How to Get a French Driving License

If you are an expat it is recommended to enroll in driving schools. They will take care of all paperwork and reduce the time required to pass the test.

It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks or even months to get your French license (permis de conduire perdu permis de conduire international conduire), which is in the form of a pink credit card.

Theory test

The driving theory test, or le code, is a key step in the French licensing process for drivers. You can prepare for the test by reading a manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a no-cost online test to practice. The test is administered digitally at the testing center, using 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 theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics it was 54.4 percent of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the theory test for the first time. The rate of passing the practical exam was even lower, with 58.6 percent of males and 52.8 percent women. For those with disabilities or health conditions may have to undergo extra tests.

You can take the test at a driving academy, who will manage your lessons and the test for you, or do it as an independent candidate. To do this, you must sign up for a "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to book a date for the test.

Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes and online practice. These courses can be expensive however they also save time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach are designed specifically toward English students, however they may cost more than a standard French driving school.

If you hold a valid driving license from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to exchange your license to one that is a French one. The process can take a long time and you will need to provide an official translator.

You can still take the test if you do not speak French by using a translation. You can also take the written test at any time you like, and there is no time limit between the attempts. The cost of a regular theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and an exam in the practical area to be able to drive in France. You can take the theory and the practical tests at a driving academy which will organize your classes and tests, or you can do it by yourself. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you'll be required to sign up for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.

The theoretical exam, known as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answers that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can download free apps and study guides online, or purchase the Code passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ la Route in the bookshop. You can receive an A grade if you score at least 20 points, as long as you don't commit any elimination errors (such crossing a solid line, driving to the left, not observing a stop sign, or disregarding priority rules).

During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions and in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving. It will last for about two hours. You will also be required to demonstrate your basic knowledge of first aid. The practical test may be repeated up to five times over the course of three years.

You can bring a tutor accompanying you to the test as an external candidate. But, they can't charge more than a lesson. If you are taking a driving course, you can take an instructor for the test. If you fail the practical test, you can retake it up to five times.

Note that the theory and practical tests are both held in French, so you'll need an excellent level of proficiency in French. It's best to plan ahead and begin learning as early as possible, even before you move to France. The test may be difficult for non-French speakers. Therefore, you should aim to have a decent level of proficiency by the time you take it.

Passing the test

Before taking the test to earn their French driving license, new drivers should be aware of some important points. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical tests. In addition, they must have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution label (called"conduit accompagnee") "conduit accompagnee").

Le code is the first step. The test is comprised of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to take the practical test which is a more challenging test and requires a lot of practice. The test will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do if you are faced with an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or severely injured.

After passing the theory and practical test, you will be given an official document referred to as a certificate d'examen de permis D permis de conduire perdu conduire. The document is valid for a period of four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by the police, this document is what you will need to show them. The word "favorable", which will be located at the bottom of the documents, will be indicated.

You must renew your driver's license each 15 years. This is done by filling in an administrative form and paying an amount. You must also provide proof of your address and identification. You can do this online or at the local prefecture office. Enter your file number and your personal code to keep track of the status of your driver's licence online.

In addition to driving rules It is essential to be aware of the French demerit point system. You could lose your license following an aggravated offense or having too many points. You can also have your license suspended if have outstanding fines or involved in an accident that is serious.

It is also essential to be aware that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road and that priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Moreover, you should 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

Whether you've just passed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France, getting a license in the country isn't easy. There are specific regulations and licence prerequisites that you need to be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by police or having an accident due to invalid driving permits. In order to avoid any hassle the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home. This tiny piece of paper must to be carried while driving abroad. It converts your driver's license into a variety of foreign languages. They're inexpensive ($20) and easy to get from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies will accept them.

Most expats can change their licenses to a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take a couple of weeks to a few months, dependent on how busy the prefecture is. You'll also require two passport photographs taken recently, a medical certification, and two envelopes addressed to yourself.

If you don't have a valid ID or your foreign driving permit has expired, you'll have to pass a theory and practical exam before obtaining the full license. People with disabilities or specific health conditions may have to pass additional tests.

In the case of the latter, a test will be conducted by a doctor who will assess your ability to drive. The test includes a theoretical test, a driving test in a parking space and a conversation with the examiner.

All French drivers must keep their driving licence and vehicle registration at all at all times. They also must carry an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to confirm that your policy covers driving in France and is up to date.

The process of getting your license in the country where you have made your new home might be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving instructor it is easy. While you don't need an instructor to get your French driving license, they can help you with the process by doing all of the paperwork and scheduling for you.