How to Get a French Driving License

If you're an expat, it is recommended to attend driving school. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten 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 a – permis a2 de conduire) that comes 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 licensing process for drivers. You can prepare by studying an instructional manual and using mobile apps to help learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You may also take a test online for free practice test. The test is administered digitally at the testing center with tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.

As in many countries, you can only obtain a French driving licence after passing both the theory and practical tests. However the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to recent statistics that only 59.2% of men and 54.4 percent of women passed their theory test on the first try, while the passing rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8% for women. People with health issues or disabilities might have to take additional tests.

You can either take the test through a driving school that will manage your lessons and exam or as an independent candidate. You must sign up for the number "NEPH number of prefectoral registration harmonise" on the website of government agency ANTS. This number is needed to book a date for the test.

Many driving schools such as Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine live and online classes. These courses can be expensive but they can save time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach offer courses to English speakers. However, they are more expensive than a traditional French driving school.

If you have a valid driving licence from one of the countries that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it to a French licence if you hold an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy, and you must provide the 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 as many times as you'd like and récupérer des points sur le permis de conduire there is no time limit between tests. The cost of a regular theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and a practical exam to be legally able to drive in France. You can choose to pass the theory and practical tests through a driving school that will schedule your lessons and tests or you can take it by yourself. If you choose to be an independent candidate you will be required to sign up for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the website of the government agency ANTS.
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Note that the theory and practical tests are both held in French and you'll need to have an adequate level of proficiency in the French language. It's best to plan ahead and start learning the language early even before moving to France. The test may be difficult for non-French speakers. You should aim to achieve an acceptable level of proficiency before you take the test.

Passing the test

Before taking the test to obtain their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware a few important things. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical tests. They also need to have their car insured and purchase a pollution tag ("conduit accompagnée").

The first step is to take the theory exam that is also called the code. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and an oral explanation. The next step is to take the practical test which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The examiner will ask you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and also what to do in an emergency like when someone is badly injured or unconscious.

After passing the theory and practical test After passing the test, you will receive a document called a certificat d'examen de passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ de conduire. This document is valid four months, and can be downloaded on your tablet or phone. If you are stopped by police, this document is what you'll need to present to them. The word "favorable" is going to be located at the bottom of the document, will be indicated.

You have to renew your driver's license each 15 years. This can be done by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this on 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 driving rules, 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 récupérer des points sur le permis a – permis a2 de conduire [Click at Manfen 5]. You may also lose your license if 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. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the speed limit on national and departmental roads is 80 km/h. On local roads and in the cities, however the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Getting your license

It can be a challenge to obtain a driving licence in France, whether you have just passed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. There are specific regulations and licensing requirements that you need to be aware of to avoid being stopped by the police or having an accident because of insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any trouble the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This tiny piece of paper can translate your license into several languages and is a requirement to be carried when traveling across the globe. They're cheap ($20) and simple to get from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept them.

The majority of expats can swap their licenses to one that is a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take between a few weeks to a few months, based on the prefecture's work load. You'll also need two passport photos taken recently and a medical certificate, and two envelopes addressed to yourself.

If you do not have a valid ID or your foreign driving permit has expired, you'll have take a theoretical and practical exam before obtaining the full license. Those with disabilities or specific health conditions might have to take additional tests.

In the event of the second option, doctors will conduct a test to evaluate your driving abilities. The test will consist of a theoretical examination and a drive in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.

All French drivers are required to keep their driving licence and vehicle registration with them at all time. They also must carry an insurance policy for their cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to make sure your policy includes driving in France and is current.

The process of getting your license in the country of your new home might seem daunting, but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving instructor it will be easy. Although you don't require a driving instructor to get your French license, they will make the process easier by managing all the paperwork and scheduling.