How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat, it is an excellent idea to enroll in driving school. They will handle all the paperwork for you and cut down on the time you wait for the test date.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit card. It can take between several weeks to a few months to receive.
Theory test
The driving theory test, also known as le code, is an essential step in the French driving license process. The test covers traffic laws and road safety regulations, and you can prepare for it by reading an instruction manual or by using mobile apps to help you master. You can also take a free online practice test. The test is administered digitally in the testing center with tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass.
As in many countries, you can 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 statistics from the last few years that only 59.2 percent of men and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on the first attempt. The success rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8% for women. People with disabilities or health conditions might need to take additional tests.
You can take the test at a driving academy, which will organise your lessons and the exam for you, or you could do it as an independent candidate. To do this, you must sign up for the number "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a date for the theory test.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine online practice with live classes. These courses are costly, but can help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach, cater to English students. However, they are more expensive than a traditional French driving school.
If you hold an official driving licence from a member state of the European Union and a residence permit, you can swap your license to one that is a French one. The process is lengthy and you'll need to provide an official translation from a translator.
If you do not speak French however, you can take the theory test by using the help of a translator. You can also take the test in writing as many times as you like and there is no waiting time between attempts. The cost of a regular theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and an exam in the practical area to be legally able to drive in France. You can choose to take the theory and the practical tests at a driving school which will organize your classes and tests, or you can do it by yourself. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you will need to register for an NEPH (Nephro d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise) Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The test, referred to as le Code, consists of 40 questions that have multiple-choice answers covering topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice programs online, or purchase a Code de la Route book from a bookshop or online. It is possible to achieve an A+ grade with 20 or more points, in the event that you don't commit eliminatory mistakes (crossing a solid line, driving to the left, not obeying the stop sign or priority rules).
During the test, an examiner will assess your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic in the vehicle you select. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving and will last for about two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid skills. The test can be taken five times over three years.
You can take a tutor accompanying you to the test as an outside candidate. But, they can't charge more than a single lesson. However, if you're studying at a driving school, they are able to provide an instructor to accompany you on the test. If you fail the test, you may repeat it up to five times.
The tests for practical and theoretical are both in French. You'll need a high level of fluency. It's best to plan ahead and start learning early, even before you move to France. The test is challenging for non-French speaking people Therefore, you should be fluent before you take it.
Passing the test
There are a few points that new drivers need to know before taking the test for their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and practical exam before they can drive on French roads. Additionally, they must have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called"conduit accompagnee") "conduit accompagnee").
The code is the first step. The test consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The second step involves taking the practical test which is a more challenging exam and requires lots of practice. The test will test your understanding of road rules and what to do in the event that you are faced with an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or severely injured.
After passing the theory and practical test After passing the test, you will receive the certificate exam de permis de conduire Perdu de conduire. This document is valid for 4 months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. If you are stopped by the police, this is what you will need to show them. The word "favorable" that will appear at the bottom of the documents, will be indicated.
You must renew your driver's license every 15 years. This can be completed by filling out an administrative form and paying a fee. You will also need to provide proof of your address and identification. You can either do this online or in person at your local prefecture. Enter your file number and your personal code to keep track of the status of your driver's license online.
In addition to the driving rules, it is important to be aware of the French demerit point system. You can lose your license following an aggravated offense or having too many points. You could also have your license suspended if you have not paid fines or involved in an accident that is serious.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that France drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. Also, you should be aware that the speed limit for the 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
It isn't easy to get a driver's license in France regardless of whether you've recently passed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. There are specific regulations and licence prerequisites that you should be aware of to avoid being stopped by the police or causing an accident because of insufficient driving permits. To avoid any issues, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper has to be carried on your person when driving in foreign countries. It converts your driver's license into a variety of foreign languages. They are cheap ($20) and easy to get from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept them.
For most expats, they can exchange their license for one that is a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process could take from a few weeks to several months, dependent on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You'll also require two passport photos taken recently, a medical certification, and two self addressed envelopes.
If you don't have a valid driver's license or your foreign driving license has expired, then you will need to pass a theory and a practical test before you are able to obtain a full license. Those with disabilities and specific health issues may be required to take 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 exam, a practical driving test in a parking lot, and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all times. They must also have an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to speak with your insurance provider to make sure your policy includes driving in France, and that it is up to date.
The process of getting your license in the country where you have made your new home might seem daunting but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving instructor it will be a breeze. Although you don't necessarily need an instructor to get your French driving license, they can facilitate the process by taking care of the paperwork and scheduling your appointment for you.