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How to Get a French Driving License It is a great idea to take driving lessons at a school if you are an expat. They will do all the paperwork for you and reduce the wait time to get the test date. The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit card. It can take between one week to several months to get. Theory test The driving theory test (le code) is a crucial step in the French license process. The test covers traffic laws and road safety rules, and you can prepare by studying a manual or using mobile apps designed to help you learn. You can also take a no-cost test online. The test is administered digitally in the testing center with tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass. Similar to other countries, you can obtain a French driving licence after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics from the last few years that only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4 percent of women passed their theory test on the first attempt. The passing rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for males and 52.8% for women. People with disabilities or health conditions might have to undergo additional tests. You can take the test at a driving school which will arrange your lessons and the exam for you, or you can take it as an independent candidate. You must sign up for a “NEPH number of prefectoral registration harmonise” on the official website of the agency for government ANTS. This number is needed to reserve a date for the theory test. Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses are expensive, but can help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach, cater to English students. However, they are more expensive than a traditional French driving school. If you have valid driving licenses from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it to an French licence if you hold a residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy, and you must provide the official translator. If you do not speak French You can still take the theory test by using an interpreter. You can take the test any number of times you want and without a waiting time. The standard theory test costs EUR30. Practical test If you want to drive a car in France you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can pass both tests via a driving school, which will conduct the tests and lessons for you or you can take them on your own as an external candidate. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you will be required to sign up for a NEPH number – Numero d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise – on the official website of the government agency ANTS. The exam's theory is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as traffic laws and road safety rules, as well as driving rules. It is possible to download free apps and study guides online or purchase a Code de la Route in a bookshop. You can get an A grade with 20 or more points, as long as you don't make any elimination mistakes (such crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not observing the stop sign, or not following the priority rules). During the practical test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the vehicle you choose. The test is comprised of 25 minutes of driving. It will last for about two hours. You will also be required to demonstrate your basic knowledge of first aid. The practical test can be repeated five times over three years. As an external candidate you may bring a tutor along to the exam, but they cannot charge more than the cost of a class. If you're studying at a driving school, they are able to send an instructor to accompany you during the practical test. If you fail the test, you may repeat it at as many times as you would like in the next five years. Be aware that the theory and practical tests are conducted in French and you'll need to have an adequate level of proficiency in French. It's best to plan ahead and begin learning as early as possible even before moving to France. permis a – permis a2 may be difficult for non-French speakers. permis a – permis a2 should aim to have a decent level of proficiency before you take the test. Passing the test Before taking the test to get their French driving license, new drivers must be aware of some important points. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical exams. They must also be insured for their vehicle and obtain a pollution certificate (“conduit accompagnée”). The first step is to pass the theory exam, also known as le code. The test is comprised of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The second step involves taking the practical test, which is a harder exam and requires lots of practice. The examiner will want you to prove your knowledge of the rules of the road and also what to do in an emergency like when someone is seriously injured or is unconscious. If you pass the practical and theory tests, you'll receive a document called the certificat of examination du permit to drive. The document is valid for four months, and can be downloaded on your tablet or phone. This is what you need to provide to the police if you are stopped. The word “favorable” will appear at the bottom 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 provide proof of your address and identification. You can do this online or at your local prefecture office. You can track the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code. It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system in addition to the driving regulations. You can lose your license following the commission of a serious offense or when you accumulate too many points. You can also lose your license if do not pay fines or been involved in an accident that is serious. It is important to know that France operates on the right-hand side of the road, and traffic coming from the left side is given priority. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the speed limit on 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 If you've just completed your French driving test or are an expat driver moving to France, getting a license in the country can be a bit of a hassle. You must 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 due to insufficient driving permits. To avoid any trouble the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This tiny piece of paper is required to be carried while driving abroad. It can translate your driver's license into multiple foreign languages. These are a bargain ($20) and can be obtained from your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these. Most 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 a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You'll need a proof of identity with two recent passport photographs along with a medical certificate, and two self-addressed envelopes. If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your driving license from another country has expired, then you will have to pass a theory and a practical test before you can get an official license. Those with disabilities and specific health issues may need to take additional tests. In the event of the second scenario, a doctor will conduct an examination to evaluate your driving abilities. The test consists of a theoretical examination and a practical drive on a parking lot and an interview with the examiner. French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all at all times. Drivers in France must also have insurance policies for cars and other vehicles. It is recommended to speak with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy includes driving in France, and that it is current. The process of 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 have to attend a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by taking care of the paperwork and scheduling for you.