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How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat, it is an excellent idea to take lessons at driving school. They will take care of all the paperwork and shorten the time required to pass the test.
It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months to obtain your French license ( permis d e conduire), which is in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test, also known as le code, is the most important step in the French licensing process for drivers. You can prepare by reading a manual and using mobile apps to help learn. The test covers road safety and traffic laws. You may also take a free online test to practice. The exam is conducted digitally using tablets in the test center. You must correctly answer at least 35 questions in order to pass.
Similar to other countries, you can get a French driving license after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics, only 54.4 percent of males 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 with disabilities or health conditions may have to undergo extra tests.
You can take the test at a driving academy, which will organise your lessons and test for you, or take it as an individual candidate. To do this, you must sign up for the number "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is required for booking an appointment for a test in theory.
Many driving schools, including Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that mix live classes with online practice. These courses can be costly however they also reduce time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English speakers. However they are more expensive than a traditional French driving school.
If you hold a valid driving license from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to swap your license for a French one. The process can be lengthy and you'll have to provide the official translator.
You can still take the test even if you do not speak French with a translation. You can take the written test any number of times you like and without a waiting time. The cost of a regular test in theory is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be able to drive in France. You can take both tests through a driving school who will arrange 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 must register for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise number - on the official website of the 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 rules and driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice apps online, or buy a Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. You can get an A+ grade with 20 or more points, provided that you don't commit any elimination errors (such a crossing an unmarked line or driving to the left, not observing the stop sign, or ignoring the rules of priority).
During the test the examiner will assess your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions and in the car of choice. The test is composed of 25 minutes of driving time and lasts approximately two hours. The examiner will also require you to show your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test may be repeated five times in three years.
As an outside candidate, you can bring a tutor to the test, but they cannot charge more than the price of a class. If you're studying at a driving school, they may provide an instructor to accompany you during the test. If you fail the test, you are able to repeat it up to five times.
Be aware that the theory and the practice tests are conducted in French, so you'll need to have an excellent level of proficiency in French. It's best to plan ahead and start learning as early as possible, even before you move to France. The test is challenging for non-French-speaking people So you must be fluent before you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to earn their French driving licence, new drivers should be aware certain things. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical tests. Additionally, they must have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution label (called a "conduit accompagnee").
The first step is taking the theory exam, which is called the code. The exam is comprised of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The next step is to pass the test in practice which is more challenging and requires lots of practice. The test will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what to do in the event that you are faced with an emergency like a person who is unconscious or seriously injured.
Once you have passed the theory and practical tests, you will be issued a document called the certificat of examination du permit of driving. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. This is the document you must to show the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" that will appear at the bottom of the document, will be indicated.
You must renew your driver's license every 15 years. This is completed by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also provide proof of your address and identification. You can either 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.
It is important to know the French demerit points system, in addition to the driving rules. You could lose your driving license if you commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You may also lose your license if do not pay fines or been involved in an accident that is serious.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that France drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Additionally, you must remember that the maximum speed limit on 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
It can be a challenge to obtain a driving licence in France regardless of whether you've recently passed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. There are specific regulations and license requirements that you should be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by the police or causing an accident because of insufficient driving documents. To avoid any issues, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper is required to be carried when driving abroad. It can translate your driver's license into a variety of foreign languages. They are cheap ($20) and easy to get from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept them.
The majority of expats can change their licenses to one with a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take between a few weeks to several months, depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll need a identification document, two recent passport photos, a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you do not have a valid ID or your driving licence from another country is expired, you'll need to pass a theory and practical exam before obtaining an official license. Those with disabilities and specific health issues may be required to take additional tests.
In the event of the latter, a test will be conducted by a doctor who will assess your capability to drive. The test will consist of a theory test, a driving test in a parking lot, and an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to carry their driving licence and registration for their vehicle at all time. They must also have an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to make sure your policy includes driving in France and is up to date.
The process of getting your license in the country of your new home might be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving instructor it will be easy. Although you don't necessarily need a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can help you with the process by doing all of the paperwork and scheduling your appointment for you.