How to Get a French Driving License

If you're an expat it is a good idea 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 de conduire) that comes in the form of a pink credit card.

Theory test

The driving theory test (le code) is a crucial step in the French license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety rules, and you can prepare for it by reading a manual or using mobile apps designed to assist you in learning. You may also take a test online for free practice test. The exam is conducted using tablets at the test center, and you must correctly answer at least 35 questions in order to pass.

Like in most countries, you can only get the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics, only 54.4 percent of men and 59.2% women passed the test on the first time. The rate of passing the practical test was lower, with 58.6% men and 52.8% women. For those who suffer from disabilities or health issues may have to undergo extra tests.

You can take the test at a driving school, who will manage your lessons and the test for you, or you can take it as an independent candidate. To do this you need to register for the number "NEPH - numero d'enregistrement prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required for booking an appointment for a test in theory.

Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses can be expensive but they can reduce time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, cater to English students. However they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.

If you hold valid driving licenses from one of the countries that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it to an French licence if you possess an residence permit in France. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide an official translator.

If you do not speak French however, you can take the theory test by using the help of a translator. You can take the written test as many times as you want and there is no waiting period between attempts. The regular theory test costs EUR30.

Practical test

You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and an exam in the practical area to be legally able to drive in France. You can choose to pass the theory and practical tests through a driving school which will organize your classes and tests or you can take it by yourself. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you need to register for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise, d'enregistrement on the website of government agency ANTS.

The test, referred to as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answer covering topics such as traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving rules. There are free study guides and practice programs online, or buy a Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. You can earn an A grade with 20 or more points, as long as you don't make any elimination mistakes (such a crossing a solid line, driving to the left, not respecting a stop sign, or disregarding the priority rules).

During the practical exam the examiner will assess your ability to drive in normal conditions of traffic and in the car you choose. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving time and will last for approximately two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The practical test may be repeated up to five times within three years.

You can bring a tutor with you to the test as an outside candidate. However, they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you are taking a driving course, you can take an instructor with you for the test. If you fail the test, you can take it again as many times as you want over the next five years.

The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You'll require a high level of fluency. Start learning the language prior to your move to France. The test is difficult for non-French-speaking people So you must be fluent when 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. They must pass both the theory and practical exam before they can drive on French roads. They also need to be insured on their car and purchase a pollution tag ("conduit accompagnée").

The first step is taking the theory exam, which is called the code. The test is comprised of oral and multiple-choice questions. The next step is to take the test in practice which is more challenging and requires lots of practice. The test taker will require you to prove your knowledge of the rules of the road and what to do in an emergency situation like when someone is injured badly or is unconscious.

After passing the theory and practical test, you will be given the certificate d'examen de permis D de conduire. This document is valid for 4 months and can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. This is what you will need to provide to the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" will be noted at the end of the document.

You must renew your driver's license every 15 years. This can be done by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also 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.

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 major crime or accumulate too many points. You could also lose your license if you don't pay fines or have been in a serious accident.

It is important to know that France operates on the right-hand side of the road and traffic coming from the left side is given priority. Additionally, you must remember that the maximum speed limit on departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. However, the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h for local roads and in cities.

Getting your license

If you've recently passed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France and needing a licence in the country can be a bit of a hassle. There are certain regulations and licensing requirements that you need to be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by the police or having an accident due to insufficient driving permits. To avoid any issues, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper converts your license into multiple languages, and is a requirement to carry when you travel abroad. These are a bargain ($20) and are easily obtainable at your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.

Fortunately for most expats, they can swap their license for one that is a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can last from a few weeks to a few months, based on the prefecture's workload. You'll need a identification document with two recent passport photographs, a medical certificate and two envelopes with self-addressed addresses.

If you don't have a valid ID or your driving licence from another country has expired, you'll have take a theoretical and practical exam before obtaining a full licence. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may need to pass additional tests.

In the event of the latter, an exam will be conducted by an experienced doctor who will test your ability to drive. The test will consist of a theory test, a driving test in a parking space and an interview with the examiner.

All French drivers are required to keep their driving licence and registration for their vehicle at all times. They also must carry an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to speak with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy includes driving in France and is current.

It can be a challenge to obtain a license in your new country but with the assistance of a reliable driving school, you can do it. 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 your appointment for you.