Undeniable Proof That You Need French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good choice to learn driving at a school if you are an ex-pat. They will handle all paperwork and reduce your wait for an exam.
It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few 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 a crucial step in the French license process. You can prepare by studying an instructional manual and using mobile apps to help you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You may also take a test online for free practice test. The exam is conducted digitally with tablets at the test center. You must correctly answer at least 35 questions to pass.
Like in most countries, you can only get a French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. However the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to statistics it was 54.4 percent of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the test on the first time. The pass rate for the practical test was lower, at 58.6 percent of men and 52.8 percent women. Those with disabilities or health conditions may have to undergo extra tests.
You may take the theory test at a driving school which will arrange your lessons and test for you, or you could take it as an independent candidate. To do this you need to register for the number "NEPH - numero d'enregistrement prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the federal agency ANTS. This number is required for booking an appointment for a test in theory.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine live and online classes. These courses can be costly however they also help you save time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach are designed specifically toward English speakers, but they can be more expensive than a standard French driving school.
If you possess an official driving license from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it for a French licence if you possess an residence permit in France. The process is lengthy and you will need to provide an official translation from a translator.
You can still take the test even if you don't speak French with a translation. You can take the test in writing as many times as you'd like, and there is no waiting time between tests. The regular theory test costs EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be legally able to drive in France. You can either pass the theory and practical tests at a driving school that will arrange your lessons and tests, or you can do it by yourself. If you opt to be an independent candidate, you will need to register for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise number - on the official website of the agency ANTS.
The exam's theoretical component is known as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, covering issues like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving rules. There are free study guides and practice programs online, or buy the Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. It is possible to achieve a pass mark with 20 or more points, in the event that you don't commit mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an established line, driving to the left, failing to respect the stop sign or the rules of priority).
During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the vehicle of your choice. The test is composed of 25 minutes of driving time and will last for approximately two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The practical test can be repeated five times over three years.
As an external candidate, you are able to bring a tutor to the test however, they are not allowed to charge more than the price of a class. If you're studying at an accredited driving school, they can send an instructor to accompany you during the test. If you fail the practical test, you can repeat it up to five times.
It is important to note 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. Plan ahead and begin learning the language before you move to France. The test can be challenging for non-French speakers, and you should aim to have an acceptable level of proficiency by the time you take it.
Passing the test
There are some things that new drivers should know before taking the test to obtain their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and the practical exam before they can drive on French roads. Additionally, they must have their vehicle insured in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
Le code is the first step. The exam is made up of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The second step is to take the test in practice which is more difficult and requires a lot of practice. The examiner will test your understanding of road rules and what to do in the event that you encounter an emergency like someone who is unconscious or badly injured.
After passing the theory and practical test after which you will receive the certificate exam de permis de conduire. This document is valid for four months, and can be downloaded onto your phone or tablet. This is what you will need to provide to the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" that will be at the bottom of the documents is where it will be noted.
You have to renew your driver's licence every 15 years. This is done by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your address and identification. You can do this on the internet or at the local prefecture office. Enter your file number as well as your personal number to monitor the status of your driver's licence online.
In addition to driving rules It is essential to be aware of the French demerit point system. You can 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 a serious accident.
It is crucial to understand that France is a country that operates on the right side of the road, and that traffic coming from the left is given priority. It is also important to 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 for local roads and in cities.
Getting your license
It can be a challenge to get a driving license in France no matter if you've recently completed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. There are certain rules and license requirements that you must be aware of to avoid being stopped by the police or causing an accident due to invalid driving documents. In order to avoid any hassle the best thing to do is to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) prior to your trip. This small piece of paper is required to be carried when driving abroad. It can translate your driver's license into multiple foreign languages. They're cheap ($20) and easy to get 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 their country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with France. The process can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll also require two passport photos taken recently along with a medical certificate and two envelopes that are self-addressed.
If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your driving license from another country is expired, then you will have to pass a theory and practical test before you can obtain a full license. Those with disabilities and specific health issues may need to pass additional tests.
In the case of the second, a doctor will conduct an exam to evaluate your driving abilities. licencefrancexpress.com will consist of a theory test and a drive in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to keep their driving licence and vehicle registration with them at all times. French drivers must also carry an insurance policy for their vehicles and cars. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to make sure your policy includes driving in France and is up to date.
It may seem difficult to get your license in the new country you're moving to however with the assistance of a reliable driving school, you can accomplish it. While you don't have to attend a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can help you with the process by doing all of the paperwork and scheduling for you.