How to Get a French Driving License

If you're an expat it is recommended to take lessons at driving schools. They will take care of all the paperwork for you and reduce the wait time to get the test date.

The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It could take between a few weeks to several months to get.

Theory test

The driving theory test, also known as le code, is a key step in the French licensing process for drivers. You can prepare by studying the manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You may also take a test online for free test to practice. The test is administered digitally in the testing center, using tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.

Like many countries, as with most countries, a French driver's license can be obtained after passing the practical and theoretical test. However, the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to the statistics that only 54.4 percent of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the test on the first time. The rate of passing the practical exam was even lower, with 58.6 percent of men and 52.8% women. For those with disabilities or health issues may require additional tests.

You can take the test through a driving school that will manage your lessons and the test or as an individual candidate. You must sign up for a "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise" on the website of government agency ANTS. This number is required to make a reservation for the theory test.

Many driving schools, such as Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes and online practice. https://writeablog.net/wedgelyre07/an-adventure-back-in-time-a-conversation-with-people-about-recover-points-on are costly however they can help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach, are specifically geared toward English students, however they can be more expensive than a typical French driving school.



If you have valid driving licenses 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 an residence permit in France. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide an official translator.

You can still take the test even if you do not speak French by using a translator. You can also take the written test at any time you want and there is no waiting period between attempts. The cost for a regular theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

If you are planning to drive a car in France, you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can choose to take the theory and the practical tests through a driving school that will arrange your classes and tests or you can take it on your own. If you decide to be an independent candidate you will have to apply for an NEPH - Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the website of the government agency ANTS.

The exam's theoretical component is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice tests that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving rules. There are free study guides and practice programs online, or buy the Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. It is possible to achieve an "A" grade if you score 20 or more points provided you don't make any mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an established line, driving on the left, not observing the stop sign, or not following priority rules).

In the practical test, an examiner will assess your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the vehicle of your choice. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving. https://k12.instructure.com/eportfolios/895769/home/what-the-10-most-worst-motorcycle-driving-license-price-failures-of-all-time-could-have-been-prevented lasts for around two hours. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The test can be repeated five times within three years.

As an outside candidate, you are able to bring a tutor along to the exam however they cannot charge more than the price of a session. If you are an instructor at a driving school, you can bring an instructor with you to the practical test. If you fail the test, you can take it again up to five times.

The practical and theoretical tests are both in French. You'll require to be fluent in French. Begin to plan ahead and start learning the language before you move to France. The test is difficult for non-French-speaking people Therefore, you should be fluent before you take it.

Passing the test

Before taking the test to earn their French driving licence, new drivers must be aware of a few important things. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical exams. https://www.openlearning.com/u/dalbythorpe-snwmk2/blog/TheTop5ReasonsWhyPeopleAreSuccessfulWithTheMotorcycleDrivingLicensePriceIndustry must have their car insured and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompagnée").

The first step is to take the theory exam, which is called the code. The exam is comprised of multiple-choice tests and an oral explanation. The next step is to pass the practical test, which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The test will test your understanding of road rules 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 practical test After passing the test, you will receive a document called a certificat d'examen de permis de conduire. This document is valid for a period of four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by police, this is what you'll need to show them. The word "favorable" will appear at the end of the document.

You must renew your driver's license every 15 years. This can be done by filling in an administrative form and paying an amount. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this via the internet or at the local prefecture office. 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 important to be aware of the French demerit points system. You could lose your license after a major offense or accumulating too many points. You could also lose your license if do not pay fines or been involved in an accident that is serious.

It is also important to be aware that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road and priority is given to traffic coming from the right. Moreover, you should keep in mind that the speed limit on departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. On local roads, and in cities, however, the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Getting your license

It isn't easy to obtain a driving licence in France no matter if you've recently completed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. There are specific regulations and license requirements that you need to be aware of to avoid being pulled over by the police or having an accident due to insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any trouble the best thing you can do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This tiny piece of paper converts your license into several languages, and is a requirement to be carried with you when driving across the globe. These are inexpensive ($20) and can be obtained at your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.

Fortunately for the majority of expats, they can exchange their license to one with a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with France. The process could take from a few weeks to a couple of months dependent on how busy the prefecture is. You'll need identification document, two recent passport photos, a medical certificate and two envelopes with self-addressed addresses.

If you don't have a valid ID or your foreign driving license expires, you'll have take a theoretical and practical exam before obtaining an official license. Those with disabilities and specific health issues may need to undergo additional tests.

If you are the latter scenario, a test will be conducted by an experienced doctor who will test your capability to drive. The test will consist of a theory exam, a practical driving test in a parking space, and a conversation with the examiner.

All French drivers must carry their driving licence and vehicle registration with them at all time. French drivers also need to carry insurance policies for cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.

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 school it will be easy. While you don't need an instructor to obtain your French license, they can simplify the process by managing all the paperwork and scheduling.