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French Driving License: 10 Things I’d Like To Have Known Earlier
How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good idea to take driving lessons at a school if you are an expat. They will handle all the paperwork and shorten your wait for a 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, also known as le code, is a key step in the French driving license process. The test covers traffic laws and road safety regulations, and you can prepare for it by reading an instruction manual or by using mobile apps designed to help you learn. You can also take a no-cost online practice test. The test is administered digitally at the testing center, using tablets. You must answer 35 questions correctly to pass.
Like most countries in the world, as with most countries, a French driver’s license can be obtained after passing an exam that is both theoretical and practical. However the French driving test is known for being difficult. According to the statistics it was 54.4 percent of males and 59.2% women passed the test on the first time. The pass rate for the practical exam was even lower, at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8% women. People with disabilities or health conditions might need to take additional tests.
You can take the theory test with a driving school that will arrange your classes and test, or as an independent candidate. To do so, you must sign up for an “NEPH – numero d’enregistrement prefectoral harmonise” on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to book the date for your theory test.
Many driving schools, like Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that combine live classes with online practice. These courses can be costly, but can save you time. Some schools, such as Fehrenbach, are specifically geared toward English students, however they can be more expensive than a normal French driving school.
If you have a valid driving license from a member state of the European Union and a residence permit, you are able to exchange your licence to one that is a French one. The process is long and you’ll have to provide a translation from an official translator.
If you don’t speak French, you can still take the theory test by using the help of a translator. You can take the written test as many times you like without waiting for a time. The cost for a regular theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
If you wish to drive a car in France, you must pass a theoretical test (known as le Code) and a practical test. You can take the theory and the practical tests at a driving academy that will arrange your classes and tests, or you can do it on your own. If you decide to be an independent candidate, you must sign up for an NEPH number – Numero Prefectural harmonise number – on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The exam’s theory is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover subjects like traffic laws, road safety rules and driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice programs online, or purchase the Code de la Route book at a bookshop, or online. It is possible to earn a pass mark with 20 points or more, in the event that you don’t commit mistake that could be considered to be a grave error (crossing an unmarked line, driving on the left, failing to respect a stop sign or ignoring the rules of priority).
During the test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive under normal conditions of traffic and in the vehicle of your choice. The test will last for 25 minutes of driving. It will last for about two hours total. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of basic first aid. The practical test can be repeated up to five times in three years.
You can take a tutor along to the test as an external candidate. But, they can’t charge more than a lesson. However, if you are studying at an driving school, they can assign an instructor to accompany you during the practical test. If you fail the practical test, you may repeat it up to five times.
Note that the practical and theory tests are both held in French which means you’ll need to have an excellent level of proficiency in French. It is recommended to plan ahead and begin learning as early as possible prior to moving to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers. Therefore, you should aim to have an acceptable level of proficiency by the time you take it.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to earn their French driving licence, new drivers should be aware a few important things. Before they can drive in France, they must pass the theory and practical tests. In addition, they need to 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 exam that is also called the code. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and an oral explanation. The second part is taking the practical test, which is a more challenging test and requires a lot of practice. The examiner will test your knowledge of road rules and what to do if you encounter an emergency such as someone who is unconscious or seriously injured.
After having passed the theory and practical test after which you will receive an official document referred to as a certificate d’examen de permis de conduire. This document is valid for a period of four months and can be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. This is the document you must to show the police if you are stopped. The word “favorable” that will be located at the bottom of the document and will be highlighted.
Your driver’s license must be renewed every 15 years. This can be done by filling out an administrative form and paying a fee. You must also provide proof of your address and identification. 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.
In addition to driving rules It is also important to be aware of the French demerit point system. You can lose your driving license if you commit a major crime or accumulate too many points. You can also lose your license if you aren’t paying fines or have been involved in a serious accident.
It is important to know that France drives on a right-hand www.Licencefrancexpress.com side of the road, and that traffic that is coming from the left is given priority. You should also be aware that the speed limit for the national and departmental highways is 80 km/h. On local roads, and in cities, however, the speed limit is 50 km/h.
Getting your license
It isn’t easy to get a driver’s license in France, whether you have recently passed your French test or are a new expat driver. There are certain regulations and licensing requirements that you must be aware of to avoid being pulled over by police or having an accident because of insufficient driving licenses. To avoid any trouble the best thing to do is obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave home. This little piece of paper converts your license into several languages, and is a requirement to be carried with you when traveling in foreign countries. They are cheap ($20) and easily obtained from your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
Most expats can exchange their licenses for one that is a French one, if their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take anywhere between a few weeks to several months depending on the prefecture’s workload. 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 ID or your driving licence from another country expires, you’ll have to pass both a theory and practical test before getting an official license. Those with disabilities or specific medical conditions may have to pass additional tests.
In the event of the second scenario, a doctor will conduct an exam to determine your driving skills. The test is comprised of a theory test and a practical drive in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.
All French drivers must keep their driving licence and vehicle registration at all times. Drivers in France must also have an insurance policy for their vehicles and cars. Check with your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers driving in France and is up-to-date.
It can be a challenge to obtain your license in the new country you’re moving to but with the assistance of a reputable driving school you can do it. While you don’t require an instructor to obtain your French license, they can assist you in handling all the paperwork and scheduling.