What's The Ugly Real Truth Of French Driving License

What's The Ugly Real Truth Of 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.  Permis Cepc  will do all the paperwork for you and decrease the wait time to get an exam date.

The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It could take anywhere from one week to several months to obtain.

Theory test

The driving theory test (le code) is a crucial step in the French license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety rules, and you can prepare for it by reading an instruction manual or by using mobile apps that are designed to assist you in learning. You can also take a no-cost online practice test. The exam is conducted using tablets in the test center. You must answer correctly at least 35 questions in order to pass.

Like in most countries, you can only get the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. However, the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to the statistics that only 54.4 percent of men and 59.2% women passed the theory test the first time. The rate of passing the practical test was lower, at 58.6% males and 52.8% women. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues might have to take additional tests.

You can take the theory test with a driving school that will organize your lessons and exam or as an individual candidate. You must sign up for an "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise" on the website of the government agency ANTS.  simply click the up coming article  is required to make a reservation for the theory test.

Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses can be expensive however they also save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach offer courses to English people. However they cost more than a standard French driving school.

If you have valid driving licenses from one of the countries that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it for one of the French licence if you hold a residence permit in France. The process is long and you'll have to provide a translation from an official translator.

You can still take the test if you do not speak French by using a translator. You can also take the test at any time you like, and there is no time limit between tests. The cost for the regular theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

If you are planning to drive a car in France you must pass a theory test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can choose to take the theory and the practical tests at a driving academy which will organize your tests and lessons and you can also do it on your own. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you'll need to register for an NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise – on the website of the government agency ANTS.

The exam's theoretical component is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving rules. There are free study guides and practice applications on the internet, or purchase an Code de la Route book from a bookshop or online. You can earn an A+ grade if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't commit any elimination errors (such a crossing a solid line, driving to the left, not observing the stop sign, or not following the rules of priority).

During the practical test, a judge will assess your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic in the vehicle you select. The test is composed of 25 minutes of driving time and lasts approximately two hours. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your understanding of basic first aid. The test can be repeated up to five times in three years.

As an outside candidate, you may bring a tutor along to the test, but they cannot charge more than the price of a session. If you are enrolled in a driving school you can take an instructor for the test. If you fail the test, you may retake it as many times as you want within the next five years.

It is important to note that the theory and the practice tests are both conducted in French, so you'll need to have an excellent level of proficiency in the French language. It's best to plan ahead and start learning the language early prior to moving to France. The test is difficult for non-French speakers Therefore, you should be fluent by the time you sit 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. Before they can drive in France they must pass the theory and practical tests. They also need to be insured for their vehicle and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompanye").

Le code is the initial step. The test consists of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The second step is to pass the practical test, which is more difficult and requires a lot of practice. The test will test your understanding of road rules and what to do if you encounter an emergency like a person who is unconscious or badly injured.

After you have passed the practical and theory tests, you will receive the document known as the certificate d'examen du permis to drive. This document is valid four months and can be downloaded on your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by the police, this is the document you'll need to provide them with. The word "favorable" that will be at the bottom of the documents and will be highlighted.

Your driver's license must be renewed every 15 years. You can do this by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can do 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.

It is crucial to understand the French demerit points system in addition to the driving regulations. You can lose your license following an aggravated offense or having too many points. You could also have your license suspended if you have outstanding fines or involved in a serious accident.

It is also essential to be aware that France drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Also, you should be aware that the speed limit for 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

If you've just passed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France getting a license in France isn't easy. You must be aware of the rules and requirements for an IDP to avoid being stopped by the police or getting into an accident due to insufficient driving documents. To avoid any hassles, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper converts your license into a variety of languages and is a requirement to carry when driving abroad. These are inexpensive ($20) and can be obtained at your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.

Many expats are able to exchange their licenses for one with a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can last from a few weeks to several months depending on the prefecture's workload. You'll also need two passport photographs taken recently and a medical certificate, and two envelopes that are self-addressed.

If you don't have a valid driving license or your foreign driving license is expired, then you'll have to pass a theory and an actual test before you can obtain an official license. Those with disabilities and specific health conditions may have to take additional tests.


If you are the latter scenario, a test will be conducted by an expert doctor who will evaluate your capability to drive. The test will consist of a theory exam, a practical driving test in a parking space and a conversation with the examiner.

All French drivers must carry their driving licence and registration for their vehicle at all time. They also must carry an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. It is recommended to check with your insurer to make sure your policy includes driving in France, and that it is current.

It can be a challenge to obtain your license in the new country you're moving to, but with the assistance of a reliable driving school, you can do it. Although you don't necessarily need an instructor to get your French driving license, they can facilitate the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling your appointment for you.