How to Get a French Driving License

It is a great idea to take driving lessons at a driving school if you are an ex-pat. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten the time required to pass the test.

The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit card. It could take anywhere from one week to a few months to receive.

Theory test

The driving theory test, or le code, is a key step in the French licensing process for drivers. The test covers traffic laws and road safety regulations, and you can prepare by studying the manual or using mobile apps designed to help you master. You can also take a free test online. The test is conducted using tablets at the test center, and you must correctly answer at least 35 questions in order to pass.

As with most countries, the French driver's license can only be obtained after passing both the practical and theoretical test. However, the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to statistics from the last few years that only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on their first attempt. The pass rate for the practical test was lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8 percent for women. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues may have to undergo extra tests.

You can take the theory test at a driving school which will arrange your lessons and the test for you, or you could do it as an independent candidate. You must register for an "NEPH number for prefectoral record harmonise” on the website of the agency for government ANTS. This number is required to book a theory test date.

Acheter le permis de conduire français B en ligne driving schools such as Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that combine live and online classes. These courses can be costly, but they can also reduce time. Some schools, like Fehrenbach are designed specifically towards English speakers, but they may cost more than a normal French driving school.


If you hold an official driving license from one of the countries that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it to an French licence if you hold an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and requires the official translator.

You can still take the test if you don't speak French by using a translation. You can take the test any number of times you want without waiting for a time. The cost of a standard test in theory is EUR30.

Practical test

You must pass both a theoretical test (known as le Code), and an exam in the practical area to be qualified to drive in France. You can take both tests through a driving school which will organise the tests and lessons for you or you can take them on your own as an external candidate. If you choose to be an independent candidate you will be required to sign up for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural Harmonisation - d'enregistrement on the website of the government agency ANTS.

The theoretical exam is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as traffic laws and road safety rules, as well as driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice applications on the internet, or purchase a Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. It is possible to achieve a pass mark with 20 or more points as long as you don't make errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, failing to respect the stop sign, or not following priority rules).

During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions in the car of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving. It will last for about two hours in total. You will also be required to demonstrate your basic knowledge of first aid. The practical test can be repeated five times over three years.

As an external candidate, you may bring a tutor along to the test, but they cannot charge more than the cost of a session. However, if you are studying at an accredited driving school, they may assign an instructor to accompany you on the practical exam. If you fail the practical test, you are able to repeat it up to five times.

The practical and theoretical tests are both in French. You'll need a high level of fluency. Plan ahead and begin learning the language before you move to France. The test is challenging for non-French speaking people, so you should be fluent by the time you sit it.

Passing the test

There are a few points that new drivers should be aware of prior to taking the test to obtain their French driving license. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical tests. They also must have their car insured and obtain a pollution certificate ("conduit accompanye").

Le code is the first step. The test is comprised of oral and multiple-choice questions. The next step is to take the practical test which is more challenging and requires a lot of practice. The test will test your knowledge of road rules and what to do in the event that you encounter an emergency situation such as someone who is unconscious or severely injured.

Once you have passed the practical and theory tests, you will be issued the document known as the certificate of examination du permit to drive. The document is valid for four months, and it can be downloaded to your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by police, this is the document you'll need to present to them. The word "favorable" will appear at the bottom of the document.

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 must also provide proof of your address and identity. You can do this online or at the local prefecture office. You can check 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 can lose your driving license if commit a serious crime or accumulate too many points. You can also have your license suspended if you have unpaid fines or are involved in a serious accident.

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. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the speed allowed on both departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. However the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on local roads and in cities.

Getting your license

It can be a challenge to get a driving license in France regardless of whether you've just passed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. There are specific regulations and licensing requirements that you need to be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by the police or causing an accident because of insufficient driving permits. To avoid any hassle the best thing you can do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home. This tiny piece of paper converts your license into multiple languages, and is a requirement to be carried with you when you travel across the globe. They're inexpensive ($20) and easy to get from your local AAA office and even car rental companies accept these documents.

Fortunately for most expats, they are able to exchange their license for one that is a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, dependent on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You'll need proof of identity, two recent passport photos, a medical certificate and two envelopes addressed to yourself.

If you don't have a valid ID or your foreign driving permit is expired, you'll need to pass a theory and practical test prior to obtaining a full licence. Those with disabilities or specific health conditions might have to undergo further tests.

In the case of the second scenario, the doctor will conduct an examination to evaluate your driving abilities. The test consists of a formal examination and a test drive 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 times. French drivers also need to carry an insurance policy for cars and other vehicles. Contact your insurance company to make sure that your policy covers driving in France and is up-to-date.

The process of getting your license in the country you've chosen to call home may seem daunting however with a bit of preparation and the help of a driving instructor it is easy. While you don't need a driving instructor to get your French license, they can make the process easier by taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.