How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good choice to take driving lessons at a school if you are an expat. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten the time it takes to take a test.
It could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to obtain your French license (permis de conduire français en (licencefrancexpress.com) de conduire) It comes in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test, or le code, is the most important step in the French driving license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety rules, and you can prepare by studying an instruction manual or by using mobile apps to help you learn. You can also take a free practice test online. The exam is conducted digitally using tablets at the test center, and you must be able to answer at least 35 questions to pass.
As in many countries, you can obtain the French driving license after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the latest statistics, only 59.2% of men and 54.4% of women passed their test on their first try, while the passing rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8 percent for women. Those with certain disabilities or health conditions might require additional tests.
You can either take the test through an instructor who will manage your lessons and exam, or as an independent candidate. To do this you need to register for a "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve the date for your theory test.
Many driving schools, such as Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes and online practice. These courses can be costly but they can save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English students. However they are more expensive than a standard French driving school.
If you have an official driving licence from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to exchange your license to one in French one. The process is lengthy and you'll need to provide a translation from an official translator.
You can still take the test if you don't speak French by using a translation. You can take the written test for as many times as you want and there is no waiting period between the attempts. The cost for the regular theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
If you wish to drive a vehicle in France you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can choose to pass the theory and practical tests through a driving school that will arrange your classes and tests or you can take it by yourself. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you must register for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise, d'enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The exam's theoretical component is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover subjects like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving rules. It is possible to download free apps and study guides online or purchase the Code de la Route in bookstores. You can receive an A grade if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't commit any elimination mistakes (such crossing a solid line, driving to the left, not observing a stop sign, or not following priority rules).
During the practical exam the examiner will assess your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions and in your vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes driving time and lasts approximately two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The practical test can be taken five times over the course of three years.
As an external candidate you may bring a tutor along to the test, but they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you are an instructor at a driving school, you are able to bring an instructor with you to the test. If you fail the practical test, you can take it again up to five times.
Be aware that the practical and theory tests are conducted in French, so you'll need an adequate level of proficiency in the language. Start learning the language prior to your move to France. The test is challenging for non-French-speaking people So you must be fluent when you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to earn their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware of a few important things. They must pass both the theory and the practical test before they can drive on French roads. They must also have their car insured and purchase a pollution tag ("conduit accompagnée").
The first step is to take the theory test, also called le code. The exam is made up of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to pass the practical test which is more difficult and requires plenty of practice. The test taker will require you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency for instance, if someone is injured badly or is unconscious.
After having passed the theory and practical test After passing the test, you will receive a document called a certificat d'examen de permis de conduire. This document is valid four months, and can be downloaded onto your tablet or phone. This is what you need to show the police when you are stopped. The word "favorable", which will be located at the bottom of the document, will be indicated.
Your driver's license needs to be renewed every 15 years. This is done by filling out an administrative form and paying an amount. You must also show proof of your address and identification. You can do this online or at your local prefecture office. Enter the file number along with your personal code to keep track of the status of your driver's licence online.
It is crucial to understand the French demerit points system, in addition to the driving regulations. You could lose your driving license if commit a serious offense or accumulate too many points. You can also lose your license if don't pay fines or have been involved in an accident that is serious.
It is important to be aware that France operates on the right-hand side of the road, and that traffic coming from the left is given priority. You should also be aware that the speed limit on the national and departmental highways is 80 km/h. However the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on local roads and in cities.
Getting your license
It can be difficult to get a driver's license in France no matter if you've recently passed your French test or are a new expat driver. There are certain regulations and licensing requirements that you must be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by the police or having an accident due to insufficient driving permits. To avoid any hassles, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper can translate your license into several languages, and is a requirement to carry when driving across the globe. They're inexpensive ($20) and easy to obtain at your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept them.
Many expats are able to exchange their licenses for one with a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can last from a few weeks up to several months depending on the prefecture's workload. You'll also require two passport photos taken recently and a medical certificate, and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you don't have a valid driver's license or your foreign driving licence has expired, you will have to pass a theory and a practical test before you can get a full license. Those with disabilities and specific health conditions may have to undergo additional tests.
In the case of the latter, an exam will be administered by a doctor who will assess your capability to drive. The test will consist of a theory exam, a practical driving test in a parking lot, and a conversation with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to have their driving license and vehicle registration at all at all times. They must also carry an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. Contact your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
Getting your license in the country you've chosen to call home might seem daunting, but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving school, it will be a breeze. While you don't need a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can facilitate the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling your appointment for you.