20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good choice to take driving lessons at a school if are an expat. They will handle all the paperwork for you and reduce your wait time for the test date.
It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks or even months to get your French license (permis de conduire perdu 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 by reading a manual and using mobile apps to help you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a free test online. The test is conducted digitally at the testing center using tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass.
Like most countries in the world, the French driver's licence can only be obtained after passing both a theoretical and practical test. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the statistics, only 54.4 percent of males and 59.2% women passed the theory test for the first time. The pass rate for the practical test was lower, with 58.6 percent of males and 52.8 percent of women. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues might have to take additional tests.
You may take the theory test at a driving academy, who will manage your lessons and the exam for you, or you could take it as an individual candidate. To do this you must register for an "NEPH Prefectoral Number" harmonise" on the website of the 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 and online classes. These courses are expensive, but can help you save time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, are specifically geared towards English speakers, but they may cost more than a typical French driving school.
If you have 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 is lengthy and you will need to provide a translation by an official translator.
If you don't know French, you can still take the theory test by using the help of a translator. You can take the test for as many times as you like and there is no time limit between the attempts. The cost for a regular test in theory is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be able to drive in France. You can take both exams at a driving school which will organise the tests and lessons for you, or you can do it yourself as an external candidate. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you must sign up for a NEPH number - Numero permis d'enregistrement Prefectural harmonise - on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover issues like traffic laws and road safety rules, as well as driving regulations. It is possible to download free apps and study guides online or purchase the Code cerfa permis de conduire la Route in bookstores. It's possible to get an A+ grade with 20 points or more, in the event that you don't commit errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing an unmarked line, driving on the left, failing to respect the stop sign, or not following the priority rules).
During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions and in the car you choose. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving. It lasts for around two hours in total. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The test can be repeated up to five times over the course of three years.
You can bring a teacher with you to the test as an outside candidate. However, they cannot charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you're studying at an accredited driving school, they are able to provide an instructor to accompany you on the test. If you fail the test, you may retake it at as many times as you want in the next five years.
Note that the theory and practical tests are both held in French which means you'll need to have an excellent level of proficiency in French. Start learning the language prior to your move to France. The test is challenging for non-French speakers, so you should be fluent when you take it.
Passing the test
There are some things that new drivers must be aware of prior to taking the test to obtain their French driving license. Before they can drive in France they must pass the theory and practical tests. Additionally, they must have their vehicle insured in France and purchase a pollution sticker (called a "conduit accompagnee").
Le code is the first step. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and an oral explanation. The second step involves taking the practical test which is a more difficult test that requires a lot of practice. The test taker will require you to demonstrate your knowledge of the rules of the road and what to do in an emergency for instance, if someone is seriously injured or is unconscious.
After passing the theory and practical test After passing the test, you will receive a document called a certificat d'examen de Permis d de conduire. The document is valid for 4 months and can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. This is what you need to show the police when you are stopped. The word "favorable" will be indicated at the bottom of the document.
You have to renew your driver's license every 15 years. This can be done by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also 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 licence online.
It is important to know the French demerit points system in addition the driving rules. You could lose your driving license if commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You can 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 of the fact that France drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. Also, you should be aware that the speed limit for national and departmental highways is 80 km/h. However the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h for local roads and in cities.
Getting your license
It isn't easy to get a driving license in France, whether you have just passed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. It is important to be aware of the rules and requirements to get the license in order to avoid being stopped by police or being involved in an accident because of invalid driving documents. To avoid any hassles, it is best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper is required to be carried on your person when traveling abroad. It translates your driver's license into multiple foreign languages. These are inexpensive ($20) and are easily obtainable at your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.
Fortunately for most expats, they are able to exchange their license to one that is a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can last from a few weeks up to a few months, based on the prefecture's workload. You'll also require two passport photos recently taken and a medical certificate, and two envelopes that are self-addressed.
If you don't have a valid identification or your foreign driving license has expired, you'll have to pass both a theory and practical test before getting the full license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may be required to undergo additional tests.
In the event of the latter, a test will be administered by an experienced doctor who will test 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 are required to carry their driving licence and vehicle registration with them at all time. They must also have an insurance policy for their cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to speak with your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers driving in France, and that it is current.
Getting your license in the country you've chosen to call home may seem daunting but with a little preparation and the help of a driving school, it will be easy. Although you don't necessarily need an instructor in driving to get your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by handling all of the paperwork and scheduling for you.