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How to Get a French Driving License If you're an expat it is an excellent idea to take lessons at driving school. They will handle all the paperwork for you and reduce your wait time for an exam date. It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months to obtain your French license (permis de conduire) that comes 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 for the test by reading a manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You can also take a no-cost test online. The test is conducted digitally at the testing center, using tablets. You must answer correctly 35 questions to pass. As in many countries, you can get the French driving license after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. 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 try, while the pass rate for the practical test was lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8 percent for women. For those with health issues or disabilities might have to take additional tests. You can either take the theory test with an instructor who will manage your classes and test, or as an independent candidate. You need to register for the number “NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise” on the website of the agency for government ANTS. This number is required for booking the date for your theory test. Many driving schools, including Pass Rousseau, offer online training courses that combine live classes and online practice. These courses are costly however they can save you time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, cater to English people. However they cost more than a traditional French driving school. If you hold an official driving licence from a member state of the European Union and a residence permit, you may exchange your license for a French one. The process is long and you will need to provide the official translator. You can still take the test even if you do not speak French by using a translator. You can take the written test as many times you want without waiting for a time. The cost of a standard test in theory is EUR30. Practical test If you are planning to drive a car in France, you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can either take the theory and the practical tests through a driving school that will arrange your lessons and tests or you can take it on your own. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you will need to register for a NEPH number – Numero Prefectural harmonise number – on the website of government agency ANTS. The theoretical exam 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 regulations. 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 if you score 20 or more points, as long as you don't make eliminatory mistakes (crossing an established line, driving to the left, failing to respect a stop sign or ignoring the rules of priority). During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic and in the vehicle of your choice. The test is composed of 25 minutes driving time and takes about two hours. The examiner will also require you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The test is repeated five times over the course of three years. As an outside candidate, you can bring a tutor along to the exam however, they are not allowed to charge more than the cost of a lesson. If you are taking a driving course, you can take an instructor with you to the test. If you fail the test, you are able to repeat it up to five times. It is important to note that the theory and practical tests are both held in French, so you'll need a good level of fluency in the language. Start learning the language before you move to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers. Therefore, you must aim to attain an acceptable level of proficiency before you take it. Passing the test Before taking the test to earn their French driving licence, new drivers should be aware certain things. They must pass both the theory and the practical exam before they can drive on French roads. Additionally, they must have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called”conduit accompagnee”) “conduit accompagnee”). The code is the first step. The test is comprised of oral and multiple-choice questions. The next step is to pass the practical exam which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The examiner will test your understanding of the rules of the road and what to do if you are faced with an emergency like someone who is unconscious or badly injured. If you pass the theory and practical tests, you will be issued an official document titled the certificate of examination du permit de conduire. The document is valid for four months, and can be downloaded onto your tablet or phone. If you are stopped by police, this is what you'll need to provide them with. The word “favorable” that will be at the bottom of the documents is where it will be noted. Your driver's license needs to be renewed every 15 years. This is completed by filling out an administrative form and paying a fee. You will also need to provide proof of your address and identification. You can do this online, or in person at the local prefecture. Enter your file number and your personal code to track the status of your driver's licence online. It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system, in addition to the driving regulations. You can lose your license after an aggravated offense or having too many points. You may also get your license suspended if have unpaid fines or are involved in a serious accident. It is also essential to be aware 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. Moreover, you should keep in mind that the speed limit on national and departmental roads is 80 km/h. On local roads, and in cities, however the speed limit is 50 km/h. Getting your license It isn't easy to get a driving license in France regardless of whether you've recently completed your French test or are a first-time driver from an expat country. 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 invalid driving documents. To avoid any trouble the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This little piece of paper converts your license into a variety of languages and is required to carry when you travel in foreign countries. These are a bargain ($20) and easily obtained at your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these. The majority of expats can swap their licenses to a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process could take from a few weeks to several months dependent on how busy the prefecture is. You'll need identification proof and two passport photos from recent times, a medical certificate and two self-addressed envelopes. If you don't possess a valid driving permit or your foreign driving licence has expired, you will have to pass a theory and a practical test before you can obtain an official license. Those with disabilities and specific health issues may need to undergo additional tests. In the event of the second option, a doctor will conduct an examination to determine your driving skills. passez votre permis de conduire dès 749€ – 599€ is comprised of a theoretical examination and a drive on a parking lot and an interview with the examiner. French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all times. French drivers must also carry insurance policies for cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers driving in France and is current. The process of getting your license in the country where you have made your new home may seem daunting however with a bit of preparation and the help of a driving school, it is easy. Although you don't necessarily need an instructor in driving to get your French driving license, they can facilitate the process by doing all of the paperwork and scheduling for you.