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This Week's Top Stories About French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License

If you're an expat it is a good idea to enroll in driving schools. They will take care of all paperwork and reduce your wait for a test.

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, or le code, is the most important step in the French licensing process for drivers. The test covers traffic laws and road safety rules and you can prepare by studying a manual or using mobile apps designed to assist you in learning. You can also take a test online for free test to practice. The exam is conducted using tablets at the test center, and you must correctly answer at least 35 of the questions to pass.

Similar to other countries, you can obtain the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. However, the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to statistics it was 54.4 percent of males and 59.2% women passed the test on the first time. The rate of passing the practical exam was even lower, with 58.6 percent for males and 52.8% women. People with health issues or disabilities might have to take additional tests.

You can either take the test in conjunction with a driving school that will organize your lessons and the test, or as an independent candidate. To do this, you must sign up for the number "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve an appointment for a test in theory.

Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine live and online classes. These courses are costly, but can help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English speakers. However they cost more than a standard French driving school.

If you possess an official driving licence from a member country of the European Union and a residence permit, you may swap your license for a French one. The process is long and you'll have to provide the official translator.

You can still take the test even if you don't speak French with a translation. You can take the test as many times you wish, with no waiting period. The cost for a regular test in theory is EUR30.

Practical test

You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be qualified to drive in France. You can pass the theory and practical tests at a driving academy that will arrange your lessons and tests and you can also do it by yourself. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you must register for a NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement Prefectural harmonise - on the website of government agency ANTS.

The exam's theoretical component is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice tests that cover subjects like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can find study guides and practice apps on the internet, or purchase the Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. It is possible to achieve an "A" grade if you score 20 points or more, as long as you don't make errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing a solid line, driving to the left, not obeying the stop sign, or not following the priority rules).

In the practical test, a judge will evaluate your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions in the vehicle you select. The test is composed of 25 minutes driving time and lasts approximately two hours. You will also be required to demonstrate your basic knowledge of first aid. The test can be repeated five times over three years.

As an external candidate you may bring a tutor along to the exam however they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you're studying at a driving school, they may send an instructor to accompany you on the practical exam. If you fail the practical test, you may retake it up to five times.

prix du permis de conduire 2024 and theoretical tests are both in French. You'll need to be fluent in French. Plan ahead and begin studying the language before you move to France. The test is difficult for non-French-speaking people, so you should be fluent by the time you sit it.

Passing the test

Before taking the test to obtain their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware some important points. you could try these out must pass both the theory and the practical test before they can drive on French roads. They must also be insured on their car and obtain a pollution certificate ("conduit accompagnée").

Le code is the initial step. The test consists of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to take the test in practice which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The examiner will test your knowledge of road rules and what to do if you encounter an emergency like someone who is unconscious or badly injured.

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


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 address and identification. You can do this on the internet or at your 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 the driving rules, it is important to be aware of the French demerit point system. You could lose your license following the commission of a serious offense or when you accumulate 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 important to be aware that France operates on the right side of the road and that priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Also, it is important to 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 on local roads and in cities.

Getting your license

It isn't easy to obtain a driving licence in France regardless of whether you've recently passed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. It is important to be aware of the rules and requirements to get the license in order to avoid being stopped by the police or causing an accident due to insufficient driving permits. To avoid any hassles, it is recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper is required to be carried while driving abroad. It translates your driver's permit into several foreign languages. They are cheap ($20) and simple to obtain at your local AAA office, and even car rental companies will accept them.

Fortunately for the majority of expats, they can exchange their license to a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with France. The process can take from a few weeks up to a few months, based on the prefecture's workload. You'll need identification proof with two recent passport photographs, a medical certificate and two envelopes with self-addressed addresses.

If you don't have a valid identification or your foreign driving permit is expired, you'll need to pass a theory and practical test before getting a full licence. Those with disabilities or specific health conditions might have to take additional tests.

In the event of the latter, an exam will be conducted by a doctor who will assess your ability to drive. The test is comprised of a theory test and a drive in a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner.

All French drivers must keep their driving licence and registration for their vehicle at all at all times. They must also have an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to speak with your insurance provider to make sure your policy covers driving in France, and that it is up to date.

It might be difficult to obtain your license in the new country you're moving to, but with the help of a good driving school you can do it. While you don't need an instructor in driving to obtain your French license, they will simplify the process by taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.