How to Get a French Driving License
It is a great idea to learn driving at a school if are an ex-pat. They will take care of all paperwork and reduce the time required to pass an exam.
It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks or even 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 the code, is a key step in the French driving license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety rules and you can prepare for it by studying the manual or using mobile apps designed to assist you in learning. You can also take a free practice test online. The test is administered digitally in the testing center using tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass.
Like most countries as with most countries, the French driver's licence can only be obtained after passing an exam that is both theoretical and practical. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics from the last few years, only 59.2 percent of men and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on their first attempt, while the pass rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8% for women. People with medical conditions or disabilities may require additional tests.
You can choose to take the theory test with a driving school which will arrange your lessons and exam or as an individual candidate. To do so, you must register for an "NEPH - numero d'enregistrement prefectoral 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 combine live and online classes. These courses can be expensive but they can reduce time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach cater to English people. However they are more expensive than a standard French driving school.
If you hold an official driving licence from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to exchange your license for one in French one. The process is lengthy and requires a translation by an official translator.
If you don't speak French however, you can take the test using the help of a translator. You can also take the test in writing as many times as you'd like, and there is no waiting period between attempts. The cost of a standard test in theory is EUR30.
Practical test
If you want 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 at a driving school which will organise the tests and lessons for you or on your own as an external candidate. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you'll be required to sign up for a NEPH (Nephro d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise) Numero Prefectural harmonised Record - on the website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. There are free study guides and practice programs online, or buy an Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. You can receive an A grade if you score at least 20 points, provided that you don't make any elimination mistakes (such a crossing a solid line or turning left, not respecting a stop sign, or ignoring the priority rules).
During the test an examiner will test your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions and in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving and will last for about two hours. Additionally, you will be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The test can be repeated up to five times in three years.
As an outside candidate, you can bring a tutor along to the test however, they are not allowed to charge more than the price of a lesson. If you're studying at a driving school, they can assign an instructor to accompany you during the practical test. If you fail the test, you can take it again at as many times as you want within the next five years.
The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You'll need an excellent level of fluency. Plan ahead and begin learning the language prior to your move to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers. Therefore, you should aim to have a reasonable level of fluency before you take the test.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to earn their French driving license, new drivers should be aware a few important things. They must pass both the theory and the practical exam before they can drive on French roads. They also need to have their car insured and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompanye").
The first step is to take the theory exam that is also known as le code. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The next step is to pass the practical exam which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The test will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what to do if you encounter an emergency situation like someone who is unconscious or badly injured.
If you pass the practical and theory tests, you'll receive an official document titled the certificate exam du permis of driving. This document is valid four months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. If you are questioned by the police, this document is what you will need to provide them with. The word "favorable" that will be located at the bottom of the documents is where it will be noted.
Your driver's license must be renewed every 15 years. You can do this by filling in 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 track the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
In addition to the driving regulations, it is important to be aware of the French demerit points system. You could lose your driving license if you commit a serious offense or accumulate too many points. You could also have your license suspended if have unpaid fines or are involved in an accident that is serious.
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 that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. You should also be aware that the speed limit for 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 completed your French driving test or are an expat driving driver moving to France and needing a licence in the country isn't easy. You must be aware of the rules and requirements to get a license to avoid being stopped by police or causing an accident due to invalid driving permits. To avoid any issues, it's best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper is required to be carried when driving in foreign countries. It converts your driver's license into multiple foreign languages. These are inexpensive ($20) and can be obtained from your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.
Many expats are able to swap their licenses to one with a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take from a few weeks to a few months, based on the prefecture's work load. You'll also require two passport photos taken recently along with a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you don't have a valid identification or your foreign driving license expires, you'll have to pass both a theory and practical exam before obtaining an official license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may need to undergo additional tests.
If you are the latter, a test will be administered by an experienced doctor who will test your ability to drive. The test consists of a theoretical exam, a practical driving test in a parking space, and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must carry their driving license and vehicle registration at all time. They must also carry an insurance policy for their cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to confirm that your policy includes driving in France and is up to date.
The process of getting your license in the country where you have made your new home may seem daunting but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving instructor it will be easy. While you don't need a driving instructor to get your French license, they can assist you in handling all the paperwork and scheduling.