How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good choice to take driving lessons at a school if are an ex-pat. They will handle all the paperwork and cut down the time it takes to take an exam.
It can take a few weeks to several months to get your French license (permis de conduire) It comes in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test, also known as the code, is a key step in the French licensing process for drivers. You can prepare by reading the manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test covers road safety and traffic laws. You may also take a test online for free test to practice. The exam is conducted digitally using tablets in the test center. You must be able to answer at least 35 questions to pass.
As in many countries, you can get a French driving licence after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the statistics it was 54.4 percent of males and 59.2% women passed the test on the first time. The rate of passing the practical test was lower, with 58.6 percent of males and 52.8 percent of women. People with medical conditions or disabilities may require additional tests.
You can either take the test through a driving school which will organize your lessons and the test, or as an independent candidate. You need to register for the number "NEPH number for prefectoral record harmonise" on the website of 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 include live online practice and live classes. These courses can be costly, but can help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach are specifically designed towards English learners, but they can be more expensive than a typical French driving school.
If you have an official driving license from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it for an French Licence France Xpress if you hold an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you'll have to provide an official translation from a translator.
You can still take the test even if you don't speak French by using a translation. You can take the written test as many times as you like, and there is no waiting time between the attempts. The regular theory test costs EUR30.
Practical test
If you wish to drive a vehicle in France you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take both exams through a driving school which will organise the tests and lessons for you or on your own as an external candidate. If you choose to become an independent candidate you will need to register for an NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise – on the website of the government agency ANTS.
The test, referred to as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answers that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving rules. You can find free study guides and practice programs online, or purchase an Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. You can receive a pass grade if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't make any elimination errors (such a crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not respecting a stop sign, or ignoring the priority rules).
In the practical test the examiner will assess your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions and in the car you choose. The test is composed of 25 minutes driving time and takes about two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid skills. The test can be repeated five times within three years.
You can bring a teacher with you to the test as an outside candidate. But, they can't charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you are enrolled in a driving school you can take an instructor with you to the test. If you fail the test, you can retake it at as many times as you wish over the next five years.
The practical and theoretical tests are both in French. You'll require a high level of fluency. Plan ahead and begin learning the language before you move to France. The test can be challenging for non-French speakers. You should aim to achieve a decent level of proficiency before you take the test.
Passing the test
There are a few points that new drivers must know before taking the test for their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and practical test before they can drive on French roads. In addition, they need to be insured for their vehicle in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
The first step is to pass the theory test, also known as le code. The exam is made up of oral and multiple-choice questions. The second step is to pass the test in practice, which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The test will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do if you are faced with an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or seriously injured.
After having passed the theory and practical test after which you will receive a document called a certificat exam de permis de conduire. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. If you are stopped by the police, this is what you must provide them with. The word "favorable", which will appear at the bottom of the documents, will be indicated.
Your driver's license must be renewed every 15 years. This is completed by filling out an administrative form and paying a fee. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can complete this online or in person at the local prefecture. 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 regulations. You can lose your driving license if commit a serious offense or accumulate too many points. You may also get your license revoked if you have not paid fines or involved in a serious accident.
It is also crucial 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 that comes from the right. You should also be aware that the speed limit on the departmental and national 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 difficult to get a driving license in France no matter if you've recently completed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. You must be aware of the rules and prerequisites for an IDP to avoid being stopped by police or being involved in an accident because of invalid driving licenses. In order to avoid any trouble, the best thing to do is to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This little piece of paper translates your license into multiple languages, and is a requirement to carry when traveling abroad. These are a bargain ($20) and easily obtained from your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.
The majority of expats can swap their licenses to one with a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take from a few weeks to several months depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll need a identification document and two passport photos from recent times, a medical certificate and two self-addressed envelopes.
If you don't possess a valid driving permit or your foreign driving license has expired, then you will have to pass a theory and a practical test before you can get an official license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may be required to take additional tests.
In the case of the latter, a test will be conducted by an expert doctor who will evaluate your ability to drive. The test includes a theoretical exam, a practice driving test in a parking lot and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must carry their driving license and vehicle registration at all at all times. Drivers in France must also have an insurance policy for their vehicles and cars. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to make sure your policy covers driving in France and is up to date.
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 instructor it will be easy. While you don't have to attend a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can facilitate the process by doing all of the paperwork and scheduling the process for you.