How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good idea to learn driving at a driving school if you are an expat. They will do all the paperwork for you and decrease the time you wait for a test date.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get.
Theory test
The driving theory test, also known as le code, is an essential step in the French licensing process for drivers. The test covers traffic laws and road safety regulations and you can prepare for it by reading a manual or using mobile apps that are designed to help you learn. You can also take a no-cost practice test online. The test is administered digitally in the testing center, using tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.
As in many countries, you can only obtain the French driving licence after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics that only 54.4% of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the theory test the first time. The pass rate for the practical test was lower, with 58.6 percent for men and 52.8% women. Those who suffer from disabilities or Www.Licencefrancexpress.com health issues may have to undergo extra tests.
You can choose to take the test through a driving school which will manage your lessons and the test, or as an independent candidate. To do so, you must sign up for a "NEPH Prefectoral Number" harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve the date for your theory test.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine live and online classes. These courses can be costly, but they can also save time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, are specifically geared toward 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 have an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you will need to provide an official translator.
If you don't speak French You can still take the test using the help of a translator. You can take the test in writing at any time you'd like and there is no waiting time between attempts. The regular theory test costs 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 take both tests via a driving school, which will organise the tests and lessons for you, or on your own as an external candidate. If you choose to become an independent candidate you will need to register for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can find study guides and practice programs online, or purchase a Code de la Route book from a bookshop or online. You can receive an A grade if you score at least 20 points, provided that you don't make any elimination mistakes (such a crossing an unmarked line or driving to the left, not respecting the stop sign, or disregarding the rules of priority).
During the practical exam an examiner will test your ability to drive in normal conditions of traffic and in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving and is expected to last around two hours in total. The examiner will also ask you to show your knowledge of basic first aid. The test is repeated five times over three years.
You can bring a teacher accompanying you to the test as an outside candidate. However, they cannot charge more than a single lesson. If you are an instructor at a driving school, you can bring an instructor to the test. If you fail the practical test, you are able to repeat it up to five times.
The practical and theoretical tests are both in French. You'll need a high level of fluency. It is recommended to plan ahead and start learning as early as possible, even before you move to France. The test is challenging for non-French-speaking people, so you should be fluent before you take it.
Passing the test
There are a few things that new drivers should be aware of prior to taking the test to obtain their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and practical test before they are able to drive on French roads. They must also have their car insured and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompanye").
The first step is taking the theory exam, also known as the code. The exam is made up of oral and multiple-choice questions. The next step is to take the practical test which is more challenging and requires a lot of practice. The test will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do if you encounter an emergency like someone who is unconscious or badly injured.
If you pass the theory and practical tests, you'll receive an official document titled the certificate exam du permis to drive. The document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by police, this is the document you must show them. The word "favorable" will be noted at the bottom of the document.
You must renew your driver's license each 15 years. You can do this by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your address and identification. You can do this via the internet or at your local prefecture office. You can track the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
It is important to know the French demerit points system, in addition to the driving rules. You could lose your driving license if commit a serious offense or accumulate too many points. You may also lose your license if don't pay fines or have been involved in an accident that is serious.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that France operates on the right side of the road and priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Moreover, you should be aware 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 can be a challenge to obtain a driving licence in France regardless of whether you've just completed your French test or are a new expat driver. There are specific regulations and license requirements that you need to be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by police or having an accident because of insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any issues, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper translates your license into several languages and is required to carry when traveling abroad. These are a bargain ($20) and easily obtained at your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.
Most expats can change their licenses to one with a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take anywhere 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 that are self-addressed.
If you don't have a valid driver's license or your foreign driving licence has expired, then you'll be required to pass a theoretical and a practical test before you are able to obtain a full license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may be required to undergo additional tests.
If you are the latter, a test will be conducted by a doctor who will assess your ability to drive. The test includes a theoretical exam, a practice driving test in a parking space, and a conversation with the examiner.
French drivers must carry their driving license and vehicle registration at all time. French drivers also need to carry a policy of insurance for cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to check with your insurer to confirm that your policy covers driving in France, and that it is current.
It might be difficult to obtain a license in your new country, but with the help of a good driving school, you can do it. While you don't have to attend a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can help you with the process by taking care of the paperwork and scheduling for you.