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10 Wrong Answers To Common French Driving License Questions Do You Know The Right Ones?
How to Get a French Driving License
It is a good idea to take driving lessons at a driving school if you are an ex-pat. They will take care of all the paperwork and shorten your wait for the test.
It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks or even months to obtain your French license (permis de conduire) It comes in the form of a pink credit card.
Theory test
The driving theory test (le code) is an essential step in the French license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety regulations, and you can prepare for it by studying the manual or using mobile apps that are designed to help you learn. You can also take a free test online. The exam is conducted digitally with tablets at the test center. You must correctly answer at least 35 of the questions to pass.
As in many countries, you can obtain a French driving licence after passing both the theoretical and practical tests. However the French driving test is known to be difficult. According to statistics that only 54.4 percent of males and 59.2 percent of women passed the test on the first time. The pass rate for the practical test was lower, at 58.6% males and 52.8 percent women. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues may have to undergo extra tests.
You may take the theory test at a driving school which will arrange your lessons and test for you, or take it as an individual candidate. You must register for the number “NEPH – numéro d’enregistrement préfectoral harmonise” on the website of the agency for government ANTS. This number is required to make a reservation for the test.
Many driving schools like 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, like Fehrenbach are designed specifically toward English students, however they may cost more than a typical French driving school.
If you hold a valid driving licence from a country that is part of the European Union, you can exchange it to an French Licence France Xpress if you have an residence permit in France. The process is long and you’ll need to provide a translation from an official translator.
If you don’t speak French, you can still take the theory test by using an interpreter. You can also take the written test for as many times as you want, and there is no waiting time between tests. The cost for a regular theory test is EUR30.
Practical test
You must pass both a theory test (known as le Code), and an exam in the practical area to be qualified to drive in France. You can pass both tests through a driving school which will organise the tests and lessons for you or on your own as an external candidate. If you decide to be an independent candidate you will be required to sign up for a NEPH number – Numero Prefectural Harmonisation – d’enregistrement on the official website of the government agency ANTS.
The exam’s theoretical component is referred to as le Code and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as traffic laws and road safety rules, as well as driving regulations. You can download free applications and study guides online, or purchase a Code de la Route in the bookshop. You can receive an A+ grade if you score at least 20 points, provided that you don’t commit any elimination mistakes (such crossing an unmarked line or driving to the left, not observing the stop sign, or disregarding priority rules).
In the practical test an examiner will test your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions and in the vehicle of your choice. The test consists of 25 minutes of driving and will last for approximately two hours. You will also be asked to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The test is taken five times over three years.
You can take a tutor accompanying you to the test as an outside candidate. But, they can’t charge more than a lesson. If you are enrolled in a driving school you are able to bring an instructor with you to the practical test. If you fail the test, you may repeat it in as many times as want over the next five years.
The theoretical and practical tests are both in French. You’ll require a high level of fluency. It is recommended to plan ahead and start learning the language early even before moving to France. The test can be challenging for non-French speakers. You must aim to attain a decent level of proficiency before you take the test.
Passing the test
Before taking the test to obtain their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware some important points. Before they can drive in France they must pass both the theory and practical tests. They also must have their car insured and purchase a pollution sticker (“conduit accompagnée”).
Le code is the initial step. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and an oral explanation. The next step is to take the practical exam, which is more difficult and requires lots of practice. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of the rules of the road and what you should do in an emergency like when someone is seriously injured or unconscious.
If you pass the theory and practical tests, you will receive the document known as the certificate exam du permis of driving. This document is valid for four months, and it can be downloaded on your phone or tablet. If you are stopped by police, this is the document you will need to show them. The word “favorable” will be noted at the bottom of the document.
Your driver’s license 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 on 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.
It is crucial to understand the French demerit points system in addition to the driving rules. You could lose your license following the commission of a serious offense or when you accumulate too many points. You could also lose your license if you do not pay fines or been in a serious accident.
It is also crucial to be aware that France operates on the right side of the road and priority is given to traffic that comes from the right. Also, you should 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 can be difficult to get a driving license in France no matter if you’ve just completed your French test or are an expat driver for the first time. There are certain rules and licensing requirements that you should be aware of in order to avoid being stopped by the police or having an accident due to insufficient driving documents. To avoid any hassles, it is recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper translates your license into multiple languages, and is a requirement to carry when traveling abroad. They are cheap ($20) and can be obtained from your local AAA branch. Car rental companies too accept these.
Many expats are able to change their licenses to one with a French one, provided that their country of origin has reciprocal agreements with France. The process can take from a few weeks to several months depending on the prefecture’s work load. You’ll need proof of identity and two passport photos from recent times as well as a medical certificate. two self-addressed envelopes.
If you don’t have a valid ID or your driving licence from another country is expired, you’ll need to pass both a theory and practical test prior to obtaining the full license. Individuals with disabilities or other health conditions may have to take additional tests.
In the case of the latter scenario, a test will be conducted by an experienced doctor who will test your ability to drive. The test will consist of a theory exam, a practice driving test in a parking area and an interview with the examiner.
French drivers must have their driver’s license and vehicle registration at all at all times. Drivers in France must also have insurance policies for their vehicles and cars. It is advisable to speak with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy includes driving in France and is current.
It can be a challenge to obtain a license in the new country you’re moving to but with the assistance of a reliable driving school, you can do it. While you don’t need an instructor in driving to obtain your French license, they can simplify the process by handling all the paperwork and scheduling.