If you are an expat it is recommended to take lessons at driving schools. They will handle all the paperwork for you and reduce the time you wait for the test date.It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks or even months to get your French license (permis de conduire) that comes in the form of a pink credit card.
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 is about road safety and traffic laws. You may also take a no-cost online test to practice. The test is administered digitally at the testing center, using tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass.
Like in most countries, you can only obtain a French driving licence after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. However the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to statistics from the last few years, only 59.2 percent of men and licencefrancexpress 54.4% of women passed their test on their first attempt, while the pass rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8% for women. For those with medical conditions or disabilities may need to take additional tests.
You can either take the theory test with a driving school which will organize your lessons and the test or as an individual candidate. You must register for the number "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise" on the website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to book an appointment for a test in theory.
Many driving schools, including Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that mix live classes and online practice. These courses are costly, but can help you save time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach cater to English students. However they are more expensive than a standard French driving school.
If you hold an official driving licence from a member country of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to exchange your licence to a French one. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide the official translator.
You can still take the test if you do not speak French by using a translator. You can take the test as many times you like, with no waiting period. The standard theory test costs EUR30.
Practical test
If you want to drive a vehicle in France, you must pass a theory test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can either take the theory and practical tests through a driving school that will schedule your tests and lessons, or you can do it on your own. If you opt to be an independent candidate, you will need to register for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise, 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, covering issues like traffic laws regulations, road safety and driving rules. You can download free applications and study guides online, or purchase a Code de la Route in the bookshop. It's possible to get a pass mark with 20 points or more, in the event that you don't commit errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing a solid line, driving on the left, not observing the stop sign or priority rules).
During the test the examiner will assess your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions and in your car of choice. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving. It is expected to last around two hours total. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your understanding of basic first aid. The test is repeated five times over the course of three years.
You can take a tutor accompanying you to the test as an external candidate. However, they are not able to charge more than a lesson. However, if you are studying at an accredited driving school, they can assign an instructor to accompany you on the test. If you fail the test, you are able to take it again in as many times as wish over the next five years.
The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You'll require to be fluent in French. Start learning the language 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
Before taking the test to obtain their French driving license, new drivers should be aware of certain things. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical tests. They must also have their car insured and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompanye").
The first step is to pass the theory exam, also called le code. The exam is made up of oral and multiple-choice questions. The second step is to pass the practical test which is more difficult and requires a lot of practice. The examiner 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.
After you have passed the practical and theory tests, you will be issued the document known as the certificate exam du permis de conduire. This document is valid four months, and it can be downloaded onto your tablet or phone. This is what you need to show the police when you are stopped. The word "favorable" that will be located at the bottom of the document, will be indicated.
You have to renew your driver's licence every 15 years. You can do this by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and address. You can complete this online or in person at your local prefecture. You can track the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
In addition to the driving rules It is also important to be aware of the French demerit point system. You can lose your license following an aggravated offense or having too many points. You could also lose your license if you don't pay fines or have been in a serious accident.
It is also essential to be aware of the fact that France drives on the right side of the road and priority is given to traffic coming from the right. You should also be aware that the speed limit on the departmental and national highways is 80 km/h. However, the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on local roads and in cities.
Getting your license
It isn't easy to obtain a driving licence in France regardless of whether you've just completed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. There are specific regulations and licensing requirements that you should be aware of to avoid being pulled over by police or having an accident because of insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any trouble the best thing you can do is get an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This tiny piece of paper can translate your license into multiple languages and is required to be carried with you when traveling across the globe. They are cheap ($20) and simple to obtain from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept these documents.
Fortunately for most expats, they can exchange their license for a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement 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 and a medical certificate, and two self addressed envelopes.
If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your foreign driving licence is expired, then you will have to pass a theory and a practical test before you are able to obtain an official license. People with disabilities or specific health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the event of the second scenario, a doctor will conduct an exam to assess your driving ability. The test includes a theoretical exam, a practice driving test in a parking lot and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all times. French drivers must also carry a policy of insurance for cars and other vehicles. Contact your insurance company to confirm that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
It may seem difficult to obtain a license in your new country, but with the help of a good driving school, you can accomplish it. Although you don't require a driving instructor to get your French license, they will simplify the process by taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.
