The Most Pervasive Issues With French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
If you are an expat it is an excellent idea to attend driving schools. They will handle all paperwork and reduce the time required to pass an exam.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get your French license (permis de conduire), which is in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is an important step in the French license process. You can prepare by reading an instructional manual and using mobile apps to help you learn. The test covers road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a free online test to practice. The exam is conducted digitally using tablets at the test center. You must be able to answer at least 35 questions to pass.
Similar to other countries, you can obtain the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the latest statistics, only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on the first try, while the pass rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8 percent for women. For those with disabilities or health conditions might have to take additional tests.
You can either take the theory test with a driving school which will organize your lessons and exam, or as an independent candidate. You must register for an "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise" on the official website of government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a date for the theory test.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau, offer online training courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses are costly, but can save you time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, cater to English students. However, they are more expensive than a traditional French driving school.
If you possess an official driving licence from a member state of the European Union and a residence permit, you can exchange your licence to one that is a French one. The process is lengthy and you'll have to provide the official translator.
You can still take the test even if you don't speak French by using a translation. passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ can take the test in writing for as many times as you want and there is no waiting time between tests. permis a – permis a2 EUR30.
Practical test
If you are planning to drive a car in France you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take the theory and practical tests at a driving academy which will organize your tests and lessons and you can also do it by yourself. If you choose to become an independent candidate you will need to register for an NEPH - Numero Prefectural harmonised Record - on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The test, referred to as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answer, covering topics like traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice applications on the internet, or purchase an Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. It is possible to earn 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 a solid line, driving to the left, not observing the stop sign, or not following the rules of priority).
In the practical test, a judge will assess your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the car of your choice. The test is composed of 25 minutes driving time and lasts approximately two hours. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test can be taken five times over the course of three years.
As an external candidate you are able to bring a tutor along to the test however they cannot charge more than the cost of a session. If you are enrolled in a driving school you can take an instructor to the test. If you fail the test, you are able to take it again up to five times.
The tests for practical and theoretical are both in French. You'll require an excellent level of fluency. It's best to plan ahead and begin learning as early as possible, even before you move to France. The test can be challenging for non-French speakers. You should aim to achieve a decent level of proficiency at the time you take the test.
Passing the test
There are some things that new drivers need to know before taking the test to obtain their French driving license. Before they can drive in France they must pass the theory and practical exams. They also need to have their car insured and purchase a pollution sticker ("conduit accompanye").
Le code is the initial step. The test consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The next step is to pass the practical exam which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The examiner will test your understanding of road rules and what you should do if you encounter an emergency like a person who is unconscious or severely injured.
After you have passed the theory and practical tests, you will be issued an official document titled the certificate exam du permis of driving. This document is valid for 4 months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. This is what you will need to provide to the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" will be noted at the end of the document.
You have to renew your driver's license each 15 years. You can complete this process by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also show proof of your address and identification. You can do this online, or in person at the local prefecture. Enter the file number along with your personal code to keep track of the status of your driver's license online.
It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system in addition the driving rules. You could lose your driving license if you commit a serious crime or accumulate too many points. You could also lose your license if don't pay fines or have been involved in an accident that is serious.
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. You should also be aware that the speed limit for 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 can be a challenge to get a driver's license in France, whether you have recently completed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. You must be aware of the rules and requirements for a license to avoid being stopped by police or being involved in an accident due to insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any hassle, the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This small piece of paper converts your license into several languages and is a requirement to carry when traveling abroad. They're inexpensive ($20) and easy to obtain at your local AAA office and even car rental companies will accept them.
The majority of expats can exchange their licenses for one that is a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can last from a few weeks up to several months depending on the prefecture's work load. 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 ID or your foreign driving license has expired, you'll have take a theoretical and practical test prior to obtaining an official license. Individuals with disabilities or other health conditions may have to take additional tests.
If you are the latter, an exam will be administered by a doctor who will assess your ability to drive. The test will consist of a theoretical examination and a test drive in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must carry their driving license and registration for their vehicle at all times. French drivers also need to carry insurance policies for their cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to speak with your insurance provider to confirm that your policy includes driving in France, and that it is current.
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. While you don't have to attend an instructor to get your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by taking care of the paperwork and scheduling your appointment for you.