How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good choice to take driving lessons at a school if are an expat. They will handle all the paperwork for you and decrease the time you wait for an exam date.
It can take a couple of weeks to a few months to obtain 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 the most important step in the French licensing process for drivers. The test covers traffic laws and road safety regulations and you can prepare for it by reading a manual or using mobile apps designed to help you learn. You can also take a no-cost test online. The test is conducted digitally at the testing center, using tablets. You must answer the questions correctly to pass.
Like many countries as with most countries, as with most countries, a French driver's license can be obtained after passing both an exam that is both theoretical and practical. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics that only 54.4 percent of males 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% males and 52.8 percent women. Those with certain disabilities or health conditions might have to undergo additional tests.
You can take the test through a driving school which will organize your classes and test, or as an independent candidate. To do so you must register for an "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is needed to reserve a date for the theory test.
Many driving schools such as Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine online practice with live classes. These courses can be costly however they also reduce time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English people. However they cost more than a traditional French driving school.
If you have an active driving license from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to exchange your licence to a French one. The process is lengthy and you'll need to provide an official translation from a translator.
If you don't know French however, you can take the test using the help of a translator. You can also take the test at any time you like and there is no time limit between attempts. The cost of a standard test in theory is EUR30.
Practical test
If you wish to drive a car in France, you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can either pass the theory and practical tests through a driving school that will arrange your tests and lessons, or you can do it on your own. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you need to register for an NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement Prefectural harmonise - on the website of government agency ANTS.
The exam's theory is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving rules. You can find free study guides and practice applications online, or buy a Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. You can earn a pass grade if you score at least 20 points, as long as you don't make any elimination mistakes (such crossing a solid line or turning left, not obeying a stop sign, or disregarding priority rules).
During the test the examiner will assess your ability to drive in normal conditions of traffic and in the car you choose. The test is comprised of 25 minutes of driving. It is expected to last around two hours in total. The examiner will also ask you to show your knowledge of basic first aid. The test can be repeated up to five times over the course of three years.
As an external 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 are enrolled in a driving school you can take an instructor to the test. If you fail the test, you are able to repeat it up to five times.
The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You'll need a high level of fluency. It's best to plan ahead and begin learning as early as possible prior to moving to France. The test is challenging for non-French speakers So you must be fluent by the time you sit it.
Passing the test
There are a few things that new drivers must be aware of prior to taking the test for their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and practical exam before they can drive on French roads. They also need to be insured on their car and obtain a pollution certificate ("conduit accompanye").
The first step is to pass the theory exam that is also known as the code. The test consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The next step is to take the practical test which is a harder exam and requires lots of practice. The examiner will test your knowledge of road rules and what to do in the event that you encounter an emergency like a person who is unconscious or badly injured.
After having passed the theory and practical test, you will be given the certificate d'examen de Permis D de conduire. This document is valid for four months, and it can be downloaded onto your tablet or phone. This is what you need to show the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" will be indicated at the bottom of the document.
Your driver's license needs to be renewed every 15 years. This can be done by filling in an administrative form and paying a fee. You must also show proof of your address and identification. You can either complete this online or in person at your local prefecture. Enter the file number along with your personal code to track the status of your driver's licence online.
It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system, in addition to the driving rules. You could lose your driving license if commit a serious crime or accumulate too many points. You can also lose your license if do not pay fines or been in a serious accident.
It is important to know that France operates on the right-hand side of the road, and that traffic that is coming from the left is given priority. Additionally, you must remember that the maximum speed allowed on both departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. However, the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h for local roads and in cities.
Getting your license
It isn't easy to get a driver's license in France, whether you have recently passed your French test or are a new expat driver. 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 licenses. To avoid any hassles, it's best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper converts your license into multiple languages and is required to carry when traveling across the globe. These are a bargain ($20) and easily obtained from your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.
Many expats are able to exchange their licenses for one that is a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process could take from a couple of weeks to a few months, dependent on how busy the prefecture is. You'll need identification document with two recent passport photographs, a medical certificate and two self-addressed envelopes.
If you do not have a valid ID or your foreign driving license is expired, you'll need to pass a theory and practical exam before obtaining the full license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may be required to undergo additional tests.
In the case of the second option, a doctor will conduct an exam to determine your driving skills. The test will consist of a theory test, a driving test in a parking area and a conversation with the examiner.
All French drivers must have their driving license and registration for their vehicle at all times. They also must carry an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
It might be difficult to get your license in the new country you're moving to however with the assistance of a reputable driving school, you can do it. Although you don't necessarily need an instructor to get your French driving license, they can help you with the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling the process for you.