The 10 Scariest Things 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 the paperwork and cut down the time required to pass an exam.

It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks or even months to obtain your French license (permis D de conduire) that comes in the form of a pink credit card.

Theory test

The driving theory test (le code) is an essential step in the French license process. You can prepare for the test by reading the manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test covers road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a free online test to practice. The test is conducted digitally with tablets at the test center, and you must answer correctly at least 35 of the questions to pass.

As in many countries, you can only obtain the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to recent statistics, only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4% of women passed their test on their first attempt, while the pass rate for the practical test was lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8% for women. People with disabilities or health conditions might have to undergo additional tests.

You can take the test in conjunction with a driving school which will arrange your classes and test, or as an independent candidate. To do this you must sign up for the number “NEPH – numero d’enregistrement prefectoral harmonise” on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is needed to book a date for the theory test.

Many driving schools, such as Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes and online practice. These courses are expensive however they can save you time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach, are specifically geared towards English learners, but they can be more expensive than a typical French driving school.

If you possess an active driving license from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you may exchange your license for one in French one. The process is lengthy and requires an official translator.

You can still take the test if you don’t speak French by using a translator. You can take the test any number of times you wish without waiting for a time. The cost of a standard theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

If you wish to drive a car in France you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can pass both tests at a driving school which will conduct 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’ll have to apply for an NEPH – Numero d’enregistrement prefectural harmonise – on the official website of the government agency ANTS.

The exam, also known as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answers that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving regulations. You can download free apps and study guides online, or purchase the Code de la Route in bookstores. You can receive an A+ grade with 20 or more points, provided that you don’t make any elimination errors (such crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not respecting the stop sign, or disregarding the rules of priority).

In the practical test an examiner will test your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic and in the car of choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving and will last for about two hours in total. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The test can be repeated five times over the course of three years.

You can bring a teacher accompanying you to the test as an outside candidate. However, they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. However, if you’re studying at an driving school, they are able to send an instructor to accompany you during the practical exam. If you fail the practical test, you may repeat it up to five times.

The tests for practical and theoretical are both in French. You’ll require a high level of fluency. It is recommended to plan ahead and start learning early prior to moving to France. The test is challenging for non-French-speaking people Therefore, you should be fluent when you take it.

Passing the test

Before taking the test to get their French driving license, new drivers should be aware a few important things. They must pass both the theory and practical exam before they can drive on French roads. In addition, they need to be insured for their vehicle in France and purchase a pollution sticker (called a “conduit accompagnee”).

The code is the first step. The test consists of oral and multiple-choice questions. The second step is to pass the test in practice, which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The test taker will require you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency for instance, if someone is badly injured or is unconscious.

After passing the theory and practice test After passing the test, you will receive the certificate d’examen 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 what you will need to present to them. The word “favorable”, which will be at the bottom of the document and will be highlighted.

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 will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this on the internet or at the local prefecture office. Enter your file number as well as your personal code to track the status of your driver’s license online.

In addition to driving rules It is also important to be aware of the French demerit points system. You could lose your driving license if commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You could also lose your license if you do not pay fines or been involved in an accident that is serious.

It is also crucial to be aware that France drives on the right side of the road and priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Also, you should be aware that the speed limit on national and departmental highways is 80 km/h. On local roads and in cities however the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Getting your license

It isn’t easy to obtain a driving licence in France, whether you have just passed your French test or are a new expat driver. There are certain regulations and licensing requirements that you should be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by the police or having an accident because of insufficient driving licenses. In order to avoid any hassle the best thing you can do is get an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This little piece of paper translates your license into multiple languages, and is a requirement to be carried with you when driving abroad. These are inexpensive ($20) and can be obtained at your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.

The majority of expats can swap their licenses to one with a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, dependent on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You’ll also need two passport photos taken recently along with a medical certificate and two self addressed envelopes.

If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your foreign driving license is expired, then you’ll have to pass a theory and practical test before you can get an official license. Those with disabilities or specific medical conditions may have to pass additional tests.

In the case of the second, a doctor will conduct an exam to assess your driving ability. The test consists of a formal examination and a practical drive in a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner.

French drivers must have their driver’s license and registration for their vehicle at all at all times. French drivers must also carry a policy of insurance for their cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to ensure that your policy includes driving in France, and that it is current.

Getting your license in the country where you have made your new home might be a daunting task however with a bit of preparation and the assistance of a driving school 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 the process for you.