How to Get a French Driving License
It is a great idea to learn driving at a school if are an expat. They will take care of all the paperwork for you and decrease your wait time for an exam date.
The French driving license (Permis De Conduire Perdu) is a pink credit-card. It could take between one week to a few months to receive.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is an important step in the French license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety regulations and you can prepare by studying a manual or using mobile apps designed to assist you in learning. You can also take a no-cost online test to practice. The test is conducted digitally using tablets in the test center, and you must be able to answer at least 35 questions in order 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 that only 54.4 percent of males and 59.2% women passed the theory test for the first time. The rate of passing the practical exam was even lower, at 58.6 percent for males and 52.8 percent of women. Those who suffer from disabilities or health issues might need to take additional tests.
You can either take the test in conjunction with an instructor who will manage your lessons and the test or as an individual candidate. To do so, you must register for a "NEPH Prefectoral Number" harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is needed to make a reservation for the theory test.
Many driving schools, including Pass Rousseau, offer online training courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses can be costly but they can save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach are specifically designed towards English students, however they can cost more than a typical French driving school.
If you possess a valid driving licence from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it to one of the French licence if you have a residence permit in France. The process can take a long time and you will need to provide a translation by an official translator.
You can still take the test if you do not speak French with a translation. You can take the test in writing at any time you'd like, and there is no waiting time between the attempts. The regular theory test costs EUR30.
Practical test
If you want to drive a car in France you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take the theory and the practical tests at a driving academy that will schedule your tests and lessons or you can take it on your own. If you choose to become an independent candidate, you will be required to sign up for a NEPH - Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the website of the government agency ANTS.
The exam, also known as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answers covering topics such as traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving rules. There are free study guides and practice applications online, or purchase an Code de la Route book from a bookshop or online. It is possible to earn an "A" grade if you score 20 or more points in the event that you don't commit eliminatory mistakes (crossing an established line, driving to the left, failing to respect the stop sign or 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 of driving time and will last for approximately two hours. The examiner will also require you to show your knowledge of basic first aid. The test can be repeated five times over the course of three years.
You can bring a tutor along to the test as an external candidate. But, they can't charge more than a single lesson. However, if you are studying at an driving school, they can assign an instructor to accompany you during the practical exam. If you fail the test, you are able to repeat it up to five times.
It is important to note that the theory and practical tests are conducted in French which means you'll need an excellent level of proficiency in the language. It is recommended to plan ahead and begin learning early even before moving to France. The test is difficult for non-French-speaking people, so you should be fluent when you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to earn their French driving licence, new drivers should be aware certain things. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical tests. They must also have their car insured and obtain a pollution certificate ("conduit accompanye").
Le code is the initial step. The exam consists of multiple-choice tests and an oral explanation. The second part is 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 to do if you encounter an emergency situation like a person who is unconscious or seriously injured.
If you pass the theory and practical tests, you will be issued the document known as the certificate exam du permis of driving. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. This is the document you must to show the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" is going to be located at the bottom of the document and will be highlighted.
Your driver's license must be renewed every 15 years. This can be done by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this online, or in person at the local prefecture. You can check the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
It is important to know the French demerit points system in addition to the driving rules. You can lose your license after an aggravated offense or having too many points. You may also get your license revoked if you have not paid fines or involved in a serious accident.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that France drives on the right side of the road and priority is given to traffic coming from the right. Also, you should be aware that the speed limit on 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 just passed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France getting a license in the country can be a bit of a hassle. There are specific regulations and licensing requirements that you need to be aware of to avoid being stopped by the police or causing an accident due to insufficient driving permits. To avoid any trouble the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This tiny piece of paper converts your license into several languages and is a requirement to be carried when driving abroad. They're cheap ($20) and easy to get from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept them.
Fortunately for most expats, they are able to exchange their license to a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can last between a few weeks to several months depending on the prefecture's workload. You'll need a proof of identity with two recent passport photographs, a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you don't have a valid identification or your driving licence from another country has expired, you'll have take a theoretical and practical test before getting a full licence. Those with disabilities or specific health conditions might have to pass additional tests.
In the event of the second, doctors will conduct a test to evaluate your driving abilities. The test will consist of a theory test and a drive in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers must carry their driving licence and registration for their vehicle at all times. They must also carry an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to check with your insurer to ensure that your policy covers driving in France, and that it is current.
Getting your license in the country where you have made your new home might be a daunting task however with a bit of preparation and the help of a driving school it will be a breeze. While you don't require a driving instructor to get your French license, they will assist you in handling all the paperwork and scheduling.