"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
If you are an expat it is an excellent idea to attend a driving school. They will take care of all the paperwork and shorten your wait for a test.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get.
Theory test
The driving theory test, or the code, is the most important step in the French driving license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety rules and you can prepare by studying an instruction manual or by using mobile apps that are designed to help you master. You can also take a no-cost practice test online. The test is administered digitally in the testing center with tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass.
As in many countries, you are able to obtain the French driving license after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the statistics it was 54.4% of men and 59.2% women passed the test on the first time. The rate of passing the practical test was lower, with 58.6% men and 52.8 percent of women. For those with disabilities or health conditions may have to undergo extra tests.
You can either take the test in conjunction with an instructor who will arrange your lessons and exam, or as an independent candidate. You need to register for the number "NEPH number of prefectoral registration harmonise” on the website of government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a theory test date.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses can be costly but they can help you save time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach offer courses to English people. However, they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.
If you have valid driving licenses from a country that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it for one of the French licence if you have a residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you will need to provide a translation by an official translator.
If you do not speak French however, you can take the test using an interpreter. You can also take the written test as many times as you'd like, and there is no waiting time between attempts. The cost for the regular theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
If you want to drive a car in France you must pass a theory test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take the theory and the practical tests at a driving school that will arrange your lessons and tests or you can take it on your own. If you opt to be an independent candidate, you need to sign up for a NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement Prefectural harmonise - on the official website of the agency ANTS.
The exam's theory is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover issues like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can find study guides and practice programs on the internet, or purchase a 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 mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an established line, driving on the left, not obeying the stop sign or the priority rules).
During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the vehicle you select. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving and will last for about two hours. The examiner will also require you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test can be repeated five times over the course of three years.
You can bring a tutor accompanying you to the test as an outside candidate. But, they can't charge more than a lesson. If you are an instructor at a driving school, you can take an instructor with you to the test. If you fail the test, you can take it again in as many times as want in the next five years.
The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You'll need a high level of fluency. Start learning the language before you move to France. The test is difficult for non-French speaking people, so you should be fluent before you take it.
Passing the test
There are a few things that new drivers must be aware of prior to taking the test to obtain their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and the practical test before they can drive on French roads. They also need to be insured for their vehicle and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompagnée").
The first step is taking the theory exam, also called the code. The exam consists of multiple-choice tests and an oral explanation. The second step is to pass the test in practice, which is more difficult and requires plenty of practice. The examiner will want you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency like when someone is seriously injured or is unconscious.
Once you have passed the practical and theory tests, you will receive a document called the certificat of examination du permit to drive. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by the police, this document is what you will need to provide them with. The word "favorable" will be indicated at the bottom of the document.
Your driver's license needs to be renewed every 15 years. You can do this by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also show proof of your address and identity. You can do this online or at your local prefecture office. Enter your file number as well as your personal code to keep track of the status of your driver's licence online.
In addition to the driving regulations It is essential to be aware of the French demerit point system. You could lose your license following an aggravated offense or having too many points. You may also lose your license if you do not pay fines or been involved 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 that priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Additionally, you must remember that the maximum speed allowed on both departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. On local roads and in cities, however the speed limit is 50 km/h.
Getting your license
If you've recently passed your French driving test or are an expat driver moving to France, getting a license in the country can be quite a challenge. You need to know the rules and requirements to get the license in order to avoid being stopped by the police or being involved in an accident due to insufficient driving documents. To avoid any hassles, it's best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper translates your license into a variety of languages, and is a requirement to be carried with you 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 can exchange their license for one that is a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can take from a few weeks up to several months, depending on the prefecture's work load. passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ 'll also need two passport photos recently taken, a medical certification, and two envelopes addressed to yourself.
If you do not have a valid driving license or your foreign driving licence is expired, then you will have to pass a theory and a practical test before you can get an official license. People with disabilities or other health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the case of the second, a doctor will conduct an examination to determine your driving skills. The test includes a theoretical test, a driving test in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers must have their driving license and vehicle registration at all times. French drivers must also carry insurance policies for their cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to make sure your policy includes driving in France, and that it is up to date.
It might be difficult to obtain a 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 require a driving instructor to get your French license, they can make the process easier by taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.