How to Get a French Driving License

If you are an expat it is recommended to enroll in driving school. They will handle all the paperwork for you and reduce the time you wait for an exam date.

The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit card. It could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to get.

Theory test

The driving theory test, or le code, is a key step in the French licensing process for drivers. You can prepare for the test by reading an instructional manual and using mobile apps to aid you learn. The test is about road safety and traffic laws. You can also take a no-cost online test to practice. The test is conducted digitally with tablets at the test center. You must correctly answer at least 35 of the questions to pass.

Like in most countries, you are able to obtain the French driving licence after passing both the theory and practical tests. However, the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to the latest statistics that only 59.2 percent of men and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on the first try, while the passing rate for the practical test was lower at 58.6% for men and 52.8% for women. For those with medical conditions or disabilities may require additional tests.

You can either take the theory test with a driving school that will arrange your lessons and the test or as an independent candidate. To do Licence France Xpress need to register for the number "NEPH - numero d'enregistrement prefectoral harmonise" on the website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to reserve a theory test date.

Many driving schools such as Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses are expensive however they can help you save time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, cater to English speakers. However they are more expensive than a traditional 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 to an French licence if you possess a residence permit in France. The process is lengthy, and you must provide a translation by an 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 for as many times as you'd like, and there is no waiting period between tests. The cost for the regular theory test is EUR30.

Practical test

If you are planning to drive a vehicle in France, you must pass a theory exam (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can choose to take the theory and practical tests at a driving school that will schedule your lessons and tests or you can take it by yourself. If you opt to be an independent candidate, you will need to register for an NEPH number - Numero d'enregistrement Prefectural harmonise - on the official website of the agency ANTS.

The test, referred to as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answers, covering topics like traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving regulations. You can find study guides and practice programs online, or purchase a 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 as long as you don't make errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not observing a stop sign or ignoring the rules of priority).

In the practical test an examiner will test your ability to drive in normal conditions of traffic and in the car you choose. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving and lasts for around two hours total. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The test can be repeated five times over the course of three years.

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

Be aware that the practical and theory tests are both conducted in French, so you'll need an excellent level of proficiency in French. It is recommended to plan ahead and begin learning the language early even before moving to France. The test is difficult for non-French-speaking people So you must be fluent when you take it.

Passing the test

There are a few things that new drivers need to know before taking the test to obtain their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and practical exam before they can drive on French roads. They also need to be insured on their car and purchase a pollution tag ("conduit accompanye").

Le code is the initial step. The exam consists of multiple-choice tests and an oral explanation. The second step involves taking the practical test, which is a more difficult test that 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 for instance, if someone is seriously injured or is unconscious.

After you have passed the theory and practical tests, you'll receive a document called the certificat of examination du permit de conduire. This document is valid for four months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. If you are questioned by the police, this document is what you will need to provide them with. The word "favorable" is going to be located at the bottom of the document is where it will be noted.

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 via the internet or at the local prefecture office. Enter your file number and your personal code to track the status of your driver's licence online.

It is crucial to understand the French demerit points system in addition to the driving regulations. You could lose your license after the commission of a serious offense or when you 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 important to know that France operates on the right-hand side of the road and that traffic coming from the left is given priority. Also, it is important to remember that the maximum speed limit on departmental and national roads is 80 km/h. On local roads and in cities, however, the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Getting your license

If you've just completed your French driving test or are an expat driving driver moving to France and needing a licence in France can be a bit of a hassle. There are certain regulations and license requirements that you need to be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by police or having an accident because of insufficient driving permits. In order to avoid any hassle the best thing you can do is to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This small piece of paper can translate your license into a variety of languages and is required to be carried with you when driving across the globe. They're cheap ($20) and easy to obtain from your local AAA office, and even car rental companies accept these documents.

For most expats, they can exchange their license for one with a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with France. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks up to several months, depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll need identification proof and two passport photos from recent times along with a medical certificate, and two self-addressed envelopes.

If you don't have a valid identification or your foreign driving permit has expired, you'll have to pass a theory and practical test prior to obtaining the full license. Individuals with disabilities or medical conditions may have to undergo further tests.

In the case of the second option, a doctor will conduct an examination to determine your driving skills. The test includes a theoretical test, a driving test in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.

French drivers must carry their driving license and vehicle registration at all times. They must also have an insurance policy for their cars and other vehicles. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to make sure your policy includes driving in France and is current.


It might be difficult to get your license in your new country but with the assistance of a reliable driving school you can do it. Although you don't necessarily need a driving school to obtain your French driving license, they can assist you in the process by taking care of the paperwork and scheduling for you.