Why Nobody Cares About French Driving License
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 do all the paperwork for you and decrease the time you wait for an exam date.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit card. It could take between one week to a few months to receive.
Theory test
The driving theory test, also known as the code, is a key step in the French driving license process. You can prepare by studying an instructional manual and using mobile apps to help learn. The test covers traffic safety and road laws. You can also take a no-cost practice test online. The test is administered digitally at the testing center with tablets. You must answer the questions correctly to pass.
Like many countries as with most countries, the French driver's licence can only be obtained after passing a theoretical and practical test. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics that only 54.4% of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the test on the first time. The rate of passing the practical test was lower, at 58.6 percent of men and 52.8 percent women. People with disabilities or health conditions may have to undergo extra tests.
You can take the theory test with an instructor who will organize your lessons and exam or as an independent candidate. You must register for the number "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise” on the website of the agency for government ANTS. This number is required to make a reservation for the theory test.
Many driving schools like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine live and online classes. These courses can be expensive however they also save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach, cater to English students. However they are more expensive than a standard French driving school.
If you have a valid driving licence from an area that is a member of the European Union, you can exchange it to a French licence if you hold an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you'll need to provide the official translator.
If you don't speak French, you can still take the test using an interpreter. You can take the test in writing as many times as you want, and there is no waiting time between the attempts. The standard theory test costs EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and a practical test to be qualified to drive in France. You can pass both tests via a driving school, which will conduct the tests and lessons for you or you can do it yourself as an external candidate. If you choose to become an independent candidate you will have to apply for an NEPH (Nephro d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise) Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the website of the government 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 regulations. You can find free study guides and practice applications online, or purchase an Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. You can get an A grade with 20 or more points, as long as you don't make any elimination errors (such crossing a solid line or turning left, not observing a stop sign, or not following the rules of priority).
In the practical test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving, and lasts for around two hours total. You will also be required to demonstrate your basic knowledge of first aid. The test can be taken up to five times within three years.
As an outside 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 take an instructor with you to the practical test. If you fail the practical test, you may take it again up to five times.
The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You'll require an excellent level of fluency. Plan ahead and begin learning the language before you move to France. The test is difficult for non-French speakers So you must be fluent when you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to get their French driving license, prospective drivers must be aware of a few important things. They must pass both the theory and practical test before they are able to drive on French roads. Additionally, they must have their vehicle insured in France and purchase a pollution certificate (called a "conduit accompagnee").
The first step is to pass the theory test, also called le code. The exam consists of multiple-choice tests and an oral explanation. The next step is to pass the test in practice which is more difficult and requires a lot of practice. The examiner will test your knowledge of road rules and what to do in the event that you encounter an emergency situation like someone who is unconscious or seriously injured.
Once you have passed the theory and practical tests, you'll receive an official document titled the certificate exam du permis de conduire. The document is valid for four months, and can be downloaded onto your tablet or phone. This is the document you must to show the police if you are stopped. The word "favorable" will be noted at the bottom of the document.
Your driver's licence must be renewed every 15 years. You can complete this process by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can do this online or in person at your local prefecture. You can check the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
licencefrancexpress.com is important to know the French demerit points system, in addition to the driving regulations. You can lose your license after a major offense or accumulating too many points. You can also lose your license if don't pay fines or have been in a serious accident.
It is important to be aware that France operates on the right-hand side of the road, and traffic coming from the left side is given priority. 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
If you've recently completed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France and needing a licence in France can be a bit of a hassle. There are specific regulations and license requirements that you should be aware of in order to avoid being pulled over by the police or having an accident because of insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any hassles, it's best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This tiny piece of paper must to be carried when driving in foreign countries. It converts your driver's permit into several foreign languages. They're inexpensive ($20) and easy to get from your local AAA office and even car rental companies accept these documents.
The majority of expats can swap their licenses to 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 dependent on how busy the prefecture is. You'll also need two passport photos taken recently and a medical certificate, and two self addressed envelopes.
If you don't have a valid identification or your foreign driving license is expired, you'll need take a theoretical and practical exam before obtaining the full license. People with disabilities or specific health issues may need to take additional tests.
In the case of the second scenario, a doctor will conduct an examination to assess your driving ability. The test consists of a formal examination and a test drive on a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all time. They must also have an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance company to confirm that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
Getting your license in the country of your new home might be a daunting task however with a bit of preparation and the help of a driving school, it will be easy. Although you don't require a driving instructor to get your French license, they will simplify the process by managing all the paperwork and scheduling.