14 Smart Ways To Spend Your Left-Over French Driving License Budget

How to Get a French Driving License It is a good idea to learn driving at a driving school if you are an ex-pat. They will take care of all the paperwork for you and cut down on your wait time for an exam date. It can take a couple of weeks to a few months to get your French license (permis de conduire), which is in the form of a pink credit card. Theory test The driving theory test, or le code, is a key step in the French driving license process. The test focuses on traffic laws and road safety rules, and you can prepare for it by reading an instruction manual or by using mobile apps designed to assist you in learning. You can also take a free practice test online. The test is conducted digitally using tablets at the test center, and you must be able to answer at least 35 questions to pass. As in many countries, you can only obtain the French driving license after passing both the theory and practical tests. The French driving test is notoriously difficult. According to recent statistics that only 59.2 percent of males and 54.4% of women passed their theory test on the first try, while the success rate for the practical test was even lower at 58.6 percent for men and 52.8 percent for women. People who suffer from disabilities or health issues may have to undergo extra tests. You can take the test at a driving school, which will arrange your lessons and the test for you, or do it as an independent candidate. You need to register for an “NEPH – numéro d'enregistrement préfectoral harmonise” on the official website of the government agency ANTS. This number is required to make a reservation for the theory test. Many driving schools, including Pass Rousseau, offer online preparation courses that mix live classes and online practice. These courses can be costly however they could save you time. Certain schools, like Fehrenbach cater to English speakers. However they are more expensive than a typical French driving school. If continue reading this 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 a French one. The process can be lengthy and you will need to provide 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 as many times you want and without a waiting time. The cost for the regular theory test is EUR30. Practical test If you want to drive a car 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 organise the tests and lessons for you, or on your own as an external candidate. If you choose to become an independent candidate, you'll have to apply for an NEPH (Nephro d'enregistrement prefectural harmonise) Numero Prefectural harmonised Record – on the official website of the government agency ANTS. The test, referred to as le Code, consists of 40 questions with multiple-choice answer, covering topics like traffic laws, road safety regulations and driving regulations. You can find free study guides and practice applications on the internet, or purchase the Code de la Route book at a bookshop or on the internet. It is possible to achieve an “A” grade if you score 20 or more points provided you don't make any errors that are deemed to be fatal (crossing an unmarked line, driving to the left, not obeying a stop sign or ignoring the priority rules). In the practical test, an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive in normal conditions of traffic in the vehicle you choose. The test is composed of 25 minutes of driving and will last for approximately two hours. You will also be required to demonstrate your basic first aid knowledge. The test can be taken five times over three years. As an external candidate you can bring a tutor to the exam however, they are not allowed to charge more than the cost of a lesson. However, if you're studying at a driving school, they are able to provide an instructor to accompany you on the practical test. If you fail the test, you can retake it in as many times as wish over the next five years. It is important to note that the theory and the practice tests are both held in French which means you'll need to have an adequate level of proficiency in the language. Begin to plan ahead and start learning the language before you move to France. The test can be difficult for non-French speakers. You must aim to attain a reasonable level of fluency at the time you take the test. Passing the test Before taking the test to earn their French driving license, prospective drivers should be aware of some important points. 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 accompagnée”). Le code is the first step. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as an oral explanation. The second part is taking the practical test which is a more difficult exam and requires lots of practice. The test will test your knowledge of road rules and what to do if you encounter an emergency situation such as someone who is unconscious or badly injured. After passing the theory and practical test after which you will receive the certificate exam de permis de conduire. The document is valid for 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” will be noted at the end of the document. 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 show proof of your address and identification. You can do this online or in person at the local prefecture. You can track the status of your license online by entering your file number and personal code. In addition to driving rules It is essential to be aware of the French demerit points system. You can lose your license after the commission of a serious offense or when you accumulate too many points. You could also have your license suspended if you have not paid fines or involved in an accident that is serious. It is crucial to understand that France drives on a right-hand side of the road, and that traffic coming from the left is given priority. You should also be aware that the speed limit on the national and departmental highways is 80 km/h. On local roads and in the cities however the speed limit is 50 km/h. Getting your license Whether you've just passed your French driving test or are an expat driving driver moving to France, getting a license in the country can be quite a challenge. There are certain rules and licensing requirements that you need to be aware of to avoid being pulled over by police or having an accident due to invalid driving licenses. To avoid any hassles, it's best to get an International Driving Permit in advance. This small piece of paper has to be carried on your person when traveling abroad. It converts your driver's license into a variety of foreign languages. They're inexpensive ($20) and simple to obtain at your local AAA office and even car rental companies will accept these documents. Fortunately for most expats, they can exchange their license to one with a French one if the country of origin has a reciprocal arrangement with France. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks up to a few months, based on the prefecture's workload. You'll also need two passport photos taken recently and a medical certificate, and two envelopes addressed to yourself. If you don't have a valid driving license or your foreign driving licence has expired, then you will have to pass a theory and an actual test before you are able to obtain a full license. Individuals with disabilities or health conditions might have to undergo further tests. In the case of the second option, doctors will conduct an examination to evaluate your driving abilities. The test consists of a theoretical exam, a practical driving test in a parking lot and a conversation with the examiner. French drivers must have their driver's license and vehicle registration at all at all times. French drivers must also carry an insurance policy for their vehicles and cars. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to confirm that your policy includes driving in France and is up to date. The process of getting your license in the country of your new home might be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and the assistance of a driving school it will be easy. Although you don't require an instructor in driving to obtain your French license, they can assist you in managing all the paperwork and scheduling.