20 Myths About French Driving License: Debunked

How to Get a French Driving License

If you’re an expat it is a good idea to enroll in driving schools. They will do all the paperwork for you and decrease your wait time for the test date.

The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It could take anywhere from one week to several months to get.

Theory test

The driving theory test, also known as the code, is the most important step in the French driving license process. You can prepare for the test by reading a manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You can also take a free test online. The exam is conducted using tablets in the test center. You must answer correctly at least 35 questions in order to pass.

As with most countries in the world, as with most countries, a French driver’s license can be obtained after passing the practical and theoretical test. However, the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to the latest statistics, only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4 percent of women passed their theory test on the first try, while the passing rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for males and 52.8 percent for women. Those with certain disabilities or health conditions might have to undergo additional tests.

You can choose to take the test through an instructor who will organize your classes and test or as an independent candidate. You must sign up for an “NEPH number of prefectoral registration harmonise” on the website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a date for the test.

Many driving schools, including Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that mix live classes and online practice. These courses can be costly, but they can also save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach are specifically designed towards English learners, but they can cost more than a standard 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 for an French licence if you possess a residence permit in France. The process is lengthy and requires an official translator.

If you do not speak French however, you can take the test using a translator. You can take the test any number of times you like and without a waiting time. The standard theory test costs EUR30.

Practical test

You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and an exam in the practical area to be able to drive in France. You can take both exams via a driving school, which will organise the tests and lessons for you or you can do it yourself as an external candidate. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you will be required to sign up for an NEPH (Nephro d’enregistrement prefectural harmonise) Numero Prefectural Harmonisation – d’enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.

The exam’s theory is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as traffic laws and road safety rules, as well as driving regulations. You can download free applications and study guides online or purchase the Code de la Route in a bookshop. You can get an A+ grade with 20 or more points, as long as you don’t make any elimination mistakes (such a crossing a solid line, driving to the left, not observing the stop sign, or ignoring the priority rules).

During the practical exam the examiner will assess your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions and in the car you choose. The test is composed of 25 minutes driving time and will last for approximately two hours. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test can be repeated five times over the course of three years.

You can bring a tutor accompanying you to the test as an external candidate. However, they are not able to charge more than a single lesson. If you are enrolled in a driving school you can bring an instructor with you for the test. If you fail the test, you are able to take it again at as many times as you would like within the next five years.

It is important to note that the theory and practical tests are both held in French, so you’ll need an excellent level of proficiency in French. It is recommended to plan ahead and begin learning as early as possible prior to moving 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 get their French driving Licence France xpress, new drivers should be aware of some important points. They must pass both the theory and the practical test before they are able to drive on French roads. They also must be insured for their vehicle and purchase a pollution sticker (“conduit accompanye”).

Le code is the first step. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and 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 want you to demonstrate your knowledge of the rules of the road and also what to do in an emergency for instance, if someone is seriously injured or is unconscious.

Once you have passed the theory and practical tests, you will receive an official document titled the certificate exam du permis de conduire. The document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. This is what you will need to show the police if you are stopped. The word “favorable” will be noted 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 must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can either do this online, or in person at the local prefecture. Enter your file number as well as your personal code to keep track of the status of your driver’s licence online.

It is important to know the French demerit points system, in addition to the driving rules. You can lose your driving license if you commit a serious crime or accumulate too many points. You can also have your license suspended if you have unpaid fines or are involved in a serious accident.

It is crucial to understand that France drives on a right-hand side of the road and traffic that is coming from the left is given priority. 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

It isn’t easy to get a driver’s license in France, whether you have just completed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. There are certain regulations and licensing requirements that you must be aware of to avoid being pulled over by the police or having an accident due to insufficient driving documents. To avoid any hassle, the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home. This little piece of paper translates your license into a variety of languages and is a requirement to be carried with you when driving abroad. They’re inexpensive ($20) and simple to get from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies will accept them.

Most expats can change their licenses to one that is a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process could take from a few weeks to several months depending on how busy the prefecture is. You’ll also need two passport photos recently taken along with a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.

If you don’t have a valid driving license or your driving license from another country has expired, then you will need to pass a theory and a practical test before you can obtain an official license. Those with disabilities or specific health conditions might have to take additional tests.

In the event of the second option, a doctor will conduct an exam to determine your driving skills. The test consists of a theoretical test, a driving test in a parking lot, and an interview with the examiner.

French drivers must carry their driving license and registration for their vehicle at all times. French drivers also need to carry a policy of insurance for their cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers driving in France and is current.

Getting your license in the country where you have made your new home might seem daunting however with a bit of preparation and the assistance of a driving instructor it will be easy. While you don’t need an instructor to get your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling for you.