10 Quick Tips About French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
If you are an expat it is recommended to take lessons at driving school. They will take care of all the paperwork for you and cut down on the wait time to get a test date.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit card. It could take between one week to several months to obtain.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is an essential step in the French license process. The test covers traffic laws and road safety rules and you can prepare for it by studying a manual or using mobile apps to help you master. You may also take a free online test to practice. The test is administered digitally at the testing center using tablets. You must answer the questions correctly to pass.
Like in most countries, you can get the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics from the last few years that only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on their first attempt. The success rate for the practical test was lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8 percent for women. For those with disabilities or health conditions might have to take additional tests.
You can choose to take the theory test with an instructor who will manage your lessons and exam or as an individual candidate. You need to register for the number "NEPH number of prefectoral registration harmonise" on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a theory test date.
Many driving schools, such as Pass Rousseau, offer online training courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses can be costly however they can help you save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach are specifically designed towards English speakers, but they can cost more than a typical French driving school.
If you possess a valid driving license from a member state of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to exchange your license for a French one. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide an official translation from a translator.
If you do not speak French however, you can take the test using an interpreter. You can take the test any number of times you like and without a waiting time. The cost of a regular test in theory is EUR30.
Practical test
If you want to drive a car in France you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take the theory and practical tests at a driving academy that will schedule your tests and lessons, or you can do it by yourself. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you need to sign up for an 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 questions, covering subjects like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can find study guides and practice programs on the internet, or purchase the Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. It's possible to get an A+ grade with 20 or more points, in the event that you don't commit eliminatory mistakes (crossing a solid line, driving on the left, not observing the stop sign or priority rules).
During the practical test, an examiner will assess your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions in the vehicle you select. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving and is expected to last around two hours. Additionally, you will be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid skills. The practical test can be repeated five times within three years.
You can bring a tutor with you to the test as an external candidate. However, they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you're studying at an driving school, they may send an instructor to accompany you during the practical test. If passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ fail the test, you are able to repeat it at as many times as you would like over the next five years.
The practical and theoretical tests are both in French. You'll require to be fluent in French. Begin to plan ahead and start learning the language prior to your move to France. The test may be difficult for non-French speakers. You must aim to attain a decent level of proficiency at the time you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to get their French driving license, prospective drivers must 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 on their car and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompanye").
The code is the first step. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The second step involves taking the practical test which is a more difficult test that requires a lot of practice. The test taker will require you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and what to do in an emergency like when someone is seriously injured or unconscious.
After having passed the theory and practical test, you will be given an official document referred to as a certificate of examination for a permit to drive. This document is valid four months and can be downloaded on your tablet or phone. This is what you need to provide to the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" that will be located at the bottom of the documents, will be indicated.
Your driver's license needs to be renewed every 15 years. This is completed by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this on the internet or at your local prefecture office. Enter the file number along with your personal code to track the status of your driver's license online.
It is important to know the French demerit points system in addition the driving regulations. 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 a serious accident.
It is also important to be aware that France drives on the right side of the road and that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. It is also important to be aware that the speed limit on the departmental and national highways is 80 km/h. On local roads and in the cities, however, the speed limit is 50 km/h.
Getting your license
Whether you've just passed your French driving test or are an expat driving driver moving to France, getting a license in the country can be quite a challenge. There are certain rules and licensing requirements that you must be aware of to avoid being stopped by police or having an accident due to invalid driving permits. In order to avoid any hassle the best thing you can do is get an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This small piece of paper translates your license into multiple languages, and is a requirement to carry when driving in foreign countries. These are a bargain ($20) and can be obtained from your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
Fortunately 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 could take from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on how busy the prefecture is. You'll also require two passport photographs taken recently, a medical certification, and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you do not have a valid driver's license or your driving license from another country is expired, then you will have to pass a theory and an actual test before you can get a full license. People with disabilities or other medical conditions may have to pass additional tests.
In the case of the latter, a test will be administered by an experienced doctor who will test your ability to drive. The test will consist of a formal examination and a test drive in a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers must have their driving license and vehicle registration with them at all at all times. They must also carry an insurance policy for their cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to check with your insurer to confirm that your policy includes driving in France and is current.
It may seem difficult to get 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 have to attend an instructor in driving to get your French driving license, they can help you with the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling your appointment for you.