French Driving License 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
How to Get a French Driving License If you're an expat it is recommended to take lessons at driving school. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten your wait for the test. The French driving license (permis) is a pink credit-card. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get. Theory test The driving theory test, or the code, is the most important step in the French driving license process. You can prepare for the test by reading the manual and using mobile apps to help learn. The test covers road safety and traffic laws. You may also take a test online for free practice test. The test is conducted digitally at the testing center using tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass. Like in most countries, you can only get the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. However the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to the latest statistics, only 59.2% of men and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on their first attempt, while the passing rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for males and 52.8 percent for women. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues might need to take additional tests. You can either take the test through a driving school that will organize your lessons and exam or as an independent candidate. You need to register for an “NEPH number of prefectoral registration harmonise” on the official website of government agency ANTS. permis de conduire international is required for booking the date for your theory test. Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau offer online preparation courses that include live online practice and live classes. These courses are costly however they can save you time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach cater to English students. However, they are more expensive than a typical French driving school. If you hold an active driving license from a country that is a member of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to swap your license to a French one. The process can be lengthy and requires the official translator. If you don't know French, you can still take the theory test by using the help of a translator. You can take the test for as many times as you'd like, and there is no waiting time between attempts. 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 theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take both exams at 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 be an independent candidate, you need to register for an NEPH number – Numero d'enregistrement Prefectural harmonise – on the website of government agency ANTS. The exam's theory is referred to 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 programs on the internet, or purchase a Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. It's possible to get a pass mark with 20 or more points, in the event that you don't commit eliminatory mistakes (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, failing to respect a stop sign or ignoring 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 will last for 25 minutes of driving, and will last for about two hours. Additionally, you will be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid skills. The test can be taken up to five times in three years. As an external candidate, you may bring a tutor to the exam however, they are not allowed to charge more than the price of a class. If you are enrolled in a driving school you can take an instructor to the practical test. If you fail the test, you can retake it at as many times as you wish over the next five years. It is important to note that the practical and theory tests are both conducted in French and you'll need an excellent level of proficiency in French. It's best to plan ahead and start learning early, even before you move to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers. Therefore, you should aim to achieve a decent level of proficiency before you take it. Passing the test Before taking the test to obtain their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware certain things. They must pass both the theory and practical test before they can drive on French roads. In addition, they must be insured for their vehicle in France and purchase a pollution label (called”conduit accompagnee”) “conduit accompagnee”). The first step is to pass the theory test, also known as le code. The test consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The second step is to take the practical exam, which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The examiner will want you to prove your knowledge of the rules of the road and what to do in an emergency situation for instance, if someone is seriously injured or is unconscious. If you pass the theory and practical tests, you'll receive the document known as the certificate d'examen du permis of driving. This document is valid for 4 months and can be downloaded to your tablet or phone. If you are stopped by police, this is the document you must present to them. The word “favorable” that will be located at the bottom of the documents is where it will be noted. Your driver's license needs to be renewed every 15 years. This can be completed by filling out an administrative form and paying an amount. You must also provide proof of your identity and address. You can either do this online, or in person at your local prefecture. Enter your file number as well as your personal code to track the status of your driver's license online. In addition to the driving rules It is essential to be aware of the French demerit point system. You could lose your driving license if you commit a serious crime or accumulate too many points. You may also get your license suspended if have outstanding fines or involved in a serious accident. It is crucial to understand that France is a country that operates on the right side of the road and traffic that is coming from the left is given priority. It is also important to 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 just passed your French driving test or are an expat driver who is moving to France and needing a licence in France isn't easy. There are specific regulations and licence prerequisites that you should be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by police or having an accident because of insufficient driving documents. In order to avoid any hassle the best thing you can do is get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home. This tiny piece of paper must to be carried while driving in foreign countries. It converts your driver's license into a variety of foreign languages. They are cheap ($20) and can be obtained from your local AAA branch. Even car rental companies accept these. Fortunately for most expats, they are able to exchange their license for a French one if their country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the prefecture's work load. You'll also require two passport photos recently taken along with a medical certificate and two self addressed envelopes. If you do not have a valid driving license or your foreign driving licence is expired, you will have to pass a theory and practical test before you are able to obtain an official license. Those with disabilities or specific health conditions might have to pass additional tests. In the event of the second option, a doctor will conduct a test to determine your driving skills. The test is comprised of a theory test and a practical drive in a parking lot as well as an interview with the examiner. French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all times. They must also have an insurance policy for cars and other motor vehicles. Check with your insurance company to confirm that your policy covers driving in France and is current. Getting your license in the country where you have made your new home might be a daunting task however with a bit of preparation and the assistance of a driving instructor it will be a breeze. Although you don't require an instructor in driving to obtain your French license, they will assist you in handling all the paperwork and scheduling.