.
You can take the theory test at a driving academy, which will arrange your lessons and the exam for you, or take it as an independent candidate. You must sign up for an "NEPH number for prefectoral record harmonise" on the website of the agency for government ANTS. This number is required to book a theory test date.
Many driving schools such as Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses can be costly, but can help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach are designed specifically towards English learners, but they may cost more than a standard French driving school.
If you have an official driving license from one of the countries that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it for one of the French licence if you hold a residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you'll need to provide an official translation from a translator.
You can still take the test if you do not speak French by using a translator. You can take the written test as many times you like, with no waiting period. The cost of a standard theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and a practical exam to be qualified to drive in France. You can take both tests via a driving school, which will conduct the tests and lessons for you, or you can do it yourself as an external candidate. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you will be required to sign up for a NEPH - Numero d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise – on the website of the government agency ANTS.
The exam, also known as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answer that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving rules. You can download free apps and study guides online, or purchase the Code de la Route in bookstores. It is possible to achieve an A+ grade with 20 points or more, as long as you don't make errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing a solid line, driving on the left, not observing a stop sign or ignoring priority rules).
In the practical test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions and in the car of choice. The test is composed of 25 minutes of driving and will last for approximately two hours. The examiner will also ask you to show your knowledge of basic first aid. The test is repeated five times over three years.
You can bring a teacher accompanying you to the test as an outside candidate. However, they are not able to charge more than a single lesson. If you are an instructor at a driving school, you can bring an instructor for the test. If you fail the test, you are able to take it again up to five times.
Note that the practical and theory tests are both held in French, so you'll need an excellent level of proficiency in the language. It is recommended to plan ahead and start learning as early as possible even before moving to France. The test is difficult for non-French speaking people Therefore, you should be fluent before you take it.
Passing the test
There are a few things that new drivers must know before taking the test to obtain their French driving license. Before they can drive in France they must pass the theory and practical tests. They also must be insured on their car and purchase a pollution tag ("conduit accompagnée").
The code is the first step. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The second part is taking the practical test, which is a more difficult exam and requires lots of practice. The test will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what to do in the event that you encounter an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or badly injured.
After passing the theory and practice test after which you will receive an official document referred to as a certificate d'examen de permis d de conduire. The document is valid for four months, and it can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. This is what you need to show the police when you are stopped. The word "favorable" that will be located at the bottom of the document, will be indicated.
You must renew your driver's license every 15 years. You can complete this process by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this online or at your local prefecture office. Enter the file number along with your personal code to track the status of your driver's license online.
It is crucial to understand the French demerit points system in addition to the driving regulations. You can lose your license following the commission of a serious offense or when you accumulate too many points. You can also lose your license if you aren't paying fines or have been involved in an accident that is serious.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road and priority is given to traffic coming from the right. You should also be aware that the speed limit for 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
If you've recently completed your French driving test or are an expat driving driver moving to France and needing a licence in the country can be quite a challenge. There are specific regulations and licence prerequisites that you should be aware of to avoid being stopped by the police or causing an accident because of insufficient driving permits. To avoid any trouble, the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This small piece of paper must to be carried when traveling abroad. It can translate your driver's license into multiple foreign languages. These are a bargain ($20) and are easily obtainable at your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
Fortunately for most expats, they can swap their license for one with a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process could take from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on how busy the prefecture is. You'll need a proof of identity, two recent passport photos, a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you don't have a valid identification or your foreign driving permit is expired, you'll need to pass both a theory and practical test prior to obtaining an official license. People with disabilities or specific health issues may need to take additional tests.
If you are the latter scenario, a test will be conducted by a doctor who will assess your ability to drive. The test is comprised of a formal examination and a test drive in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all times. French drivers also need to carry a policy of insurance for their vehicles and cars. It is advisable to check with your insurer to make sure your policy includes driving in France, and that it 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 school, it is easy. While you don't have to attend an instructor to get your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by taking care of the paperwork and scheduling for you.