Responsible For A French Driving License Budget? 10 Terrible Ways To Spend Your Money
How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat it is recommended to take lessons at driving school. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten the time it takes to take an exam.
It can take a couple of weeks or even 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 essential step in the French license process. You can prepare by studying a manual and using mobile apps to help learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a free test online. The test is administered digitally at the testing center with tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.
Like most countries in the world, the French driver's license can only be obtained after passing a theoretical and practical test. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the latest statistics, only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4 percent of women passed their theory test on their first attempt, while the pass rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8% for women. Those with disabilities or health conditions may have to undergo extra tests.
You can take the test at a driving school, which will organise your lessons and test for you, or you can take it as an independent candidate. You must register for an "NEPH number for prefectoral record harmonise" on the official website of the agency for government ANTS. This number is needed to make a reservation for the test.
Many driving schools such as Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine online practice with live classes. These courses can be expensive but they can reduce time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English speakers. However they are more expensive than a standard French driving school.
If you have an active driving license 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 will need to provide a translation from an official translator.
You can still take the test even if you do not speak French by using a translation. You can take the written test as many times as you like, and there is no waiting period between attempts. The cost for a regular theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and an exam in the practical area to be legally able to drive in France. You can pass both tests through a driving school who will arrange the tests and lessons for you, or you can do it yourself as an external candidate. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you must sign up for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise, d'enregistrement on the official website of the agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover subjects like traffic laws and road safety rules, as well as driving rules. There are free study guides and practice programs online, or buy a Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. It's possible to get an "A" grade if you score 20 or more points in the event that you don't commit errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, failing to respect a stop sign or ignoring priority rules).
During the practical test, a judge will evaluate your ability to drive under normal traffic conditions in the car you choose. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving, and is expected to last around two hours total. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The test can be repeated five times in three years.
You can bring a tutor accompanying you to the test as an external candidate. But, they can't charge more than the cost of a lesson. However, if you are studying at an driving school, they are able to send an instructor to accompany you on the practical exam. If you fail the test, you may take it again up to five times.
Note that the theory and the practice tests are both conducted in French which means you'll need a good level of fluency in the French language. It is recommended to plan ahead and begin learning the language early even before moving to France. permis de conduire perdu can be difficult for non-French speakers. You must aim to attain a reasonable level of fluency by the time you take the test.
Passing the test
There are a few points 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 both the theory and practical exams. In addition, they need to have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution label (called a "conduit accompagnee").
Le code is the initial step. The test consists of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to take the practical exam which is more challenging and requires plenty of practice. The examiner will test your knowledge of road rules and what you should do if you encounter an emergency like someone who is unconscious or seriously injured.
After passing the theory and practice test after which you will receive an official document referred to as a certificate d'examen de permis de conduire. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded on your tablet or phone. This is the document you must to provide to the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" will appear at the bottom of the document.
You must renew your driver's license every 15 years. This is completed by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can either do this online, or in person at the local prefecture. Enter the file number along with your personal number to monitor the status of your driver's licence 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 commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You can also have your license revoked if you have not paid fines or involved in an accident that is serious.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road and that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. You should also be aware that the speed limit for the departmental and national highways is 80 km/h. On local roads, and in cities however the speed limit is 50 km/h.
Getting your license
It can be difficult to get a driver's license in France regardless of whether you've recently passed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. There are certain regulations and license requirements that you need to be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by the police or having an accident due to invalid driving permits. To avoid any hassle the best thing you can do is get an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This little piece of paper translates your license into several languages and is required to carry when driving in foreign countries. They're inexpensive ($20) and simple to obtain at your local AAA office and even car rental companies will accept them.
The majority of expats can swap their licenses to one with a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take a couple of weeks to a few months dependent on how busy the prefecture is. You'll need proof of identity, two recent passport photos as well as a medical certificate. two envelopes with self-addressed addresses.
If you don't have a valid ID or your foreign driving license has expired, you'll have to pass both a theory and practical test before getting an official license. People with disabilities or specific health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the event of the latter, a test will be administered by an expert doctor who will evaluate your capability to drive. The test consists of a theoretical 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 registration for their vehicle at all at all times. French drivers must also carry a policy of insurance for their cars and other vehicles. Contact your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
It might be difficult to get your license in the new country you're moving to however 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 facilitate the process by doing all of the paperwork and scheduling your appointment for you.