15 Trends That Are Coming Up About French Driving License
How to Get a French Driving License
If you're an expat, it is a good idea to attend driving schools. They will take care of all paperwork and reduce the time required to pass the test.
The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It can take between several weeks 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 for it by reading a manual or using mobile apps that are designed to assist you in learning. You can also take a free practice test online. The exam is conducted using tablets at the test center. You must answer correctly at least 35 questions in order to pass.
Similar to other countries, you can only get a French driving license after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to statistics it was 54.4% of men and 59.2 percent of women passed the test on the first time. The pass rate for the practical exam was even lower, at 58.6% males and 52.8% women. For those with disabilities or health conditions might require additional tests.
You may take the theory test at a driving academy, which will organise your lessons and test for you, or take it as an independent candidate. You must sign up for the number "NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise" on the official website of government agency ANTS. This number is needed to make a reservation for the theory test.
Many driving schools, including Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses can be expensive however they also help you save time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English students. However, they are more expensive than a traditional 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 for a French licence if you hold an residence permit in France. The process can be lengthy and you'll have to provide a translation from an official translator.
You can still take the test even if you do not speak French by using a translation. You can take the test any number of times you like without waiting for a time. The cost of a standard test in theory 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 take both tests at a driving school which will conduct the tests and lessons for you, or on your own as an external candidate. If you choose to be an independent candidate, you must sign up for a NEPH number - Numero Prefectural harmonise, d'enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The theoretical exam is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can download free apps and study guides online or purchase the Code de la Route in the bookshop. It is possible to earn an "A" grade if you score 20 or more points, 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).
During the test an examiner will test your ability to drive in normal conditions of traffic and in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving time and will last for approximately two hours. The examiner will also ask you to show your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test can be repeated five times within three years.
You can bring a tutor accompanying you to the test as an external candidate. But, they can't charge more than a lesson. If you're studying at an accredited driving school, they may send an instructor to accompany you during the practical test. If you fail the practical test, you are able to retake it up to five times.
The tests for practical and theoretical are both in French. You'll require a high level of fluency. Begin to plan ahead and start learning permis b1 before you move to France. The test can be challenging for non-French speakers. Therefore, you should aim to achieve an acceptable level of proficiency by the time you take the test.
Passing the test
There are a few things that new drivers should know before taking the test to obtain their French driving license. They must pass both the theory and practical test before they can drive on French roads. In addition, they must have their car insured in France and purchase a pollution sticker (called"conduit accompagnee") "conduit accompagnee").
The first step is to take the theory test that is also known as the code. The test consists of multiple-choice and oral explanation questions. The next step is to pass the practical exam, which is more difficult and requires plenty of practice. The test taker will require you to show your understanding of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency for instance, if someone is seriously injured or unconscious.
After passing the theory and practical test after which you will receive a document called a certificat exam de permis de conduire. This document is valid for 4 months and can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. If you are stopped by the police, this is the document you will need to present to them. The word "favorable" will be noted at the bottom of the document.
You have to renew your driver's license every 15 years. You can complete this process by filling out an administrative form and paying the fee. You will also need to provide proof of your address and identification. You can do this via the internet or at your local prefecture office. You can monitor the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code.
In addition to the driving rules, it is important to be aware of the French demerit point system. You could lose your license after a major offense or accumulating too many points. You can also lose your license if you do not pay fines or been 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 that comes from the right. Additionally, you must be aware that the maximum speed limit on national and departmental 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 difficult to obtain a driving licence in France, whether you have recently passed your French test or are a new expat driver. You need to know the rules and requirements to get an IDP to avoid being stopped by the police or getting into an accident due to invalid driving licenses. In order to avoid any hassle the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. This small piece of paper has to be carried while traveling abroad. It translates your driver's license into a variety of foreign languages. They are cheap ($20) and easily obtained at your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
Fortunately for most expats, they can exchange their license to one that is a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the amount of activity in the prefecture. You'll also need two passport photographs taken recently and a medical certificate, and two self addressed envelopes.
If you do not have a valid driver's license or your foreign driving license has expired, then you will have to pass a theory and an actual test before you can get an official license. Those with disabilities and specific health conditions may have to undergo additional tests.
If you are the latter, a test will be administered by an expert doctor who will evaluate your ability to drive. The test consists of a theory test and a test drive on a parking lot, as well as an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers are required to have their driving license and vehicle registration with them at all time. French drivers also need to carry a policy of insurance for their cars and other vehicles. Check with your insurance company to ensure that your policy covers driving in France and is current.
Getting your license in the country where you have made your new home may seem daunting, but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving school, it is easy. Although you don't require an instructor to obtain your French license, they can assist you in taking care of all the paperwork and scheduling.
