If you're an expat it is a good idea to attend driving schools. They will take care of all the paperwork and shorten your wait for an exam.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It can take between one week to several months to obtain.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is an essential 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 can also take a free test online. The test is conducted digitally using tablets in the test center. You must answer correctly at least 35 questions to pass.
Like most countries as with most countries, a French driver's license can only be obtained after passing the practical and theoretical test. However, the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to statistics that only 54.4 percent of males and 59.2 percent of women passed the theory test the first time. The pass rate for the practical test was lower, with 58.6 percent for males and 52.8% women. People with disabilities or health conditions may have to undergo extra tests.
You can take the theory test at a driving school which will arrange your lessons and the test for you, or you can do it as an independent candidate. To do so you need to register for a "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is needed to make a reservation for the test.
Many driving schools, such as Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that mix live classes and online practice. These courses are costly however they can help you save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach, are specifically geared toward English students, however they can be more expensive than a normal French driving school.
If you have an active driving license from a member country of the European Union and a residence permit, you may exchange your licence to one that is a French one. The process is lengthy and requires a translation by an official translator.
If you don't know French however, you can take the test using the help of a translator. You can also take the written test as many times as you like and there is no waiting period between tests. 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 theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. 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 decide to be an independent candidate, you need to register for a NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement Prefectural harmonise - on the official website of the agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam, known as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answers covering topics such as traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving rules. You can download free apps and study guides online or purchase a Code de la Route in the bookshop. It is possible to earn an "A" grade if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't make mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an established line, driving to the left, failing to respect a stop sign or ignoring the priority rules).
During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the car you select. The test is composed of 25 minutes driving time and will last for approximately two hours. Additionally, you will be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The test is repeated five times over the course of three years.
As an outside candidate, you may bring a tutor to the exam, but they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you are enrolled in a driving school you can take an instructor to the practical test. If you fail the test, you can take it again up to five times.
The tests for practical and theoretical are both in French. You'll need an excellent level of fluency. Start learning the language prior to your move to France. The test is challenging for non-French-speaking people So you must be fluent by the time you sit it.
Passing the test
There are a few points that new drivers should know before taking the test for their French driving license. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical exams. They also must be insured for their vehicle and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompanye").
The first step is to take the theory test that is also known as the code. The test consists of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The second step involves taking the practical test, which is a harder test that requires a lot of practice. The examiner will test your understanding of road rules and what you should do if you encounter an emergency situation such as someone who is unconscious or severely injured.
After you have passed the practical and theory tests, you will receive an official document titled the certificate exam du permis of driving. This document is valid for 4 months and can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. This is what you will need to show the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" is going to appear at the bottom of the document is where it will be noted.
Your driver's license needs to 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 address and identification. You can do this online or at your local prefecture office. Enter your file number and your personal code to track the status of your driver's licence online.
It is crucial to understand the French demerit RéCupéRer Des Points Sur Le Permis De Conduire system, in addition to the driving regulations. You can lose your driving license if you commit a serious offense or accumulate too many points. You may also get your license suspended if you have not paid fines or involved in a serious accident.
It is crucial to understand that France drives on a right-hand side of the road, and traffic coming from the left is given priority. Additionally, you must remember that the maximum speed limit on national and departmental roads 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, whether you have recently passed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. There are certain regulations and license requirements that you must be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by the police or causing an accident due to invalid driving permits. To avoid any hassles, it is best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper is required to be carried on your person when traveling abroad. It converts your driver's license into a variety of foreign languages. They are cheap ($20) and simple to get from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept them.
For most expats, they can exchange their license for one with a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with France. The process could take from a few weeks to several months depending on how busy the prefecture is. You'll also require two passport photos recently taken along with a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you do not have a valid ID or your foreign driving license is expired, you'll need to pass both a theory and practical exam before obtaining an official license. Those with disabilities and specific health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the event of the second option, a doctor will conduct a test to assess your driving ability. The test consists of a theory test and a practical drive on a parking lot, as well as an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers must keep their driving licence and registration for their vehicle at all at all times. They must also carry an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. It is advisable to speak with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy includes driving in France and is current.
It might be difficult to get your license in your new country however with the assistance of a reputable driving school, you can accomplish it. While you don't need a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by taking care of the paperwork and scheduling for you.
