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How to Get a French Driving License

It is a good idea to learn driving at a school if you are an expat. They will take care of all the paperwork and cut down your wait for the test.

The French driving license (permis b1) is a pink credit-card. It could take between several weeks to several months to get.

Theory test

The driving theory test, or le code, is the most important step in the French licensing process for drivers. You can prepare for the test by reading a manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a no-cost practice test online. The test is administered digitally in the testing center, using tablets. You must answer the questions correctly to pass.

As with most countries in the world, the French driver's license can only be obtained after passing an exam that is both theoretical and practical. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics from the last few years, only 59.2 percent of men and 54.4 percent of women passed their theory test on the first attempt. The success rate for the practical test was lower at 58.6 percent for males and 52.8 percent for women. For those who suffer from disabilities or health issues might have to take additional tests.

You can choose to take the test in conjunction with an instructor who will organize your lessons and the test, or as an independent candidate. To do this you must sign up for the number "NEPH number of registration prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a date for the test.

Many driving schools like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses can be costly however they can help you save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach, cater to English people. However they are more expensive than a typical French driving school.

If you hold a valid driving licence from a country that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it for a French licence if you possess a residence permit in France. The process is lengthy, and you must provide an official translator.

You can still take the test if you do not speak French by using a translation. You can take the test as many times you like and without a waiting time. The cost of a standard theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and an exam in the practical area to be able to drive in France. You can pass the theory and practical tests at a driving academy which will organize your tests and lessons, or you can do it by yourself. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you will need to sign up for an NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise, d'enregistrement on the official website of the agency ANTS.

The theoretical exam is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice tests that cover topics such as traffic laws regulations, road safety and driving regulations. You can download free applications and study guides online, or purchase a Code de la Route in a bookshop. It is possible to earn an "A" grade if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't make eliminatory mistakes (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not obeying a stop sign or ignoring priority rules).

In the practical test an examiner will test your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic and in the vehicle of your choice. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving and lasts for around two hours. You will also be required to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The test is repeated five times over the course of three years.

As an external candidate you can bring a tutor to the test however, they are not allowed to charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you are taking a driving course, you can bring an instructor with you to the practical test. If you fail the test, you can take it again as many times as you would like in the next five years.

Be aware that the theory and the practice tests are both held in French which means you'll need to have a good level of fluency in the French language. Start learning the language before you move to France. The test may be difficult for non-French speakers. Therefore, you should aim to achieve a decent level of proficiency by the time you take the test.

Passing the test

Before taking the test to get their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware some important points. Before they can drive in France they must pass the theory and practical tests. In addition, they must be insured for their vehicle in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called"conduit accompagnee") "conduit accompagnee").

The first step is taking the theory test, which is called le code. The exam is comprised of multiple-choice tests and an oral explanation. The second part is taking the practical test, which is a harder test and requires a lot of practice. The examiner will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do if you are faced with an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or seriously injured.

Once you have passed the practical and theory tests, you will receive the document known as the certificate of examination du permit of driving. The document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. This is the document you must to show the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" will be indicated at the bottom of the document.

You must renew your driver's license every 15 years. You can do this by filling in an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also show proof of your address and identity. You can either do this online, or in person at the local prefecture. 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 could lose your license following the commission of a serious offense or when you accumulate too many points. You could also have your license suspended if have outstanding fines or involved in an accident that is serious.

It is also important to be aware that France drives on the right side of the road and that priority is given to traffic coming from the right. It is also important to be aware that the speed limit for national and departmental highways is 80 km/h. On local roads and in the cities, however, the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Getting your license

Whether you've just passed your French driving test or are an expat driver moving to France getting a license in France isn't easy. There are certain regulations and license requirements that you must be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by the police or causing an accident due to insufficient driving permits. To avoid any trouble, the best thing to do is get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home. This tiny piece of paper translates your license into several languages and is a requirement to be carried with you when you travel in foreign countries. They're cheap ($20) and simple to obtain from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies will accept these documents.

Fortunately for the majority of expats, they are able to exchange their license for one with a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process could take from a couple of weeks to a few months dependent on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You'll also require two passport photographs taken recently, a medical certification, and two envelopes that are self-addressed.

If you don't possess a valid driving permit or your foreign driving licence is expired, then you'll need to pass a theory and a practical test before you can obtain an official license. People with disabilities or specific health issues may be required to undergo additional tests.

In the event of the second scenario, the doctor will conduct an exam to assess your driving ability. The test consists of a formal examination and a drive in a parking area, 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. Drivers in France must also have insurance policies for cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance company to make sure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.

The process of getting your license in the country of your new home might be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and the help of a driving school it is easy. While you don't require a driving instructor to get your French license, they can assist you in taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.