If you are an expat it is a good idea to attend a driving school. They will take care of all paperwork and reduce your wait for an exam.The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It could take between one week to a few months to receive.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is an important step in the French license process. You can prepare by studying an instructional manual and using mobile apps to help learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You may also take a free online test to practice. The exam is conducted digitally using tablets at the test center, and you must correctly answer at least 35 questions in order to pass.
As in many countries, you can only 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, only 54.4% of men and 59.2% women passed the test on the first time. The pass rate for the practical test was lower, at 58.6% men and 52.8 percent of women. People with disabilities or health issues may need to take additional tests.
You can take the theory test with a driving school which will organize your lessons and the test, or as an independent candidate. To do so you need to sign up for a "NEPH - numero d'enregistrement prefectoral harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to book the date for your theory test.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses are costly, but can help you save time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, www.Licencefrancexpress.com are specifically geared toward English learners, but they may cost more than a standard French driving school.
If you possess an official driving licence from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you can exchange your licence to one that is a French one. The process can be lengthy and you'll need to provide an official translation from a translator.
If you don't speak French You can still take the test using a translator. You can also take the test in writing at any time you like, and there is no time limit between the attempts. The cost of a standard theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be qualified to drive in France. You can take the theory and the practical tests at a driving academy which will organize your tests and lessons, or you can do it by yourself. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you'll be required to sign up for an NEPH (Nephro d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise) Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam, known as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answer covering topics such as traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving regulations. You can download free applications and study guides online, or purchase a Code de la Route in the bookshop. It is possible to earn a pass mark with 20 points or more, in the event that you don't commit eliminatory mistakes (crossing a solid line, driving to the left, failing to respect a stop sign or ignoring the rules of priority).
During the test, a judge will evaluate your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic in the vehicle you select. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving, and is expected to last around two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid skills. The practical test may be repeated up to five times over the course of three years.
You can bring a tutor with you to the test as an outside candidate. However, they are not able to charge more than a lesson. If you are an instructor at a driving school, you can take an instructor with you for the test. If you fail the practical test, you can take it again up to five times.
It is important to note that the theory and practical tests are both held in French which means you'll need an adequate level of proficiency in the French language. It's best to plan ahead and begin learning as early as possible, even before you move to France. The test is difficult for non-French-speaking people Therefore, you should be fluent when you take it.
Passing the test
There are a few points that new drivers must be aware of prior to taking the test for their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and the practical test before they can drive on French roads. They must also be insured for their vehicle and purchase a pollution tag ("conduit accompagnée").
The code is the first step. The exam is made up of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The second part is taking the practical test, which is a harder exam and requires lots of practice. The examiner will want you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and also what to do in an emergency situation like when someone is seriously injured or unconscious.
After passing the theory and practice test after which you will receive a document called a certificat exam de permis de conduire. This document is valid for four months, and it can be downloaded on your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by police, this is the document you will need to provide them with. The word "favorable" that will be located at the bottom of the documents is where it will be noted.
You have to renew your driver's licence every 15 years. This can be completed by filling out an administrative form and paying an amount. You will also need to provide proof of your address and identification. You can complete this online or in person at the local prefecture. Enter your file number as well as your personal code to track the status of your driver's licence online.
In addition to the driving rules It is also important to be aware of the French demerit point system. You could lose your driving license if commit a serious crime or accumulate too many points. You may also lose your license if you don't pay fines or have been in a serious accident.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Moreover, you should remember that the maximum speed allowed on both departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. On local roads and in the cities, however the speed limit is 50 km/h.
Getting your license
If you've just passed your French driving test or are an expat driving driver moving to France, getting a license in France can be quite a challenge. It is important to be aware of the rules and requirements to get an IDP to avoid being stopped by the police or causing an accident due to insufficient driving documents. To avoid any trouble, the best thing to do is to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This small piece of paper can translate your license into multiple languages and is required to be carried when you travel abroad. They are cheap ($20) and easy to get from your local AAA office and even car rental companies will accept these documents.
For most expats, they are able to exchange their license to one with a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the prefecture's workload. You'll also require two passport photos taken recently along with a medical certificate and two envelopes that are self-addressed.
If you do not have a valid ID or your driving licence from another country is expired, you'll need to pass both a theory and practical exam before obtaining the full license. Individuals with disabilities or medical conditions may have to pass additional tests.
If you are the latter, an exam will be conducted by an expert doctor who will evaluate your ability to drive. The test will consist of a theory test and a drive on a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to have their driving license and registration for their vehicle at all at all times. They also must carry an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance company to confirm that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
It can be a challenge to get your license in the new country you're moving to however with the help of a good driving school you can do it. While you don't need an instructor to obtain your French license, they will make the process easier by taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.
