How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good idea to learn driving at a school if are an expat. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten the time it takes to take an exam.
It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months to get 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 an important step in the French license process. You can prepare for the test by reading an instructional manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test covers road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a test online for free test to practice. The test is conducted digitally using tablets in the test center, and you must correctly answer at least 35 questions to pass.
Like many countries as with most countries, as with most countries, a French driver's license can only be obtained after passing a theoretical and practical test. However the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to recent statistics, only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4% of women passed their test on their first try, while the pass rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8% for women. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues may have to undergo extra tests.
You can take the test through a driving school that will manage your lessons and the test or as an individual candidate. To do so you need to sign up for the number "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve the date for your theory test.
Many driving schools, such as Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses can be expensive but they can save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach are designed specifically towards English speakers, but they can be more expensive than a standard French driving school.
If you hold valid driving licenses from a country that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it for an French licence if you possess an residence permit in France. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide an official translation from a translator.
You can still take the test even if you don't speak French by using a translator. You can take the test at any time you want, and there is no time limit between attempts. The cost for the regular theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
If you wish to drive a vehicle in France, you must pass a theory test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can choose to pass the theory and practical tests through a driving school that will schedule your tests and lessons, or you can do it by yourself. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you will need to register for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise, d'enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The exam's theory is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice tests that cover issues like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving rules. You can find study guides and practice programs on the internet, or purchase an Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. It's possible to get a pass mark with 20 or more points, in the event that you don't commit eliminatory mistakes (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not observing the stop sign, or not following the rules of priority).
During the test the examiner will assess your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic and in the vehicle of your choice. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving and is expected to last around two hours in total. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid skills. The test is taken five times over the course of three years.
As an external candidate, you may bring a tutor to the test however, they are not allowed to charge more than the price of a class. If you are enrolled in a driving school you are able to bring an instructor along to the test. If you fail the test, you are able to repeat it in as many times as wish within the next five years.
It is important to note that the theory and the practice tests are both conducted in French, so you'll need to have an excellent level of proficiency in French. Begin to plan ahead and start learning the language before you move to France. The test is difficult for non-French speakers, so you should be fluent by the time you sit it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to get their French driving license, prospective drivers must be aware of some important points. Before they can drive in France they must pass the theory and practical tests. In addition, they must be insured for their vehicle in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
Le code is the first step. The test consists of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to take the test in practice, which is more difficult and requires a lot of practice. The examiner will test your understanding of road rules and what to do if you encounter an emergency like someone who is unconscious or badly injured.
If you pass the theory and practical tests, you will be issued an official document titled the certificate exam du permis de conduire. The document is valid for four months, and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by police, this is the document you'll need to provide them with. The word "favorable" will be indicated at the bottom of the document.
You have to renew your driver's license each 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 via the internet or at your local prefecture office. Enter the file number along with your personal code to track the status of your driver's licence online.
In addition to the driving rules It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system. You can lose your license following a major offense or accumulating too many points. You could also lose your license if aren't paying fines or have been in a serious accident.
It is important to be aware that France drives on a right-hand side of the road, and that traffic coming from the left side is given priority. It is also important to be aware that the speed limit for national and departmental highways 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 completed your French driving test or are an expat driving driver moving to France and needing a licence in France can be quite a challenge. There are certain regulations and licence prerequisites that you must be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by police or having an accident due to insufficient driving permits. To avoid any trouble the best thing to do is get an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This little piece of paper can translate your license into several languages and is a requirement to be carried with you when driving in foreign countries. These are a bargain ($20) and easily obtained at your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
Many expats are able to change their licenses to one with a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks up to several months depending on the prefecture's workload. You'll need proof of identity and two passport photos from recent times, a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you don't have a valid identification or your driving licence from another country expires, you'll have take a theoretical and practical exam before obtaining a full licence. People with disabilities or specific health issues may be required to undergo additional tests.
In https://parrottcoley83.livejournal.com/profile of the latter, an exam will be conducted by an expert doctor who will evaluate your capability to drive. The test is comprised of a theory test and a drive in a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all times. Drivers in France must also have a policy of insurance for cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance company to confirm 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 might be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and the help of a driving school, it is easy. Although you don't necessarily need a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling the process for you.