The Top Reasons For French Driving License's Biggest "Myths" Concerning French Driving License Might Be True
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 the paperwork for you and cut down on the time you wait for a test date.
It can take a couple of weeks or even months to get your French license ( permis d e 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 for the test by reading an instructional manual and using mobile apps to help you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a no-cost test online. The test is conducted digitally with tablets in the test center, and you must answer correctly at least 35 questions in order to pass.
Similar to other countries, you can only obtain a French driving licence after passing both the theory and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to the statistics it was 54.4 percent of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the theory test for the first time. The pass rate for the practical exam was even lower, with 58.6 percent of men and 52.8 percent women. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues may have to undergo extra tests.
You may take the theory test at a driving school who will manage your lessons and the test for you, or you can do it as an independent candidate. You must register for the number "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise" on the website of government agency ANTS. This number is required for booking the date for your theory test.
Many driving schools like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine live and online classes. These courses are costly, but could save you time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach cater to English people. However, they are more expensive than a traditional French driving school.
If you possess valid driving licenses from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it for one of the French licence if you hold an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you'll have to provide an official translation from a translator.
You can still take the test if you do not speak French with a translation. You can take the written test for as many times as you want and there is no waiting time between the attempts. 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 either take the theory and the practical tests through a driving school which will organize your classes and tests and you can also do it by yourself. If you choose to become an independent candidate, you will need to register for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The exam's theory is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover issues like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can download free apps and study guides online or purchase a Code de la Route in bookstores. It is possible to earn an "A" grade if you score 20 points or more, provided you don't make any mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not observing a stop sign or ignoring the priority rules).
In the practical test, a judge will evaluate your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the vehicle you choose. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving time and takes about two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The practical test may be repeated up to five times in three years.
As an external candidate, you can bring a tutor to the exam, but they cannot charge more than the price of a lesson. If you are taking a driving course, you can bring an instructor along to the practical test. If you fail the practical test, you are able to repeat it up to five times.
It is important to note that the practical and theory tests are conducted in French which means you'll need to have an adequate level of proficiency in the French language. Plan ahead and begin studying the language before you move to France. The test is difficult for non-French speaking people Therefore, you should be fluent by the time you sit it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to obtain their French driving license, prospective drivers must be aware of a few important things. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical exams. Additionally, they must have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution label (called a "conduit accompagnee").
Le code is the first step. The exam is comprised of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The next step is to take the practical test which is a harder test and requires a lot of practice. The examiner will ask you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and also what to do in an emergency situation like when someone is seriously injured or is unconscious.
Once you have passed the practical and theory tests, you'll receive an official document titled the certificate d'examen du permis of driving. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. If you are stopped by the police, this is what you must present to them. The word "favorable" that will be located at the bottom of the document and will be highlighted.
Your driver's license must be renewed every 15 years. This can be done by filling out an administrative form and paying a fee. You will also need to provide proof of your address and identity. You can do this online, or in person at your local prefecture. Enter your file number and your personal number to monitor the status of your driver's licence online.
In addition to the driving rules It is also important to be aware of the French demerit points system. You could lose your driving license if commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You could also have your license revoked if you have outstanding fines or involved in an accident that is serious.
It is also crucial to be aware that France is a country that drives on the right side of the road, and that priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Also, you should 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 obtain a driving licence in France regardless of whether you've just passed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. There are certain rules and licence prerequisites that you should be aware of to avoid being pulled over by the police or having an accident due to invalid driving permits. To avoid any hassles, it is recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper is required to be carried on your person when traveling abroad. It translates your driver's permit into several foreign languages. They are cheap ($20) and are easily obtainable from your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these.
The majority of expats can exchange their licenses for one that is a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take a couple of weeks to a few months depending on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You'll need identification document with two recent passport photographs, a medical certificate and two envelopes with self-addressed addresses.
If you do not possess a valid driving permit or your driving license from another country is expired, then you'll need to pass a theory and an actual test before you can obtain an official license. Individuals with disabilities or other health issues may be required to take additional tests.
In the case of the latter scenario, a test will be administered by an experienced doctor who will test your capability to drive. The test consists of a theoretical exam, a practical driving test in a parking lot and an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to have their driving license and vehicle registration with them at all time. They also must carry an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. It is advisable to speak with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is up to date.
It can be a challenge to obtain 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 require an instructor to obtain your French license, they will simplify the process by taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.