“The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For French Driving License

How to Get a French Driving License

If you’re an expat it is an excellent idea to take lessons at driving schools. They will take care of all paperwork and reduce the time required to pass an exam.

The French driving license (Passez Votre Permis De Conduire DèS 749€ – 599€) is a pink credit-card. It could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to get.

Theory test

The driving theory test (le code) is a crucial step in the French license process. You can prepare for the test by reading a manual and using mobile apps to help you learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You can also take a free test online. The test is administered digitally in the testing center with tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.

As in many countries, you can get the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. However the French driving test is known to be 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 exam was even lower, at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8% women. For those who suffer from disabilities or health issues may have to undergo extra tests.

You can take the test at a driving school who will manage your lessons and the exam for you, or you can do it as an independent candidate. To do so you need to register for the number “NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise” on the website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to book a date for the test.

Many driving schools, such as Pass Rousseau, offer online training courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses are costly however they can save you time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach offer courses to English students. However, they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.

If you possess an official driving license from a country that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it to a French licence if you possess an residence permit in France. The process is long and you’ll have to provide an official translation from a translator.

If you do not speak French however, you can take the test using the help of a translator. You can take the written test as many times you like, with no waiting period. The cost of a regular test in theory is EUR30.

Practical test

If you want to drive a vehicle in France you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take both exams via a driving school, who will arrange the tests and lessons for you, or on your own as an external candidate. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you need to register for a NEPH number – Numero Prefectural harmonise, d’enregistrement on the website of government agency ANTS.

The exam’s theory is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice tests that cover issues like traffic laws regulations, road safety and driving rules. There are free study guides and practice apps online, or purchase an Code de la Route book from a bookshop or online. It’s possible to get an A+ grade with 20 or more points provided you don’t make any mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not obeying the stop sign or 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 comprised of 25 minutes of driving and will last for about two hours. The examiner will also require you to demonstrate your understanding of basic first aid. The practical test can be taken five times over three years.

As an external candidate you may bring a tutor to the exam, but they cannot charge more than the cost of a class. If you are enrolled in a driving school you can bring an instructor to the practical test. If you fail the test, you may repeat it at as many times as you want within the next five years.

The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You’ll require a high level of fluency. It is recommended to plan ahead and begin learning as early as possible prior to moving to France. The test can be challenging for non-French speakers. Therefore, you should aim to achieve an acceptable level of proficiency by the time you take the test.

Passing the test

There are some things that new drivers must know before taking the test for their French driving license. Before they can drive in France they must pass the theory and practical exams. They must also have their car insured and purchase a pollution tag (“conduit accompagnée”).

The first step is to pass the theory exam, which is known as the code. The test is comprised of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to take the practical test, which is a more difficult test and requires a lot of practice. The test taker will require you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency situation, such as if someone is injured badly or unconscious.

After you have passed the theory and practical tests, you will receive a document called the certificat d’examen du permis of driving. The document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by police, this is the document you must show them. The word “favorable” is going to 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. Enter your file number and your personal number to monitor the status of your driver’s license online.

In addition to the driving rules It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system. You could lose your license after a major offense or accumulating too many points. You may also get your license revoked if you have outstanding fines or involved in an accident that is serious.

It is important to know that France operates on the right-hand side of the road, and that traffic coming from the left side is given priority. Additionally, you must be aware that the maximum speed allowed on both departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. However, the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on local roads and in cities.

Getting your license

Whether you’ve just completed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France, getting a license in the country can be quite a challenge. You need to know the rules and requirements for an IDP to avoid being stopped by police or being involved in an accident due to insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any issues, it’s recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper converts your license into several languages and is a requirement to be carried when traveling across the globe. These are a bargain ($20) and can be obtained from your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.

The majority of expats can exchange their licenses for a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks up to several months, depending on the prefecture’s workload. You’ll also require two passport photographs taken recently along with a medical certificate and two self addressed envelopes.

If you don’t have a valid ID or your foreign driving permit expires, you’ll have take a theoretical and practical test before getting an official license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may need to take additional tests.

In the event of the latter, a test will be conducted by an expert doctor who will evaluate your capability to drive. The test is comprised of a formal examination and a test drive in a parking lot, as well as an interview with the examiner.

French drivers must carry their driving license and vehicle registration at all at all times. French drivers must also carry a policy of insurance for cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to ensure that your policy includes driving in France, and that it is current.

Getting your license in the country you’ve chosen to call home might be a daunting task but with a little preparation and the help of a driving instructor it is easy. While you don’t need an instructor to get your French driving license, they can facilitate the process by doing all of the paperwork and scheduling for you.