How to Get a French Driving License
It is a great idea to take driving lessons at a school if you are an ex-pat. They will take care of all the paperwork for you and decrease the wait time to get a test date.
It can take a few weeks to several months to get your French license (permis de conduire) It comes in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test, also known as le code, is a key step in the French driving license process. You can prepare by reading a manual and using mobile apps to help you learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You can also take a no-cost practice test online. 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 get the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. However, the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to the statistics, only 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, at 58.6% males and 52.8% women. Those with certain disabilities or health issues may have to undergo additional tests.
You can take the test in conjunction with a driving school that will arrange your lessons and exam or as an independent candidate. To do so, you must sign up for an "NEPH - numero d'enregistrement 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 expensive, but can save you time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, cater to English speakers. However, they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.
If you hold an official driving licence from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you may exchange your license for one that is a French one. The process is lengthy and you'll have to provide a translation from an official translator.
If you don't know French however, you can take the theory test by using the help of a translator. You can take the written test at any time you want and there is no waiting time between attempts. The cost of a standard theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
If you want to drive a vehicle in France you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can pass the theory and practical tests through a driving school that will arrange your classes and tests, or you can do it by yourself. If you choose to become an independent candidate, you will need to register for a NEPH - Numero d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise – 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 issues like traffic laws regulations, road safety and driving regulations. You can download free apps and study guides online, or purchase a Code de la Route in a bookshop. You can receive 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 driving to the left, not observing a stop sign, or disregarding the priority rules).
In the practical test, a judge will assess your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving and will last for approximately two hours. Additionally, you will be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid skills. The practical test may be repeated up to five times within three years.
As an external candidate, you can bring a tutor to the test however they cannot charge more than the price of a class. If you are taking a driving course, you can take an instructor with you to the test. If you fail the test, you may repeat it at as many times as you wish over the next five years.
The practical and theoretical tests are both in French. You'll require an excellent level of fluency. Start studying the language before you move to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers, and you should aim to achieve an acceptable level of proficiency by the time you take the test.
Passing the test
There are a few things that new drivers must 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 exam is comprised of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The next step is to take the practical test, which is a more challenging test that requires a lot of practice. The examiner will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what to do if you are faced with an emergency like a person who is unconscious or badly injured.
After passing the theory and practice test after which you will receive the certificate d'examen de permis de conduire. This document is valid four months, and it can be downloaded on your phone or tablet. If you are questioned by the police, this is what you'll need to show them. The word "favorable" will appear at the bottom of the document.
Your driver's license needs to be renewed every 15 years. You can complete this process by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can either do this online or in person at your local prefecture. Enter your file number as well as your personal code to keep track of the status of your driver's license online.
In addition to driving rules It is essential to be aware of the French demerit point system. You could lose your driving license if commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You can also lose your license if you do not pay fines or been 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 that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. 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
If you've recently passed your French driving test or are an expat driving driver moving to France getting a license in France can be a bit of a hassle. You must be aware of the rules and requirements for an IDP to avoid being stopped by police or getting into an accident due to insufficient driving licenses. In order to avoid any trouble, the best thing to do is to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This small piece of paper converts your license into multiple languages and is a requirement to carry when traveling abroad. They are cheap ($20) and are easily obtainable from your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.
Fortunately for the majority of expats, they can exchange their license for a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with France. The process can last between a few weeks to several months depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll also need two passport photos taken recently and a medical certificate, and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you do not have a valid ID or your driving licence from another country expires, you'll have take a theoretical and practical exam before obtaining a full licence. People with disabilities or specific health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the case of the second, doctors will conduct a test to determine your driving skills. The test will consist of a theory exam, a practice driving test in a parking lot, and a conversation with the examiner.
All French drivers must carry their driving licence France xpress and vehicle registration at all times. French drivers also need to carry an insurance policy for their vehicles and cars. Contact your insurance company to make sure that your policy covers driving in France and is up-to-date.
It can be a challenge to get your license in the new country you're moving to, but with the assistance of a reliable driving school, you can accomplish it. While you don't need an instructor in driving to obtain your French license, they will assist you in taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.